You are currently browsing the monthly archive for February 2007.
Having written about the good reasons why one chooses to live in a democratic country I was reminded of Socrates dire prediction that democracies eventually fall due to giving equal voice and votes to the non- integruos and ignorant segment of the population.
Historians point out that the average duration of a democracy is thus only a 200 – 300 year duration before the self-centered voters deplete the country. The weakness of democracy is why Socrates recommended the oligarchic form of government (rule by a few). It pays to remember that in a free society, the non- integruos make a lot of noise and are convincing and unfortunately the media magnify their influence.
Great artists and musicians dedicate their lives to the creation and to the embodiment of beauty . Beauty incorportes and expresses a great power which has the capacity to change the world.
The great champion Muhammad Ali was once asked what in life he considered real. The champion replied, “I would have to say that for me, the only thing that is real is the spiritual. Only god and love are real. Pain, sickness, old age, even death, cannot master me because they are not real to me. Fame, wealth, and material things are empty and meaningless without a developed spirituality. We give them value and importance in our lives. But we must be careful not to value them too much at the expense of what really matters in life. Honesty, integrity, kindness and friendship are the true treasures we should be seeking”.
When are bodies are at work, We are servants
When our minds are at work, We are masters
But when Divine will is at work, We are leaders
“If the only prayer you ever said was “Thank you” it would be enough. Meister Eckhart
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
~ Rumi ~
(The Essential Rumi, versions by Coleman Barks)
An artist brought up in the true tradition of “ Spirituality” sees his art as simply an inseparable form of divine worship. For such an artist it is the best and easist way to be in touch with the heart of God. His devotion to God flows out of him in the form of an artistic expression. The flourishing of his art is simply to the extent he his devoted to God.
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