I AM YOUR FIRST SNOWFALL - unity of God

First Snowfall 

I am not a Sufi,

I am not a Dervish,

I am not a Student of anything,

I have no love to give,

So I need you to give me love,

I have no real understanding,

So I need you to give me understanding,

I am the broken flute in the back row,

I am the one hidden behind the pillar,

I am the one outside the prayer hall,

But I am here because I heard you 

When you called.

Like winter you came,

And like a facsimile of love,

I am your first

Snowfall.

................................ 

After I finished the subuh (dawn) prayers, I scuttled away from the Sufic gathering. I joined a new friend for breakfast, though he did not know he was my friend (and neither did I). Only after fifteen minutes of engaging talk did my Hindu friend said, "Ah... we have been talking for a while, and I don't even know your name! My name is Raja..." I replied shyly, "I am Taufiq."

So what is your name, sunshine?

For whether you know it already or not, we are friends. Indeed more so, for we are brothers and sisters united in the worship of one God. We are the colourful threads weaved by God upon the divine tapestry of humanity. You are a Hindu? You are a Christian? You are Jew? A Buddhist?

No. You are me. And I am you.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

Breathing - life, grace, gratitude and God

 If not now, then when?

You ask for air every few seconds,

And lo, you take your breath.

When there are always a multitude of reasons,

Why your request may not be answered,

But it is! It is! And you breathe!

How we take for granted our wish

And how it is answered by God,

In each moment,

In each breath,

In each thought.

God is in all the details, you see

Not just the Grand Cosmic Events,

So if you do not realise this now,

Then when?

....................................

Hey, sunshine. I hope your day has been swell for you. For me it has been a little of hit and miss. But I am glad to be back, and find this little prose recorded some while back. Of all things that God has granted me, it is undoubtedly my breathing that I regularly forget to give thanks for. It is so 'automatic' you know, your heart and your lungs doing all the work, gathering oxygen to feed our body. Then one day the heart goes kaput or semi-kaput and we are immediately reminded of our mortality. Oopsie.

So while my heart is still in an A-Okay condition, I would like to register with God, the Originator of the human breath and the Divine Breath, my sincerest thanks.

And my appreciation to Sumathi, my former colleague who once shared many hours with yours truly, talking about God and Saints, and finding commonality in our different faiths. It is a good feeling, and I wonder why some Muslim leaders are so afraid of talking with non-Muslims. Surely it is not because they fear something? Someone posted something rather smart on my FaceBook recently, 'Fear often overcomes our natural instinct to compassion and tolerance.'

So do not fear anything but God, sunshine. And let God the Most Compassionate (ar-Rahman) and Most Merciful (ar-Rahim) find in you, and through you, His own Device for Divine compassion and mercy unto this world, for all mankind and creatures of differing colour and creed. Ameen.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

Oranges in the Sea, Coconuts on the Streets - Chap Goh Meh and Thaipusam in Malaysia

"Please... send me a good man, a handsome man, a wealthy man but even-tempered... not fat...
...nice skin... good family background... no busy-body mother..."

"I cannot imagine the state Penang must be in!" Mused Heche about her home island of Penang. "Oranges in the sea yesterday, and coconuts on the streets today!"

"Whatever do you mean?" I inquired.

"Well, yesterday was Chap Goh Meh, and today is Thaipusam, isn't it?"

Ah yes, she is right. I forgot.

Such is the condition of my country, Malaysia, with a majority of Malays, and a very sizable population of Chinese, Indians and other colourful assortments, that we are blessed (a former Prime Minister rather says we are cursed) by many public holidays. In total we have 14 national holidays (including Eid ul Fitri and Chinese New Year which is both celebrated over 2 days). At state level there are additional holidays spread more or less evenly amongst the states through out the year, almost 30 in all, I reckon.

