The Universe and us.....

“When we observe the phenomena of the universe, we realize that the axis around which life revolves is love. If attraction did not exist between the atoms, the composite substance of matter would not be possible. Every existent phenomenon is composed of elements and cellular particles. This is scientifically true and correct. If attraction did not exist between the elements and among the cellular particles, the composition of that phenomenon would never have been possible. For instance, the stone is an existent phenomenon, a composition of elements.

A bond of attraction has brought them together, and through this cohesion of ingredients this petrous object has been formed. This stone is the lowest degree of phenomena, but nevertheless within it a power of attraction is manifest without which the stone could not exist. This power of attraction in the mineral world is love, the only expression of love the stone can manifest.”

– Abdul Baha - The Promulgation of Universal Peace.

Plea of a timid Heart …

(In Celebration of the Birth of the Bab)

Behold how the Divine Morning Light has broken…….

Fleeting all mortal glimmerings of reality

His smoldering Revelation posing a Divine token…….

How blessed I am, a mere drop in the ocean of this renewed Vitality

Mountains and valleys have echoed the Majesty of His Voice…….

My heart vibrates ardently to His powerful Utterances

And today I ecstatically rejoice……..

Reminded of the Greatest Promise that molds my spiritual nuances

Sealing with His Lifeblood the Covenant of universal brotherhood......

All is evident, non can dispute His Truth

I desire to forsake all, in sacrifice to the suffering He withstood.......

Feeble yet yearning, to serve this radiant Youth

Thousands in humility to this Herald, have bowed……..

Yet instantly with joy and ecstasy, quickly risen

Wielding swords of conviction, raising cries of fervour - so loud……

Shedding pure blood on their spiritual mission

And I swoon and I tremble, unworthy – yet my heart humbly pleas…..

To rise to His call, as a leaf soaring in the autumn breeze……

I am reminded how His infinite Grace…….

Blessed so many on this earthly face……..

Today in 1819, Harbinger of the Abha Luminary was born

His Holy quintessence - by all - witnessed and sworn

And my heart is filled with pleas that rain……..

To draw confirmation from ‘The Mystic Fane’……

- Rouzeh (20/10/10)

CRIME reduction.....developmental or moral issue?

"Crime" ..... a common yet fearful term. One that has become over-rated in many spheres, yet remains grossly "untackled" in any sustainable manner. Even the definition of "crime" has been disputed in various arenas, adjusting it where it suits power and material gain of those who claim to contain crime, identify crime or punish crime.

Crime has been a politico-legal issue till the past two decades, where its significant infiltration into the developmental world has generated various developmental responses. Issues around human trafficking - in particular child and female trafficking - have recently begun rearing their ugly heads on the HIV/AIDS agenda and become of critical concern to HIV/AIDS policy makers and programmers globally. See http://www.humantrafficking.org/capacitybuilding/toolkits

The Baha'i Faith aproached crime from a unique, practical and highly humanitarian angle. Baha'is believe that the community ought day and night to strive and endeavor with the utmost zeal and effort to accomplish the education of men, to cause them day by day to progress and to increase in science and knowledge, to acquire virtues, to gain good morals and to avoid vices, so that crimes may not occur. At the present time the contrary prevails; the community is always thinking of enforcing the penal laws, and of preparing means of punishment, instruments of death and chastisement, places for imprisonment and banishment; and they expect crimes to be committed. This has a demoralizing effect.

There are two sorts of retributory punishments. One is vengeance, the other, chastisement. Man has not the right to take vengeance, but the community has the right to punish the criminal; and this punishment is intended to warn and to prevent so that no other person will dare to commit a like crime. This punishment is for the protection of man's rights, but it is not vengeance; vengeance appeases the anger of the heart by opposing one evil to another. This is not allowable, for man has not the right to take vengeance. But if criminals were entirely forgiven, the order of the world would be upset. So punishment is one of the essential necessities for the safety of communities, but he who is oppressed by a transgressor has not the right to take vengeance. On the contrary, he should forgive and pardon, for this is worthy of the world of man.

It has been ascertained that among civilized peoples crime is less frequent than among uncivilized -- that is to say, among those who have acquired the true civilization, which is divine civilization -- the civilization of those who unite all the spiritual and material perfections. As ignorance is the cause of crimes, the more knowledge and science increases, the more crimes will diminish.

