Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Life is Learning

While ignorance remains bliss for some, it is also a cause for rifts for many. Education is the tool that crushes the big rocks of fear and prejudice that hinder the way to peace and makes the walk worthwhile.

True education is not about accumulating knowledge, it is to internalize that knowledge and utilize it for the improvement and well-being of self and others. Improvement and well-being for all sides need peace and not wars.

I have met people who have fought wars, survived wars as civilians and assisted the survivors as humanitarians in different parts of the world and none of them seems to think that the war they lived was a good idea. All wars lead to structural violence including poverty and crushed human dignity for many. Oh, yes, wars do enhance the well-being of those who produce weaponry or who gain power in the midst of death and destruction.

It is time that you and I equip ourselves with better understanding of 'others' rather than dwelling on the prejudices that our societies bestowed on us as part of our growing up. An understanding that will truly take us to another level not only in a worldly sense but internally too.

Let us begin the process of widening the windows of our souls by taking with few steps. Try to (a) read about other religions and beliefs, NOT from the critics who write to put another religion/belief system down, but from authentic religious scriptures, (b) get engaged in conversations with those who represent other faiths and beliefs with an open and respectful heart, and (c) understand and share our own beliefs for spiritual/intellectual enhancement rather using them as weapons to attack or humiliate others.

The goal is not to convert or change minds but to expand, broaden, and increase knowledge and understanding to facilitate our way to peace and well-being. When our hearts and conversations become the classrooms with God and his whole creation as the teachers, education restores,  rejuvenates and revive the environment including our souls. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Lead the way out of conflict

How many times we find ourselves as individuals, religious/ethnic group or a country discussing or analyzing the role of the 'other' party in instigating a nasty conflict. Many times we might be right about the 'other' party being the protagonist in the bloody tale. But is that inference, knowledge or debate sufficient for building peace?

No, not at all! Actually the more we waste time in blaming others and rationalizing our position based on other people's fault, the deeper the conflict gets.

Instead of stating and restating the faults of others, we must plan formulation of actions and/or reduction of actions that would deviate the situation from tension to peace. Implement strategies that will at least manage the conflict in a peaceful manner if not resolve it totally.  Rather than passively accusing, we must actively lead ourselves and those who are interested to peace.

Friday, June 10, 2011

I Have A Dream (Music Remix)


I love how he finished the speech, 'Free At Last'! Unfortunately his dream is still a dream for many around the world in the name of race, color, religion, even age and gender. Each of us have a responsibility to make his dream come true for all our brothers and sisters. So guys, let's get to work! God bless

Friday, June 3, 2011

Thumbs Up to all you guys!!! :-)



Whatever your dream is, no matter how difficult it is, you will achieve it if you do not give up. Keep at it, keep trying, take little steps to that golden star that belongs to you. God bless

I am not OK

I am writing this on behalf of thousands of people, particularly the humanitarian workers around the world, who are not perfectly ok. Many o...