Chap Goh Meh (or Chap Goh Mei, some would call it) is celebrated on the 15th night of the Chinese New Year here in Malaysia. In the old conservative days, it was the only time when single young women of marriageable age was permitted out of their homes, to be dressed in beautiful clothes and stroll up and down the street, but still under the fierce and keen eyes of their aunties. Young men would stand close by, watching the rarely seen maidens parade in their best costumes. The women would also visit the temples, asking for a heavenly matched husband and the beginning of a good and prosperous year. Another tradition also saw these girls throw oranges into a lake on the belief that the man who picked up their orange would inevitably be their future husbands. In Malaysia sometimes a lake is not conveniently available, so they make good with rivers, streams and even the sea, as in Penang. In order to identify your particular orange, nowadays some girls write their cellphone numbers or email addresses on their oranges. Ah, love makes fools of all of us.

Heche texted me late last night that the coconut breaking symbolises the breaking
of one's ego, revealing the purity within, the banishing of obstacles in life
to a begin a clearer and brighter future.

That was last night. Today (being Tuesday, 7th February) marks the Hindu Thaipusam (a national holiday), and we shall see a mass throng of devout Hindus in temples all over the country coming to worship, pray for good things, carry Kavadis in a procession to the temples (See picture below) and throw coconuts on the streets. Of all temples, none shall be as festive and crowded with the Hindu faithful (and curious tourists) as the Batu Caves temple complex not far from my house. Each year at least a million strong is expected.

Kavadis are carried normally as part of a solemn religious vow by the individual.
This guy must have asked God for something really spectacular.

This is my country. Full of varying ethnicity and religion. I am not much for the commonly bandied term of an 'Islamic country' but I  reckon the freedom and recognition of religious rights and festivities of non-Muslims makes my country Islamic indeed - In a very real and poignant way which is beyond the understanding of religious extremists. 

Religion does make people extremist and intolerant. It is people who make religion extreme and intolerant. I am ever thankful to God that in Malaysia we have enough people who actually make their respective religion tolerant and beautiful. And look at the plus side... we have lots of holidays!

Have a wonderful day, sunshine.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

We are One. So don't make Fun (of each other's beliefs)

Love, who am I? Who are you? Who are we?

The fruit of love grows on the tree of adversity.

The dress of love is stitched by our folly,

The flame of love is white in colour,

The hope of love is in loving one other,

I am not waiting for answers,

I have not asked any questions,

The crown of love is the crown of strife,

The life I live, and the life I will give away

I will return to Him that gave me life,

So do not say that I am one of you…

Besotted with names and forms…

Spellbound to destination and endings…

'Heaven! heaven! heaven!' sings the melody,

But never asking the question of

Who am I? Who are you? Who are we?

We are one. Many missionaries and evangelicals of religion are selling a good story. Believe in God. Obey God. Follow the holy scriptures. Believe in the family, work hard and do not steal, lie or cheat. If you do believe in the existence of an Omnipotent Divine Being, there is not much to argue with here. The common truths are common to everyone, and if you leave out the God bit, even atheists will be hard put to debate against the importance of the family unit and basic human decency.

What truly mystifies me are preachers and politicians (as sadly both tend to be the same nowadays) who insist that there is an ‘us’ and ‘them’ - Between Muslims and Hindus, Christians and Jews, Sikhs and Buddhists and the whole barrels of faith that trundle through the path of life.

Shiva. Yesterday, I had breakfast outside, and as I was taking my seat I heard a strange Indian tamil music coming from one direction, I wondered where the song came from for I saw no speakers. Then it struck me that it came from the cellphone of the Indian man at the next table. I knew it was a religious song because I recognised the name 'Shiva' being repeated again and again in the chorus. The man was obviously affected, and I saw in his eyes that far-away look which I bet I also have when I am engrossed in music about God and Love. So I empathise with him, I understand and I certainly do not ridicule his beliefs. Why, we are almost exactly the same...

Do not make fun. We share so much in common that it makes no sense whatsoever to belittle the faith of another. Indeed I would go so far as to say that it is the voice of a mad believer to make fun of the disbelief of an atheist. Sarcasm, Cynicism and ‘put downs’ are all marks of pride and hubris and is a dishonorable badge to be worn by any believer, in whatever faith you hold.