As Bahá'u'lláh confirms: "So long as one's nature yieldeth unto evil passions, crime and transgression will prevail." (Baha'i International Community, 2001 May 28-31, Overcoming Corruption in Public Institutions) http://statements.bahai.org/pdf/01-0528.pdf

Its been a while....but lets share a laugh & get happy

It has been a while since I have offered this space attention, not sure whether to be sorry, or excited that I am back !!! Have been on the road more often than not in the past two months, which has its ups but many many downs as well... comprising mostly of stress and anxiety. Excessive travel does that, unsettles one.... I am sure we all can appreciate that. So what keeps the excessive travellar sane? I guess different people have different responses to that, mine has always been laughter. Laughter just does it for me. And its contagious, hence it generates relaxation and joy and an environment that encourages our endorphines to race around and take us into euphoria....Basically with a dose of good laughter you really won't need barbiturates or other toxic substances to give you a high. Not only has this been proven scieentifically, but anecdotal we all have evidence on how laughter relieves stress and in some instances also plays role of "medicine". Laughter fuels happiness and vice versa and happiness is the greatest healer of all.

In the Baha'i perspective of health and healing this holds much truth as it calls on innate peace that only spiritual growth and health can offer a human being. Thus the cliche "Laughter is the Bets Medicine" remains true if you muse it...try it...guaranteed you won't be disappointed.
“Joy gives us wings! in times of joy our strength is more vital, our intellect keener…..But when sadness visits us our strength leaves us.” – Abdu’l-Baha

Of course many may question the ability to remain ‘happy’ under the various trials and difficulties that face us in this day. Especially within the context of political and socio-economic challenges prevailing across most of the globe. In this instance we need to be reminded that the true meaning of happiness does not lie in material and temporal domains; it is true happiness that enables spiritual and even physical and mental health in human beings. Happiness that ensues from obedience to the laws set down in the Holy Books of God. Happiness that is mirrored in the heart of those who choose to turn their faces to God.
Abdu’l-Baha reveals “Anybody can be happy in the state of comfort, ease, health, success, pleasure and joy; but if one will be happy and contented in the time of trouble, hardship and prevailing disease, it is the proof of nobility” .

Indeed, as we ponder these Wise and Inspiring Revelations, let us remain HAPPY under all earthly conditions. How can we possibly consider harbouring any negative emotions in this Great Day ? So go ahead share a laugh and be happy - and remember that humor needs to be sensitive and culturally cognisant.....I sure am happy to be back on this space :)

Revamping our Work Ethics: Work is Worship !!!

Now thats a thought......how common is this in your work environment? Notice no woman is present? Speaks loudly on what difference it would make if a woman's skills were in play in this scene.... Anyhow on a more serious note how many ahve though of "Work as Worship".

" To participate effectively in the struggle to bring material well-being to humanity, the religious spirit must find - in the Source of inspiration from which it flows - new spiritual concepts and principles relevant to an age that seeks to establish unity and justice in human affairs. Unemployment raises similar issues. In most of contemporary thinking, the concept of work has been largely reduced to that of gainful employment aimed at acquiring the means for the consumption of available goods. The system is circular: acquisition and consumption resulting in the maintenance and expansion of the production of goods and, in consequence, in supporting paid employment.." The Prosperity of Humankind ( http://www.onecountry.org/oc72/Properity%20full%20text.htm)

Not surprisingly, therefore, there is increasing recognition that the world is in urgent need of a new "work ethic". Human beings are impelled to express the immense capacities latent within them through productive work designed to meet their own needs and those of others. In acting thus they become participants, at however modest a level, in the processes of the advancement of civilization. They fulfill purposes that unite them with others - as humankind. To the extent that work is consciously undertaken in a spirit of service to humanity, Bahá'u'lláh says, it is a form of prayer, a means of worshiping God. Hence 'work is worship'. Every individual has the capacity to see himself or herself in this light, and it is to this inalienable capacity of the self that development strategy must appeal, whatever the nature of the plans being pursued, whatever the rewards they promise. No narrower a perspective will ever call up from the people of the world the magnitude of effort and commitment that the economic tasks ahead will require.

