Saturday, October 28, 2006

Beauty



Ramadan may be over, but it doesn't feel that way to me. In fact, it doesn't have to be over for anyone. Everything you learned and experienced during Ramadan is taken with you on the journey of life. I like to think of Ramadan as a month that reminds us to be conscious and aware of God, which in turn helps us to learn more things about who we are. I feel the same way about prayer. It's a daily visit to the timeless relam, a detachment from the outer reality, and direct communication with God. This Ramadan, I did not finish reading the Holy Qur'an as I wanted to, but I am not disappointed since I've been spending a lot of time reflecting on many of the beautiful verses I've read. I rejoice knowing that there are so many things in life that I have yet to learn. The Qur'an continually repeats itself, but for a significant purpose. Daily things like rain or sunrise are overlooked but the Qur'an emphasizes on them as signs of the Creator. I admit that at times, when I first came across these verses, I didn't think too much of them until I awakened to their true meaning. It's a comforting Truth knowing that everything in life is a miracle and that those who see God in everything, see the horizons of infinite possibilities. I find comfort knowing that everything happens for a reason. Many people don't like to think of fate because it makes them feel powerless. There came a point where I would to my friends (and myself) that I find Peace in my aspirations to embrace the path that God has written for me. I still feel this way, it is still what I long for because I believe everyone is here for a purpose, everyone has something special and beautiful to share here.

I've been feeling the presence of Beauty. I'm having a tough time finding a handle on words to express how I feel, but then I loosen my grip and tell myself that I don't need to try so hard. Seeing old friends, making new ones, talking about God, feeling His Presence, and spending time with family, all these things really light up my soul. The next time you spend time with your friends or family, take a moment to awaken to the Beauty that is living around you. The moment becomes that much more special and treasured. Sometimes, you may feel alone or other times occupied in other things, but always know that it is there. If looking at the sky does not satisfy you, then wait till nightfall and gaze at the moon, and be reminded of God's Creations. I know the world can be a rough place. Unexpected things can happen and the next thing you know, you're walking on an unfamiliar road. But this is how God teaches us. This is how we discover more about ourselves. I am saddened, disturbed, and even angered at times whenever I turn on the news because all I see is a selfish world. But we have to tell ourselves that we Love the Beauty of this Existence more than the warring nations hate one another. The same should be said about our internal wars as well, Love should overpower the negative forces. To focus on the flaws of one community or nation is to neglect the whole of humanity, it is to neglect the human family, for are we not brothers and sisters, universally and spiritually connected? It is Pure Love that will awaken the world, and Pure Love that must be implemented in our societies.

I believe we are all looking for answers in life and we are all looking for happiness. I believe it starts with giving, with sharing, with Love. There is not enough Love in the world, instead there is superficiality. Giving a smile or sharing a word of wisdom or saying something encouraging can really make a difference in someone's world. We overlook so many things in life, so many things are left unsaid, so many things aren't carried out, either because we're afraid or we don't have enough time or simply because we don't believe we have anything to give. The truth is, everyone has something special and valuable, and it must be shared. We must Give because to Give is to behave like God. To Give is to get in touch with Divinity. Smile and greet someone out of pure peace and pure Love and you will understand what I'm talking about.

Always be true to others as well as yourself, and never forget about the Unseen Presence. Let it be known that we are never alone. Never.

Qualiter blasphematis in Deum? Et eratis mortui, et uiuificauit uos; deinde mortificabit uos; deinde uiuificabit; demum ad eum redibitis.

(from Latin)

How can you disbelieve in God? For when you were dead, he gave you life, and then he will cause you to die, and then he will give you life, and then to him you will be returned.

~ Holy Qur'an 2:28