The message is blurred. The truth is that such acts do not shame God at all but it shames us. Yet when people judge our religion, they will judge by our tolerance, wisdom, compassion and humility, so do not then say that such people have heard the ‘true message’, when we have been so darn hard working in deforming and destroying the message of our faith.

I would like to return to the common ground that we all share. Trust me. I am almost exactly like you. Only perhaps a little bit more of a sinner.

Thank you for sharing your Sunday with me, sunshine.

Wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way

Amrita from the Churning of the Cosmic Ocean of Milk - Man is Forgetful and God Owns All of us!

Sufis whirling. Or as the Hindus may say, churning the cosmic Ocean of Milk.
Bless them!

My brother was describing to me the fascinating story about the Churning of the Ocean of Milk motif at Angkor Wat and other temples. The story came from the Bhagavada-Purana, it pertains to the origin of creation and how the 'good' (as represented by the gods, the devas) were reacting with 'evil' (proxied by the demons, the asuras) and churning the Ocean of Milk by pulling to and fro the serpent / dragon Vasuki whose coils were wrapped around this Mount Mandara which is situated in the centre of the cosmic Ocean of Milk to produce amrita, the elixir of immortality.

No, not Angkor Wat. But the depiction is clearer here.

I found this analogy about the purpose of good and evil as both beautiful and epic. For my brother is suggesting that this story embodies the constant struggle, the constant pull between our heavenly 'good' spirit and our baser 'evil' desires. We have inside us the serpent, and the ocean of divine knowledge, but just like milk to butter, in order to attain some spiritual wisdom, our selves must face the constant churning of good and evil as it is reflected in our daily words and action.

"How I wish I found this story in the mystical lore of Islam and not Hinduism..." I mused in one unguarded moment. It is after all, a very beautiful story (I think I mentioned that already). But then someone tapped me on my head and said, "Oy! You forgetful one. All that is good and beautiful comes from God. You can drink from the fountain of knowledge, but God owns it. If He chooses to pour His blessings indiscriminately across all of humanity, who are you to oppose Him? Did you not earlier write this... "

1. Indiscriminate Mercy

They come with the clouds

And ride the falling raindrops,

Each sparkling pearl,

That feed the earth

And fill the sea,

Heralds of a Lord

Whose Bounty falls

On the heads of the Muslims,

Jews, Christians, Atheists,

Agnostics, Buddhists and Hindus alike.

Ah. He is right and I am wrong. I was right when I wrote this prose some 8 years ago, but then I forgot and I became wrong again, albeit temporarily. Is this the butter churned from my own tug of war between good and evil, between knowledge and ignorance? I guess it must be so! And lo, we have found a nugget of amrita in this little corner of the cosmic Ocean of Milk... And one that is simple really - that mankind are often forgetful. 

Why do we forget? Because we would LIKE to own God, and say that our perception of God is the only right one, and everyone else can suck candy. Well, that is just bad manners, I think, bad manners for a Christian, a Hindu, a Jew, a Buddhist or a Muslim. But happily, we are not without guidance. And sometimes it just needs a nudge from someone for us to recall Love and the Truth of the Divine State - that we do not 'own' God or His infinite Attributes. That God owns us. All of us, all of our good and bad, all our guidance and misguidance, however deep our reflection, however shallow our introspection. This is one of the most obvious of truths, but a truth often forgotten. 

May God bless the Hindus, may God bless the Muslims. May God bless everyone! And may God bless you too, my sunshine. And finally, may God forgive me for my indiscriminate forgetfulness to His Indiscriminate Blessings.

wa min Allah at-taufiq

Hate has no place in Islam

Love will show the Way.

In our world, real silence does not exist - True Colors & Diwali

119. No real silence

There is no such thing

As real silence.

A pretend silence at best,

For my Lord

Is always singing

In my heart.