Now with this refreshing perspective to the work we do, surely we are energised and canot allow the insert picture to be a reflection of our work ethics whether domestic, religious, for economic gain or simply to get 'something done'. We have Divine assurance that the work we engage in is beyond simply 'applying an act towards realising a material/physical means', but equates to the highest form of acts graced on humanity = WORSHIP. Enjoy your toils................. :)

Noble Status of Our Women.....

"The SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) Gender and Development conference (2005) was held in the backdrop of a region that is currently facing increasing poverty with over 70% of the region’s population living below US$2 per day and 40% below US $1 (SADC 2003), severe drought, extremely high HIV/AIDS prevalence (of the world population living with HIV, 60% come from the SADC region and of this number, 57% are women), serious food insecurity, high unemployment and cross border economic migrants." These, and other, limitations and challenges overbearing the world, not only SADC, precipitate as problems for women in their practical day-in day-out experiences. This is because of the gendered nature of allocation of roles and responsibilities in our societies both at primary level (in the family) and at secondary level (in the public space). When the state cannot provide for its citizens, women become the subsidizers of the state by providing for unrecognized and unrewarded skills and services. This has been witnessed through the increased burden of care and basic food provision being shifted from the state to women .
In a patriarchal world, where men breathe down women's progressive-seeking necks and trip their developmentally-directed steps, so many adverse consequences are hampering women's realisation of their full potential. The true reflection of a woman - as a partner towards an ever advancing civilisation - keeps being marred by gross male subordination.
Women continue facing increased challenges, marginalization and appalling gender crimes - despite vigorous gender awareness campaigns, women’s empowerment policies, legislation and programs adopted at national level since Beijing and other much earlier processes. In Africa, what is unique with regards to dissipating typical gender stereotypes is that women’s emancipatory efforts in this region were evidenced by their active participation together with the men in our liberation struggles. Note:
- Until January 2006, adult women of Swaziland were being denied the dignity of being legal entities.
- Up to today, adult women in Botswana who decide to marry cannot open a water utilities account without the substantiation of their husbands.
- Ordinary women’s everyday lives are rife with husbands and lovers who claim to love them yet beating, kicking and plundering their bodies, and while it is acknowledged as ‘domestic violence’ it remains difficult to ‘treat’ in our Justice Systems because of its ‘household’ nature.

Now of course this scenario is prevalent across the globe, not just in the SADC region, and depending on who raises their voice loudest and who can secure a hearing platform soonest, the trials and tribulations facing women and girls on the globe come to the fore. And once in a while are taken seriously. But not enough. In fact one - with sane and just faculties and the betterment of humanity at heart - would ponder: what more calamity does humanity need to accept the imperative need for promotion and sustenance of Equality Between Women and Men? Wars, macro -economic collapses, religious revolutions and now the ravaging HIV/AIDS pandemic...... what next to engage the world in a gender-transformed gear?

Bahá'ís appreciate that the values which women bring to human interaction are necessary to the proper functioning and advancement of modern society (http://www.bic-un.bahai.org/list.cfm) They further attest that qualities that have formerly been associated with the "feminine" elements of human nature - including compassion, nurturing, cooperation and empathy- will be increasingly important in creating a peaceful, just, and sustainable world civilization. Even science and philosophy is beginning to bear witness to this. The full and equal participation of women in all spheres of life is essential to social and economic development, the abolition of war, and the ultimate establishment of a united world. In the Bahá'í Scriptures the equality of the sexes is a cornerstone of God's plan for human development and prosperity:

The world of humanity is possessed of two wings: the male and the female. So long as these two wings are not equivalent in strength, the bird will not fly. Until womankind reaches the same degree as man, until she enjoys the same arena of activity, extraordinary attainment for humanity will not be realized; humanity cannot wing its way to heights of real attainment. When the two wings . . . become equivalent in strength, enjoying the same prerogatives, the flight of man will be exceedingly lofty and extraordinary. - 'Abdu'l-Bahá

Take your stand in promoting the noble status that women hold in this world, http://info.bahai.org/article-1-7-0-6.html

Millennium Campaign.... and drawing from the Divine Ordinances ?

Did you know....................

