Finding God

He is to be found everywhere, and as N rightly said today, he acts through each of us, drawing us ever nearer to one another and thereby to Him.

I am usually cautious about reading prayers in public, or more specifically in the midst of groups of people whom I don't know well. While I might read material bordering on the spiritual quite comfortably, I would not read something overtly so, or expressing any fervent religious sentiment, for fear of putting my neighbor, especially such as on my Caltrain rides, in a position of awkwardness or discomfort. Perhaps this too stems from a deep-seated fear of being branded an irrational fanatic. This evening, however, I felt no qualms and was completely at peace in opening the book of Baha'i prayers that V and N had been kind enough to gift me last year. As I flipped through the pages, not quite finding the right one, my fingers stopped at the one entitled 'Nearness to God'. The seat that had been vacant next to me until that instant, was occupied by a kindly lady, who sat down just as my eyes rested upon the title. And turning to me with a wide smile she said, 'You know what? I had the exact same idea!' And with that she set down her bags and opened her evening read- a pocket Book of Pslams.

Peace.

Realizing Unity...

In the month of December (of 2008). Yes, a little late VOTM-ers, but better than never :), I must share with you, dear reader, just how beautiful it was to realize the power of coming together, in purpose, in spirit and in love, to serve the needy. The two weeks spent in India over the holidays working with people of different ages, nationalities, languages, aptitudes, capabilities and limitations but with one common desire, to serve and learn thereby, was truly a most joyful experience. (For a more detailed account visit http://delivering-hope.blogspot.com/).

If there is to be peace in the world,
There must be peace in the nations.

If there is to be peace in the nations,
There must be peace in the cities.

If there is to be peace in the cities,
There must be peace between neighbors.

If there is to be peace between neighbors,
There must be peace in the home.

If there is to be peace in the home,
There must be peace in the heart.

- Lao Tse

And so I pray, Oh Lord,

Send Thy peace O Lord, which is
perfect and everlasting,
that our souls may radiate peace.

Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may think, act and speak harmoniously.

Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may be contented and thankful for
Thy bountiful gifts.

Send Thy peace O Lord, that amidst
our worldly strife, we may enjoy Thy bliss.

Send Thy peace O Lord, that we
may endure all, tolerate all, in the thought of
Thy grace and mercy.

Send Thy peace O Lord, that our lives
may become a Divine vision and in Thy light,
all darkness may vanish.

Send Thy peace O Lord, our Father and Mother,
that we Thy children on Earth may all
unite in one family.

- Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan

Since the people living across the ocean surrounding us, I believe, are all our brothers and sisters, why are there constant troubles in this world? Why do winds and waves rise in the ocean surrounding us? I only earnestly wish that the wind will soon puff away all the clouds which are hanging over the tops of the mountains.

- Shinto prayer.

A recent post by a friend on peace and how peace and unity must truly begin with each of us reminded me of a very beautiful hymn I love to sing:

Let there be peace on earth,

And let it begin with me.

Let there be peace on earth.

The peace that was meant to be.

With God as our Father,

Children all are we.

Let us walk with each other,

In perfect harmony.

Let there be peace on earth,

Let this be the moment now.

Let there be peace on earth,

Let this be my solemn vow.

To take each moment,

And live each moment,

In peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth,

And let it begin...

With me.

Let there also be peace and calm in the areas ravaged by hurricane Ike, and may there be peace and hope in the homes that have to be rebuilt, and may there be peace and harmony in the aftermath of this catastrophe.
Amen.