So said the Saint in this prose recorded more than 2 years ago. And he is right, of course. There is no real silence, not when the whole of creation is singing praise of the Lord. Thus being in a state of gratitude and constant praise of His blessings means that mankind can finally be in sync with all of Creation. And when you and Creation are one, why... the possibilities are endless!

Everyone has a part to sing in this Universal Song. Every Harry, Sally and Yemeni. Every shepherd on some lonely hill, every teacher in a classroom, every doctor attending to her patients, we all contribute our own little melody in august praise of God, Creator of all things. And if you wish to listen to His Song, diligently listen to your heart and your conscience, for God Sings His words best there in.

Wednesday next week, the Hindus of my country will celebrate Deepavali (Diwali), the Festival of Lights, as each of us bring our own rainbow colours to whirl until no colour is left but white, the governing flame, the White Light of Divine Unity. 

Do you remember Cindy Lauper? Since we are talking about colours and lights, here is her amazing 80s hit song 'True Colors' to listen to with your morning coffee and Diwali... 

Have a beautiful day, sunshine.

wa min Allah at-taufiq.

Out of the Ocean, there is You and I. In it, there is Only the Ocean.

I am taking a break contemplating 'Ubuntu', an article by Nun Tuck of Nun Tuck's Almanac (Click Here). It is a traditional African perception of life which essentially says that 'I am because you are, you are because I am. It is a clear and thoughtful exposition into a manner of living and interacting with our fellow human beings that strikes a chord in the spiritual ways of many religion. It is simply Katherine's way, that though she is a Christian, she is able to connect with philosophies not originating from her religion. Or perhaps it is because she is a Christian?

And this brings me to another friend, Sumathi who once shared with me her mystic Hindu study. "My teacher taught me that...," said Sumathi, "For your reflection in the mirror to look angry and scowling, you first must be angry and scowling..."

And my very own teacher once said to a short-tempered friend of mine, "Please carry a small compact mirror. The moment you start to feel angry or bitter about someone, take it out and take a good look at your face. Do you really want to look so ugly?"

We are all dipping our hands into the same one Ocean of Mercy, taking a little truth and love from God's infinite Sea of Love. And there is no limit to what we can take, and it is for us to choose just how far we wish to truly understand the Love of God for His entire creation, from you to me, and not forgetting the cat named Moses.

My suggestion is, if you wish to take counsel from a sinner, is this - when it comes to God, do not be reticent or shy. Ask and ask and ask. And do not stop even if the wind asks you to stop. Even if the stars in the sky say do not ask for more. Even if an angel whispers that you are asking for too much...

Have a wishful day, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa.

The Prophet & Sir Kishan Prasad Shad (1864-1940)

"Peace Be Upon Him"

PBUH is the term of loving reverence utilized for the Prophet Muhammad, so it would be "Muhammad (PBUH)". In arabic the complete affectionate terminology following the Prophet Muhammad's name is 'Sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam', meaning "May the blessings and the peace of God be upon him (Muhammad).

Sir Kishan Prasad Shad (1864-1940) was twice the Prime Minister of the Hyderabad State, India. He was a Hindu but he had this love and fascination for the Prophet that would shame some Muslim nowadays (me included). In her seminal book, "AND MUHAMMAD IS HIS MESSENGER - The Veneration of the Prophet in Islamic Piety", Annemarie Schimmel quoted the noble knight's prose...

Be I infidel or true believer-
God Alone knows, what I am!
But I know: I am the Prophet's servant,
Who Medina's ruler is.

Years after his death, the sinner recorded in his own ham-fisted stumbling way, a limited ideal of the Prophet and the special connection between Muhammad and the Nation of Muhammad. Although now you must ask yourself, who is from the Nation of Muhammad?

12. Walk behind me (A response)
Walk behind me, my people,
For the dangers which lie ahead
You cannot imagine.

Walk behind me, my people,
For you are not armed to face
Such tribulations alone.

Walk behind me, my people,
For each dust which falls from my sandal,
And the perfume which trails behind me,
Is a blessing for you.

