The one Reality takes manifold names and forms….

interfaith imageThe one Reality takes manifold names and forms as a result of human ignorance. It is one and the same Thing that a Bhakta calls God, a Jnani calls Brahman, a Shakta calls Shakti, an Atheist calls Nature, a Scientist calls Force or Energy, a Christian calls Father in Heaven, a Mussulman calls Allah, some others call Infinity or Truth and a Vedantin calls Atman or Self. Whatever different names there may be, the fact remains that the Thing is one and the same. The difference is only in names. The Absolute Thing, which is beyond name and form, is birthless, growthless, decayless, deathless, sexless, All-pervading, All-knowing, All-blissful, without beginning, without end, changeless, beyond time, space and causation. The One Thing or the Ocean of Consciousness by Itself is ever the same One only without a second.

Swami Narayanananda: A Practical Guide to Samadhi (Spiritual Teachings), p. 166 (2001, 1st ed. 1957)

The Original Commandments….

The Original Commandments

the 42 laws of ma’at

I WILL NOT DO WRONG
I WILL NOT STEAL
I WILL NOT ACT WITH VIOLENCE
I WILL NOT KILL
I WILL NOT BE UNJUST
I WILL NOT CAUSE PAIN
I WILL NOT WASTE FOOD
I WILL NOT LIE
I WILL NOT DESECRATE HOLY PLACES
I WILL NOT SPEAK EVIL
I WILL NOT ABUSE MY SEXUALITY
I WILL NOT CAUSE THE SHEDDING OF TEARS
I WILL NOT SOW SEEDS OF REGRET
I WILL NOT BE AN AGGRESSOR
I WILL NOT ACT GUILEFUL
I WILL NOT LAY WASTE THE PLOWED LAND
I WILL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS
I WILL NOT SPEAK AGAINST ANY PERSON
I WILL NOT BE WRATHFUL & ANGRY
I WILL NOT LAY WITH A MAN’S WIFE
I WILL NOT LAY WITH A WOMAN’S HUSBAND
I WILL NOT POLLUTE MYSELF
I WILL NOT CAUSE TERROR
I WILL NOT POLLUTE THE EARTH
I WILL NOT SPEAK IN ANGER
I WILL NOT TURN FROM WORDS OF TRUTH
I WILL NOT UTTER CURSES
I WILL NOT INITIATE A QUARREL
I WILL NOT BE EXCITABLE OR CONTENTIOUS
I WILL NOT BE PREJUDICE
I WILL NOT BE AN EAVESDROPPER
I WILL NOT SPEAK OVERMUCH
I WILL NOT ACT AGAINST MY ANCESTORS
I WILL NOT WASTE WATER
I WILL NOT DO EVIL
I WILL NOT BE ARROGANT
I WILL NOT BLASPHEME THE ONE MOST HIGH
I WILL NOT COMMIT FRAUD
I WILL NOT DEFRAUD TEMPLE OFFERINGS
I WILL NOT PLUNDER THE DEAD
I WILL NOT MISTREAT CHILDREN
I WILL NOT MISTREAT ANIMALS

(from the shrine of Ptah)

Selanit_Maat

The 42 Ideals of Ma’at of the Temple of Isis

by Loreon Vigne

1. I honor virtue
2. I benefit with gratitude
3. I am peaceful
4. I respect the property of others
5. I affirm that all life is sacred
6. I give offerings that are genuine
7. I live in truth
8. I regard all altars with respect
9. I speak with sincerity
10. I consume only my fair share
11. I offer words of good intent
12. I relate in peace
13. I honor animals with reverence
14. I can be trusted
15. I care for the earth
16. I keep my own council
17. I speak positively of others
18. I remain in balance with my emotions
19. I am trustful in my relationships
20. I hold purity in high esteem
21. I spread joy
22. I do the best I can
23. I communicate with compassion
24. I listen to opposing opinions
25. I create harmony
26. I invoke laughter
27. I am open to love in various forms
28. I am forgiving
29. I am kind
30. I act respectfully of others
31. I am accepting
32. I follow my inner guidance
33. I converse with awareness
34. I do good
35. I give blessings
36. I keep the waters pure
37. I speak with good intent
38. I praise the Goddess and the God
39. I am humble
40. I achieve with integrity
41. I advance through my own abilities
42. I embrace the All

Song for Allah – by Ani Zonneveld and George Landress

Lyrics:

Song for Allah
Artist: Ani Zonneveld
Music: George Landress/Ani Zonneveld Lyrics: George Landress/Ani Zonneveld
Adapted from Rabi’a Basri (717-801 CE)
Whenever I listen to the voice of anything you’ve made
The rustling of the trees
The trickling of water
The cries of the birds
The flickering of shadow
The roar of the wind
I can hear it saying:

Allah, One Love, Allah, One Love

The song of the thunder
Mother Nature’s wonder
I can hear it saying
God is everywhere
Allah, One Love, Allah, One Love
You’re the corners of the earth
The universe, the galaxies
Yet closer than my heart
You’re in the air I breathe in
– See more at: http://www.a-n-i.net/islamic_hymns/#sthash.BCUKOWO6.dpuf

the message of peace….

HIKDid Jesus Christ come to form an exclusive community called Christian, or Buddha to found a creed called Buddhism? Was it Muhammad’s ideal to form a community called Muhammadan? On the contrary, the Prophet warned his disciples that they should not attach his name to his message, but that it should be called Islam, the Message of Peace.

Hazrat Inayat Khan