Each night, when I put my head on the pillow and turn my thoughts to things ethereal, I am hopeful that the world is a little better place than when I awoke that morning. I hope that the dissidents, extremists, murderers, plunderers, bigots, philanderers, cheaters, molesters and others of mean-spirit find that their chosen path is not a beneficial avenue. I hope they see that they themselves are not truly benefiting from a mean-spirited philosophy.
It is because I am addicted to Right Action and Positive Thought that I see the Light shining on our sorry world. I believe, with the very essence of my Soul, that mankind will evolve from the hate and bitterness to a place of peace and contentment. Admittedly, that hope requires a very positive attitude!
It is essential that we learn to live with each other as those of different religions have done for thousands and thousands of years. A tall order these days with the conflicts precipitated by a shrinking globe, economic competition, changing demographics and the convoluted social structures produced by technological advances. That, in a nutshell, is a statement of the problem as it has existed for many years, now exacerbated by the intensity of extreme views, turned militant.
Spirituality does not require a church. Goodness does not require a pew. Compassion and Right Action are part of the Spirit. And if that Spirit can be bridled within all of us, then the work of God is being done.
Politicians will tell you that geopolitical influence ... the territorial imperative ... is the causal culprit for todayâ??s ills. Economists swear that if you trace any problem to its source, you will find money as the reason for the problem. Those are both half-truths. If you carefully study the emotions involved, you may conclude, as I do, that the major factor in todayâ??s conflicts is the intolerance of the belief system of others.
Clearly, religious differences have caused (and are causing) the disruption in the world today. Territorial and economic factors are essentially without emotion ... religion is central to the Soul and devastating in its importance when extremists prevail. It is only with the hope of Inter-religious Dialogue (IRD) that a fundamental and permanent understanding can be achieved. That path is long and difficult ... but as the gentle fingers of night pull back the curtain of dawn each day, new hope is born, and each of us must make this world a little better place than we found it.
The primal religions have some bizarre examples at which we might scoff, were it not for our respect for all belief systems. And Dialogue requires of us, if we are serious about it, to accept even these primal notions as being valid and worthy paths to God. I have in mind the worship of airplanes in the South Pacific ... seen in the sky as a part of a deity, the primal mind is clear that the large object could not possibly â??flyâ?? unless it was God driven. And crashed planes on the ground become sacred shrines. Totally believable! I do not scoff at this at all ... in fact I admire the primitive mind and its devotion to an idea that manifests in their culture as a sign of God.
It is true that materialism has become a way of life in our time ... witness even the Communist China phenomenon, edging towards economic growth rather than communal existence. And the emphasis on wealth and position in our country is a well established condition. None the less, the Spirit prevails, and the burning desire within each of us to commune with the God of our choice dwarfs the call of materialism. Everyone wants to do the right thing.
Respect for others is central to the human condition and a basic tenant of rational and peaceful existence. It is one of my pet peeves (I should have none) when I see a human being not respecting others. I believe that this lesson, which needs to be learned by many, is the root beginning of a peaceful planet. Most certainly, on an individual basis, respect and compassion are fulfilling, satisfying and rewarding. Respect for parents, ancestors, teachers and clergy ... all find powerful support as a virtue in the worldâ??s religions.
The Alchemists of old worked over many years ... centuries ... in their quest to turn base metals into gold. At least that is the popular notion. In fact, alchemy is a blend of science and philosophy. It has been so since before the Common Era, when the ancient chemists did attempt to turn inexpensive metals into expensive ones ... but always with the underlying thoughts that their work was also symbolically related to the perfection of life.
Through the power of the Spirit and Positive Thinking, do your best to disallow depression ... turn, instead, to happy thoughts. Look for the Light, the â??good sideâ?? of an issue. Visualize a happy and positive outcome of whatever it is that is causing you some mental grief. I promise you that if you think positive thoughts, they will manifest into the reality, in ways that will surprise you.