Walk behind me, my people,
For I was created to be followed,

Walk behind me, my people,
For I am the Inspired Breath,
And the Guided and Guiding Hand.

Walk behind me, my people,
For in my shadow
No darkness can exist,
No evil can withstand,
No doubt can persist.

Have a lovely Wednesday, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa.

The Two Secrets of Alchemy

8. Philosopher’s Stone II
Deceived and tricked,
They rest their hopes
In transmutation,
Drowning in complexities,
Drifting into conjecture.

Not knowing that
Alchemy is the quest
For gold,
But without the ‘L’.

ALCHEMY is known as the science, or better still the attempt (since nobody has been able to do it!) to turn base metal into gold. Is it going to happen? Well, maybe, who knows? But the fact of the matter is, what happens if you do find the chemical formula to turn iron, tin, copper or bronze into gold? I will tell you what will happen, in a few months time there will be hundreds of factories in China manufacturing gold, and of course, gold itself will lose its value. So that is why I believe that true Alchemy is not the pursuit of the secret of Gold, it is the pursuit of the Secret of God.

THE SECRET. And to save you all the trouble of polishing up on your chemistry, I will share with you today that 'Secret' - Once you are able to replicate or duplicate something unique - then that thing is unique no longer, and the value of that which you perceive and idolize diminishes. And it diminishes not a little, but it diminishes to the point of nothing. So do not think of God in multiples. For God is only One. And the moment you act as if there is more than one God (most normally when we obey our internal devious 'god' - our conniving ego), then that God you worship is not God anymore. For God, like you, sunshine, is Absolutely Unique., So you know... you can go on trying to turn your iron bars into gold ingots, as a form of academic exercise. For the real meaning of alchemy you already know today. Hehehe. No need to thank me.

ANOTHER SECRET. And here's another 'Secret' for you to ponder over breakfast - Whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist alchemist, there is only but One God that you will ever find in the formulae and furnace of your laboratory. But you know this already, sunshine!

That's why I love you. Have a perfect Sabbath.

Pax Taufiqa.

Postscript  27th August 2011 - By happy chance, I met Alchemy herself and wrote what transpired. Click here for posting entitled I am Alchemy. I turn base events into gold.

The Dragon Ego, the Donkey Ego and the Mouse Ego

57. Flying high and getting wet
I am flying high
Astride my ego,
A fearsome fiery dragon.

But I am twisting the reins now,
To send my ego and me careening,
Plummeting like a stone through
The breaking clouds
Falling into the rushing
And waiting sea.

In her deep blue waters,
Will the fire of my dragon
Be doused, and for me
To rise once again
From the waves,
Astride my ego,
But now tamed
And trained.




How easily I recorded the above verse. For the simple fact that Saints are sent to address mankind on the nature and threat of the human ego, the taming of your dragon is no easy feat. In the circle that I orbit, the dragon is also often referred as a donkey, and in one posting at least, I referred to the Hindu reflection of the human ego as a little itsy bitsy mousie.

.

How easy it would be if indeed the ego was in fact a dragon, donkey or rodent. Then at least you could see it clearly with your physical eyes. Alas, it is not so simple...

.

The ego is a hard working fella. And your constant companion. It will keep you company in a pub, in a toilet, at work and at play. It is your shadow while you are driving, working and making love. The ego's nature is delicate and its finesse in playing with our mind is a wonder in itself. In your highest tribute to your faith and God, it will squeeze in between each prayer you pray, each charity you give, each fast you complete. It is in the choir of a church and in the cave of a hidden hermit high in the cliffs of the Hindu Kush. It is in the palm of your hand as you play with your rosary beads and tasbih. Your ego is your enemy. The worst is that it is often very difficult to differentiate between you and your enemy.

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May you be guided in true servanthood that you would see with your third eye the nature of the ego within you, and the wisdom to tame this creature who is you but never you. Servanthood - I am thinking that is the best way. What do you think?

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As someone who thinks so highly of himself, I need all the help I can get. So I ask that you pray for me, sunshine. But don't tell me if you do.