• One in four adults in the developing world - 872 million people - is illiterate.(Oxfam UK - Education Now Campaign)
• More than 100 million children remain out of school. (Source:UNFPA)
  46% of girls in the world's poorest countries have no access to primary education. (Source:ActionAid)
• More than 1 in 4 adults cannot read or write: 2/3 are women. (Source:ActionAid)
  Universal primary education would cost $10 billion a year - that's half what Americans spend on ice cream. (Source:ActionAid)
• Young people who have completed primary education are less than half as likely to contract HIV as those missing an education. Universal primary education would prevent 700,000 cases of HIV each year - about 30% all new infections in this age group. (Source:Oxfam)

Millennium Development Goal (MDG) number 2 urges people around the world to take action to ensure that, by 2015, every child is able to complete a full course of primary schooling. This is a noble human effort towards attaining what has already been encouraged by the founders of world religions. And that is only 1 of the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the UN through the Millennium Declaration in 2000. A grand commitment indeed. Note how the other MDGs fall within the fields of poverty alleviation, sustainable development, peace building and conflict resolution, and yet responses to them continue to remain aloof of the spiritual purpose of man on earth and how Divine guidance and prescribes remain root to success of all these efforts. Take a principle behind any of the MDGs, they boil down to basic Divinely Ordained principles pivoting morals and ethics....

The right to education is, in the view of the Bahá'í International Community, one of the most important rights set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Indeed, the very mission of the founders of the great religions throughout history has been to educate humankind. Education is critical to the development of each individual's potential and to his or her enjoyment of the full range of human rights. At the same time, education must serve society as a whole by instilling in individuals an unwavering respect for the rights of others and a desire to uphold and defend those rights. Spiritual and moral education would need significant attention over the other aspects of education. "Good behaviour and high moral character must come first", say the Bahá'í Writings, "for unless the character be trained, acquiring knowledge will only prove injurious. Knowledge is praiseworthy when it is coupled with ethical conduct and a virtuous character, otherwise it is a deadly poison, a frightful danger". The function of moral and spiritual education is to guide the use of human capacities for the good of all. The goal of education should be not only the acquisition of knowledge, but also the acquisition of spiritual qualities such as compassion, trustworthiness, service, justice, and respect for all......

All developmental gains take concrete shape from spiritual foundations http://statements.bahai.org/

And why not join the Millennium Campaign.....its worth being part of the making the global 'fantasy a feasibility'....... http://www.millenniumcampaign.org/site/pp.asp?c=grKVL2NLE&b=138312

Ini ndakuda ku'rilaksa'

ini ndakuda ku'rilaksa' = I want to relax in the Shona language....

Ok so this is me, holding a rare relaxed gaze..... for those who know me...they will gladly testify that this is indeed rare.....
"Relaxing".... this is a feeling i personally would do almost anything to have more and more and more of.... Mastering relaxation is an art, naturally innate for some and challenging for others (alas me being among the 'others'. )
Did you know that "Each problem has an opportunity hidden in it so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognised a problem and turned it into an opportunity" - Joseph Sugarman

Historically man has devised, and often stumbled upon, various techniques of relaxation, among them the common ones we hear are exercise, joke sharing, adoption of hobbies and joyful activity (subjective for each person of-course) and other stress relieving activity..... however I find that Prayer and meditation is probably the most effective means for achieving long-lasting relaxation of the mind, and refreshment of the soul...thus realising a relaxed and more joyful state of the body.

The Arts (performing arts, poetry, mime, dance, song and story telling) are another useful means through which to attain levels of relaxation and joy and inner peace, and uplift the human soul in many ways. Mystical works have been known to inspire artists to design and implement showcases for purposes of relaxation. In 2004 (http://news.bahai.org/story.cfm?storyid=321), the play "The Seven Valleys" synchronises seven songs, each symbolizing a different spiritual stage described by Baha'u'llah (The Founder of the Baha'i Faith) -- the valleys of search, love, knowledge, unity, contentment, wonderment, and true poverty and absolute nothingness, into a road to relaxation.

There are a myriad sites that explore this awesome feeling, I was actually pleasantly surprised with ......http://www.relaxation.com/, http://www.unwind.com/jokes-funnies/ , http://www.mystic18.com/msp.html and many others that offer relaxation methodologies which could do lead to enhanced human performance...but always read with skeptiscism