Dr. Malkin holds a B.Sc. in Business and a Masters and Ph.D. in Religion. He has made hundreds of visits to schools with a moving and effective motivational presentation, urging teens to do their personal best. His mentoring programs have empowered many, many children. His quest for years has been to teach the power of Right Action, working towards the goal of a better world.
Excerpts from â??Looking for a Better Worldâ?? By Stuart J. Malkin, Ph.D. Go to: http://www.buybooksonthewe b.com/description.asp?ISBN=0-7414-2134-8
Each day brings a new beginning. It's a new leaf... Read More
You know how images trigger emotions? You can see something... Read More
Safety is an interesting concept. When we think of safety... Read More
Albert Einstein is quoted as having said, "the world is... Read More
Last week we started a five part series on The... Read More
Life is perfect. If you have read these articles long... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 10,... Read More
Over the years as I've sought out ideas, principles and... Read More
My friend Donald said to me one evening, "this is... Read More
You Can Overcome panic attacks and anxiety! That is great... Read More
Discernment is an inner guide or compass. It is loving... Read More
Green symbolises growth. Growth requires change and transformation. This article... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 24,... Read More
I'm leaving on a TV tour in a few weeks.... Read More
Those of you, who can fathom yourselves welcoming and enjoying... Read More
I want to share some things with you that I... Read More
I believe it's important for you to develop a mission... Read More
All this week I have been singing.This week I have... Read More
This statement has stopped many a war in my house.... Read More
Do you remember looking up through the branches of a... Read More
Steps to Financial Freedom, roadmap to financial freedom, achieve financial... Read More
The lines below come from this weeks mind treatment, written... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of December 2,... Read More
After more than thirty years of studying the Bible I... Read More
"In real love you want the other person's good. In... Read More
The fever had been high late into the night, but... Read More
At some stage of living your life you will ask... Read More
"An unexamined life is not worth living."-- SocratesI have just... Read More
A second on your lips forever on your hips never... Read More
Trouble, trouble, trouble. Nothing but trouble. The night before, I... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of March 31,... Read More
Here's a simple parable with an important moral.Each mirror, you... Read More
Passion can guide you, not just to live, but to... Read More
Fourteen years ago I was divorced from my second wife,... Read More
Researchers are seeking to identify how dolphins communicate. Unfortunately it... Read More
Loving. It seems like such a simple concept. But those... Read More
Perhaps I should ask my doctor if there is a... Read More
In the pursuit of the life we dream of, this... Read More
God is the primordial Creative Force that is believed to... Read More
Good morning Roy, good morning Joseth.Roy? You have in your... Read More
Often in our society, we are bombarded with the lives... Read More
I am sitting before a window of morning light "losing... Read More
A number of years ago I worked for one of... Read More
The other day I found myself frustrated with the slow... Read More
I grew up climbing mountains. Mountains are beautiful and challenging,... Read More
Six former wards came back to the California Youth Authority... Read More
I love to watch people at airports, malls and even... Read More
You've probably heard of the popular saying "It's better to... Read More
One of the most important things we can do for... Read More
Even if you are not a cat person, bear with... Read More
What are you passionate about? We didn't ask if you... Read More
Give people more than they expect and do it... Read More
Do you have a goal? A focus in life? Have... Read More
Oh my God, I'm not immortal anymore! What happened? Where's... Read More
Our deepest fear us not that we are inadequate. Our... Read More
The Emmaus Journal Pattern of RipplesPicture within your mind an... Read More
I have an unexpected relationship problem. It's hard to believe... Read More
Green symbolises growth. Growth requires change and transformation. This article... Read More
What is your recovery rate? How long does it take... Read More
"Is it so small a thing To have enjoy'd the... Read More
It is not very often that I have an issue... Read More
Chances are you have seen some type of disturbance in... Read More
There is one thing you want...My guess is you want... Read More
From my experience some healings come instantly or during short... Read More
Here I am gazing on the Web for extraordinary witnesses... Read More
"You may have to fight a battle more than once... Read More
Inspirational |