.

Pax Taufiqa

Cheerleading is Divine Work for the Divine One

Last week I proceeded with the development of Mikhail's understanding about God (God help him that he has me for his papa. Hehehe). And about God's best pal, which for the Muslims, is the Prophet Muhammad (whom we sometimes refer to here as Nabi Muhammad). In an earlier posting entitled "Even the mightiest of trees began life in a tiny little seed" I mentioned how Mika says that his Boss is Nabi Muhammad and God. Or perhaps more theologically correct, God and Nabi Muhammad.

.

Well, last week I mentioned to Mika that not only is God and Nabi Muhammad his Boss(es), they are also his cheerleader(s). After all, even if God is Lord over all creation, and the Numero Uno Master of the Universe(s), He is also your Most Loving, Most Kind and Most Compassionate. And in addition to that constellation of Mosts, God is also the Most Wise in Planning for Your Success, and, so long as you wish Him to be, Your Most Motivating Motivator, All-Cheering One, He Who possesses, beyond the highest love of even a father and mother, the belief that you can indeed be the best that you can be. He and His Prophet, They are at the sidelines of the pitch, cheering you on when you are running for the pass, cheering you on when you are down and injured. Cheering you on and saying Go! Go! Go! or perhaps also Medic! Medic! Medic!

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I share this with you, o' Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Wiccans and Trekkies, because I can. Because beyond the label of 'God' and 'Muhammad' is the meaning in such words. And in my life, I have met sainted souls who call upon my Lord in different names and different ways. Yet I am proud and honoured by their friendship in worship. In fact, they humble me by their dedication and charity.

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I am tired of the 'us and them'-ism of so-called religious people. Because, from where I am running in the field of life, I see the Lord and His Beloved Prophet cheering us on, and beside me I see people of many faiths and dispositions, helping me race the good race, and fight the good fight. On the stands and bleachers, I see Angels looking on, recording and taking notes. But they cannot understand us. But you can, sunshine. Because, really... are you not me? And am I not you?
.

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Have a wonderful Friday. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
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Pax Taufiqa.

Mad Jihadis, Crazy Crusaders and God, Christ, Jesus, Jehovah, Allah, Buddha, Tuhan, Father and Ram

God, Christ, Jesus, Jehovah, Allah, Buddha, Tuhan, Father, Ram. If you call unto God by whichever name that is familiar to you, who am I to question you? I am not obsessed with names and forms, but the meanings behind them. Earlier this year it was recorded …

1. Aku tidak memuja NamaMu
Aku tidak memuja NamaMu,
Wahai Tuhanku,
Aku memuja Dikau
Dan ErtiMu.*

*I do not worship Your name,
O’ my Lord,
I worship You
And Your meaning.
.

If you call unto God, and the meaning you attach to Him is the Most Loving, Most Kind, Most Merciful, Most Understanding and Tolerant of the sins of His servants – you are my brother and my sister.

If He is God that calls on you to love another man whatever the colour of his skin, whatever the temple that he worships in, you are my brother and my sister. If you recognize that Good and Grace is not monopolized by the names and symbols of your religion alone, but sown like heavenly seeds in all of us - you are my brother and my sister.

If you understand this simple thing – That the Beauty and Utter Loveliness of God finds expression in the recital of the Quran, the pealing of church bells, in the archway of a Synagogue, the dance of a Hindu maiden and engraved upon the walls of a Buddhist temple – you are my brother and my sister.

If you are drawn to tears by the madness of men who choose to oppress and kill ‘in the name of God,’ blinded by the hubris of their self-appointed guardianship of ‘God’ – you are my brother and my sister. The inmates of the asylum may have taken over the mosque, madrasah, church, temple and synagogue. But you have within you, the Gracious Meanings of God - beyond man's capricious infatuation for mob madness and 'us and them-ism'.
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2. Forms and Meanings II
Let not your ignorance of
The true essence of God
Be a hindrance to
Your happiness.

Know thyself.

