Reflections from Universal Wisdom

REFLECTIONS FROM THE FAITH

 A series of reflections from the different Faith Traditions. These show both the richness in diversity and the Unity in the Spirit, which the human family shares and can give us insight into the meaning and the message of God.

This week’s theme is one that is vital for our spiritual welfare. It is:

 Breaking Down Barriers

We indeed created man, and We know that his soul whispers within him, and We are nearer to him than the jugular vein

The Qur’an (Muslim Scripture)

Beloved is a man, for he was created in the image of God. But it was by a special love that it was made known to him that he was created in the image of God

Judaism ( Abot 3:18)

Let none deceive another nor despise any person whatever in any place. In anger or ill-will let him/her not wish any harm to another.

Metta Sutra (Buddhism)

Let the whole universe be blessed. Let al beings be engaged in one another’s well – being. Let all weaknesses, sickness and faults be diminished and vanish. Let everyone, everywhere, be blissful and at peace.

Jain Scripture

It is quite clear that wherever our Lord is, peace reigns and anger has no place. I could see no sort of anger in God, however long I looked. Indeed, if God were to be angry for just a moment we could not live, endure, or be! ………. And though we wretches know from our own experience the meaning of discord and tension, we are still surrounded in every conceivable way by God’s gentleness and humility, his kindness and graciousness.

Julian of Norwich (Christian Mystic)

The man who has good will for all, who is friendly and has compassion ; who has no thoughts of ‘I’ or ‘mine’, whose peace is the same in pleasures and sorrows, and who is forgiving ;

 He whose peace is not shaken by others, and before whom other people find peace, beyond excitement and anger and fear – he is dear to Me.

Bhagavad Gita (12: 13 & 15) Hindu Scripture

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.

Christianity (1 Cor 3: 16-17)

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