''We may know who we are or we may not. We may be Muslims, Jews or Christians but until our hearts become the mould for every heart we will see only our differences ''.
Mawlâna Jalâl Ud-din Rûmi(born in modern day Afganisthan in 1207 AD is arguably the best known in the West of all the great Sufi masters).
Love and compassion are two words which seem to have lost their relevance in this frenetic paced world which is now determined by indoctrination of a set of ideas and ideologies, xenophobia, religious and spiritual exclusiveness, ossified thinking patterns, a clash of civilizations, ego-centric attitudes, abhorrent dogmas, the ''I'', ''Me'' and My syndrome, the rapacious desires of man to garner more and more and to exploit everything available on planet earth have all compounded the problem. Economic problem of shortages, concentration of wealth in the hands of a few have taken a religious colour adding to the woes of people like you and me.
''MY'' religion, ''MY'' country, ''MY'' ideology, ''MY'' traditions, ''MY'' customs are at an exalted position as against those of ‘YOURS’ is playing havoc in our decision making process.
The pristine beauty of simplicity and goodness has been sacrificed at the altar of crass commercialization and distortion of history.
LOVE signifies a feeling of being profound tender and personal attachment towards even a ''stranger''. And
COMPASSION is a feeling of deep sympathy for another’s suffering or misfortune.
Sadly, compassion has been replaced by competitive cacophony and love by loutishness.
The only way to erase the darkness that surround this world is to spread LOVE and COMPASSION in every breathe of life and at evry heart beat.
One of the ways we come into balance and connection with each other and life is by giving from the heart. When we give to others, whether it’s an act of love,kindness, generosity, or compassion, it helps us live from the heart instead of the ego, and begin to see things as they really are ,because most of the time things are not as they appear,it is only with the heart that one can go beyond and see rightly.
Living from the ego is painful and exhausting. It’s like feeding a hungry monster that’s never satisfied. Ego craves, pursues, and clings to status, approval, material wealth, and control. It views the world through the eyes of fear—constantly evaluating, judging, and acting in ways that are self-centered, defensive, and protective. Ego is about getting more, which leaves little room for love , generosity and compassion.
In contrast, generosity requires that we open our hearts to the world and each other. We accept that in life there are challenges, and we meet these challenges with humility, patience, and compassion. This is the work of the spiritual warrior, to open our hearts and allow ourselves to be vulnerable. In doing this, we open ourselves fully to life, love, and relationships.
The practice of Love and Compassion also helps us let go of striving and pursuing things. When we stop striving, we begin to see, value, and respond to what’s happening in the present moment in ways that are healthy and healing. This movement from striving, to be present and open to life, is what nourishes the heart. In responding and valuing our connection to others and the world, we let go of an “us-versus-them” mentality. Our priority shifts from attaining things to appreciating what we have and being open to share with others . When someone is full of Love and Compassion,he cannot draw a line between two countries, two faiths, or two religions.
Being generous arises from the HEART, not the wallet. We don’t need to have material wealth in order to be generous. The only requirement is a willingness to open our hearts, to see life as it is, and to interact with others from a place of LOVE and COMPASSION.
Mawlâna Rûmi also reminds us of that the message of love involves embracing diversity and the transcendence of self; this transcendence being the kernel, not only of Islamic spirituality, but of all true spirituality when he says:
''Come so we may speak to each other from spirit to spirit
Talk to each other in a way hidden from eyes and ears
Let us laugh without lips and teeth just as the rose garden
Let us discourse without lips and mouth just as the thought
Let us tell the secret of the world completely with our mouth closed
Nobody talks to himself with a loud voice
Since we are all ONE
Let us call out to each other from our hearts without mouths or lips
Let us give up conversation made with our tongues and vibrate our hearts.”
From:(Divani-i Kabir)
May Love,Peace and Light be upon you always......
