09.29.09
the scent of light
Why Carry?
Hafiz,
Why carry a
whole load of books
Upon your back
Climbing this mountain,
When tonight,
Just a few thoughts of God
Will light the holy fire.
A rendering of a Hafiz poem by Daniel Ladinsky
Beautiful poems like this one are recited in a CD with refreshing North Indian Classical Music in the background. The CD is called “Hafiz: The Scent of Light“.
09.11.09
Band-e-Amir – first national park in Afghanistan
BAND-E-AMIR, AFGHANISTAN - SEPTEMBER 6: A sign marks the entrance to Band-E-Amir National Park September 6, 2009 in Band-E-Amir, Afghanistan. Located in the province of the Bamiyan Buddhas, in central Afghanistan, the park was declared Afghanistan's first National Park on April 22, 2009. Its designation as a National Park will allow Afghanistan to apply for international recognition of Band-e-Amir as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Band-e-Amir has been a destination for Afghan tourists since at least the early 1950's, but tourism significantly declined during the 20 years of wars and Taliban rule. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
08.25.09
Life Is a Divine Gift
Today before you say an unkind word – Think of someone who can’t speak.
Before you complain about the taste of your food – Think of someone who has nothing to eat.
Before you complain about your husband or wife – Think of someone who’s crying out to GOD for a companion.
Today before you complain about life – Think of someone who died too early on this earth.
Before you complain about your children – Think of someone whodesires children but they’re barren.
Before you argue about your dirty house someone didn’t clean or sweep – Think of the people who are living in the streets.
Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.
And when you are tired and complain about your job – Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job.
But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another – Remember that not one of us is without sin.
And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down – Put a smile on your face and think: you’re alive and still around.
08.18.09
judgments
Making judgments about others is a huge obstacle in our spiritual paths. One of the subtle ones that our egos creep into out thoughts is “my spiritual path is better than someone else’s”.
Everyone is on a path to their source, to their home. They may or may not know it. The path they are on is the only path that works for them. Intellectually we might think our path is the best because of knowledge we have gathered from others but it only takes a sudden turn (a shower of grace) for someone to transform. Everyone’s path is unique, they have to go through what they are going through to be where they need to be next. Let’s respect and see the divinity in everyone’s path even though we may not understand it.