You and I, we are not soldiers of forms and words. We are not mad jihadis or crazy crusaders fighting over symbols and shapes. Nay, you are the custodians of Beauty, Truth, Love, Compassion and Mercy. Trustees of the Governing Fire - Eternal Enemy of the Black Fire.

3. Divine Names III
The Concept of Tawhid (Oneness of God),
By its meaning and
By the nature of men
And their uncommon ways,
Traverse religions and races.

It is not just a bridge in Islam,
But a bridge between Islam
And other faiths,

That is its truth.

Glory be to God,
God of the Believers
And Unbelievers,
Glory be to Him
In Whose name woman
Cry out in bringing forth
The child into the world.

And you seek to burn the bridge?

Why do you bring hurt
Unto yourselves???

If you love your mother, know that I love mine too. So how can we not be brothers and sisters?

Have a wonderful Friday, sunshine.

Pax Taufiq.

P/S - Earlier related posting click here.
P/P/S - Pic courtesy of Arafia's Deviant Art site. Pay her a look-see

P/P/P/S – All prose from the chapter entitled ‘The Bride’s Dress’.

Sufi Stories and AntiChrist, the One-Eyed King (Dajjal)

30. Caravan
Blessed is the journey, Love
Blessed is the companionship,
Had there been no separation,
How shall I ever know you?

Blessed is the birth, Love
Blessed is the kiss of death,
Had there been no promise of union,
How shall I ever know you?

We have traveled far, you and I,
Our caravan has fallen prey to bandits,
But you are still here with me,
And at night, beneath the Companion's stars
You hold me spellbound with your stories.

200. The Secluded Pond
To sleep, to sleep,
The sun curls beneath
A blanket of drifting clouds…

Come to me,
My Sleepy head!
And let me tell you
Of shooting stars,
And lazy streams,
Of the moon reflected
In a secluded pond,
And the willow trees
That line its bank.

Of minstrels
And storytellers
That gather there,
Talking and singing
Tales of an orphan
Born in the dunes
Of a Kingdom faraway.

Together,
They are weaving lore
Stronger than the mightiest
Towers of the one-eyed king.

.....................................

Sufi stories and lore are all part of the journey. It is often written, but many are also oral traditions, passed on from one wanderer to another. The stories often say different things to you, depending on when and where you are. Sometimes the same account may even have two different endings. When I queried this, my brother simply said that both endings are true and real. Okaaay.

Sufi tales appear to achieve two distinct and seemingly divergent results (for me at least) – They make prophets and saints appear human and real, yet at the same time, the stories often carry transcendental divine meaning. Sufi tales are like drinking the Universe in a tea cup.

Often, these anectodes share many common parables with mystical stories from other religions like Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism.

I think I have had my fair share of Sufi and mystic stories, but I am hopeful for more in future. Some I expect to read in a book, while other oral tales are waiting to be told to me. Perhaps next time, the narrator will be you.

Sufi lore of Prophets, Saints, Angels and all creation are not whimsical add-ons to the mainstream core of religious teaching. What Sufis perform is essential, because like the poem concludes...

They are weaving lore
Stronger than the mightiest
Towers of the one-eyed king.

Have a good day, sunshine.

Pax Taufiqa

What is in a name or word? THE MEANING...

i do not worship idols

.

made of stone or wood

.

Nor do i pray to gods

.

cast in a name or word.
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A couple of months back, Malaysia was beset with the ‘Allah’ controversy. A public debate arising from a court application by the Herald in East Malaysia for the right to use ‘Allah’ in reference to God in that Catholic publication.

The above prose and sketch were recorded in those troubling days when politicians and pundits were talking about ‘the god that the Christians worship’ and ‘the god that the Muslims worships’- strange and worrying phrases coming from believers reputed to be super-duper monotheists.

I am not comfortable with such notions. I am one of those old fashion monotheists who believe that, in truth, everyone prays to the One God, whether you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Zoroastrian or whatever.

But who cares what I think…,

I am after all, just a sinner.