Coming together to forgive and heal (1 of 2)

Good morning friends. When people have pain, the best thing to do is by coming together. By doing that you can forgive and then you’ll heal.

Paryushan is the most important annual Jain observance.

For both Shvetambars, who observe the festival over a period of eight days, and Digambars, for whom Paryushan Parva lasts 10 days, this is a of intensive study, reflection and purification. It takes place in the middle of the rainy season, a time when Jain monks and nuns cease travelling and stay with a community and are available to them for instruction and guidance.

Paryushan means “abiding” or “coming together”. It is also a time when the laity takes on vows of study and fasting with a spiritual intensity similar to (temporary) monasticism. Paryushan concludes with confession and forgiveness for the transgressions of the previous year.

The most important part of Paryushan is daily meditation and prayer, which provides an opportunity for looking within and towards the teachings of the Tirthankaras for guidance. Beginning on the fourth day of Paryushan, it is customary for Murtipujak Shvetambars to read from the Kalpa Sutra, a scripture which recounts the life of Mahavira — the 14 dreams of his mother before his birth, followed by the story of his birth, life and liberation. It also recounts the lives of other Tirthankaras and the rules of Paryushan. Among Mahavira’s teachings are those that advocate gender equity, of the importance of ensuring equal status to both women and men.

The book of scripture would be carried ceremonially through the streets, water sprinkled in its path along the way, purifying the entire town. Jains often take time off from work during this period and eat a much simpler diet than their usual vegetarian diet. Jains avoid eating root vegetables like potatoes, onions and garlic — as harvesting them for food would entail destroying the entire plant.

Spirituity is within

Good morning friends. They said that spiritually is within. I agree with that. It should start within us. We have all different theology in our life but the important is that we know the divinity of it. It’s our faith and belief that made us closer to God.

I believe in a Supreme Power, which is more powerful than human beings.

I love life and am thankful to the Supreme Power for being so benevolent. Every night, I pray to Him and thank Him for all that He has done for me. My life has never been just a bed of roses. I have had my share of traumatic experiences. Whenever I am in a spot, I seek His intervention. However, I do not believe in any rituals. For me, the Supreme Power stands in the form of a dot - like Omkara. You do not have to abandon material things to engage in spiritual practice. Even if you are totally materialistic, you will find that there is already a part of your mind that is flowing in a spiritual direction . It might not be your conscious philosophy; but in the depths of your consciousness there is a spiritual stream of energy constantly in motion. There is no value to life without joy. There is a joy that pierces through every moment of our lives. Love is the reason to act even when no final purpose can be perceived. I believe we should live with a free-flying emotion that allows us pure clarity and energy to work without self-interest . It's a simple task, but very difficult. – The Times of India

Devotion leads to Happiness (2)

Good Morning friends, we are talking Happiness through Devotions. We talk little of this in previous post. We continue our post with the same topic.

Begin your devotional time by quieting yourself. Take a few deep breaths and become still. Some people light a candle or say a simple prayer such as, “O God, open my heart to hear your message to me in the words I read.”

Then read a short passage in the Bible and some additional reading. A resource such as Daily Bread and The Upper Room can guide you in choosing scripture passages, and its witness from other believers can help you connect the words of the Bible with concerns of everyday life.

At the end of your reading time, be silent and wait to see what words, feelings, or images rise in your heart or tug at your thoughts. Notice what situations or people come to mind.

Consider how the words or images connect with your life; then pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help you to see what God may be saying to you through what you have read, thought, and felt.