Month: March 2017

Integrating science with spirituality is as crucial as embracing the responsibility of evolution. From Jesus parting the ocean to Prophet Mohammad’s journey to God’s realm, and all the miracles performed by prophets, the holy books abound with myriad stories. Natural disasters and predictions of impending doom also feature prominently, instilling fear to control followers’ hearts. Instead of succumbing to fear and despair, I advocate taking personal responsibility for actions and standing on equal ground with God. While I acknowledge my dependence on the proper functioning of external and internal universes, I refuse to squander my potential feeding fears propagated by religions. Such fears not only subjugate but also erode self-esteem, reducing individuals to puppets of ideology rather than CEOs, which is the rightful role of every human, blessed with free will.

Personally, I have faith that God manifests positive outcomes in life as I fearlessly carry out His work, believing that God needs me as an active participant to sustain His being, rather than mere worship to fulfill my desires. Some religious teachings advocate fearing God to avoid hell. I question why fear is necessary if I am fulfilling my duties while alive. Moreover, why is the afterlife more significant than the present, where I can contribute to God’s purposes?

Logically, no one returns from death to provide proof; thus, beliefs remain matters of faith. A steadfast belief system is an asset, but it becomes problematic if it incites violence or impedes personal happiness. Individuals must scrutinize and rectify their belief systems if constant fear and stress persist, irrespective of their faith in God.

As individuals, we must abide by fundamental life principles, reciprocating and expressing gratitude for the experience of life. Life is not a random occurrence; at the cosmic level, despite the chaos of the universe, Earth sustains life. Internally, a human body houses trillions of cells and bacteria, all integral to survival. To assert control over everyday decisions amidst such complexity is a testament to human resilience. Throughout history and even today, belief in God persists due to human mortality and the need for control or solace, whether real or a placebo effect.

Belief alleviates fears and instills hope in a chaotic life, provided one comprehends the power of their belief system. While having a belief system is valuable, it becomes detrimental if it fosters prejudice, obstructs human rights, or leads to violence in the name of group identity, contravening spirituality and God’s essence.

Narratives and hymns wield significant influence over individuals. As communities, we must guard against prejudice to prevent perpetuating cycles of spiritual offenses. God and belief systems fulfill human needs; thus, we must derive benefits, not harm. Spiritual injuries stem not from spirituality but from political affiliations and group loyalties.

Religious stories often portray God as an authoritarian figure who exacts revenge to enforce obedience—a notion I find repugnant. Daily, thousands fall victim to violence, whether by individuals, governments, or political factions under religious banners.

It’s inconceivable that God punishes everyone to enforce discipline, especially when innocent lives perish unjustly. Spiritual teachings should not condone collateral damage or accidental justifications.

The core of my blog, “Who Flipped My Triangle,” argues that positioning God and the Devil at the apex demeans human worth, shifting blame for our actions onto higher powers, although we possess free will. With free will comes responsibility, yet we shy away from bearing the full burden, often committing acts of brutality against others, including our kin. This disorder not only afflicts individuals but extends to humanity and, metaphorically, God, akin to human immune cells attacking self-cells, causing what I term God’s “arthritis” due to our free will. We can rectify this condition if we choose, taking responsibility for our actions.

The power we assign to God epitomizes human perfection. Tasks beyond our control or ability, we believe God can accomplish. Thus, we worship and pray, sometimes treating God as a fellow human, expecting Him to share our feelings. A sperm bears no resemblance to a fully formed human; similarly, no seed resembles a tree. Assuming God shares human emotions or thoughts is equally presumptuous.

Is God a superhuman? What defines the human-God relationship? Why assume God delights in our worship and sacrifices? Such beliefs imply God thinks and feels like humans, suggesting He’s vengeful and indiscriminately targets even the innocent—an unsettling assertion.

Consider this analogy: a cell within the human body exchanges with the body, receiving sustenance and in return, contributing to the body’s function and life. God, akin to the body, wouldn’t harm His “cells” unless something malfunctions, akin to autoimmune diseases in humans. Humans, with free will, oversee God’s realm through their actions, responsible for maintaining justice.

My worship isn’t constant bowing or kneeling; rather, it’s serving humanity, through which God lives. If all humans practice daily chores that avoid hurting others, it’d serve as practical prayers. We each owe it to ourselves to know why we are as we are.

Each of us is the CEO of our life, as evidenced by daily exercise of free will. To confine oneself within predetermined boundaries, dictated by group affiliations, is to deny one’s individuality and God-given potential. Strip away these layers, beyond assumed identities, to discover the naked human, connected directly to God, the source of life and sustenance.

Nature’s power ensures that individuals always hold the key. You, as the executor, transcend the computer and its data, discovering the essence of who you truly are. Continuously explore your potential, as you are an ocean within a drop. Embrace evolution; resist the politics of belonging for security, as no belonging group guarantees immortality. The graveyard teems with individuals who thought themselves secure under group banners, failing to grasp that security is an illusion for mortals.

I recently watched an episode of The Nature of Things by David Suzuki, which focused on Arctic wolves. In this episode, a lone female wolf found a den to give birth to her five pups. Unfortunately, the den was located within the territory of a large wolf pack. The pups were killed and eaten by the other wolves while the mother watched from a distance, powerless to intervene. This harsh reality is a stark example of the nature of things.

This scene led me to reflect on the impact of warfare. Imagine a bomb falling from the sky and obliterating an entire family in a distant village, merely because they belong to a group considered an enemy. What is the difference between this and the predatory behavior observed in nature? Is this our “nature of things”? If so, when will we evolve beyond such patterns? For thousands of years, we have claimed to be superior to other creatures, yet we remain entangled in social crimes against one another. We continue to kill each other over differences in color, race, nationality, religion, and even sexual preference.

Who are we, and why do we believe we are superior? Is it due to our education, or is it inherent in our nature? How can we advance on the ladder of civilization to prevent killing each other over our differences?

Despite millions of years of civilization and progress in various fields, why do we still struggle with these primal shortcomings? Does this stem from the influence of the groups we belong to, or is it related to personal insecurities and preferences?

Consider another example from the wild. It is common to see a fawn being consumed by predators such as wolves, cheetahs, or lions. In these situations, the mother and other community members must flee to survive. The main issue is their inability to defend against predators, and this is simply part of the natural order. The helplessness is so profound that it cannot be ignored. We might use our intellect to dismiss this by saying that the animals lack comprehension, but the core issue remains.

Now, picture a bomb falling on a village and killing an entire family. Their only crime was belonging to a group at war, regardless of their personal stance on the conflict. When you are powerless to prevent the death of your loved ones, it mirrors the helplessness experienced in nature. Yet, as humans, we possess the capacity for deeper understanding and emotional responses. We can hold grudges and seek revenge, driven by the profound pain of losing a loved one. This cycle of retaliation—”you kill mine, I will kill yours”—ultimately leads to greater loss for humanity as a whole.

It is high time we evolve beyond this nature of things. If you find yourself driven to cause harm, remember that the “pups” belong to humanity. Justifying harmful actions as a group is akin to the behavior of a pack of wolves. Your compassionate nature allows you to help those in distant lands, demonstrating your capacity for evolution.

Despite our advances in civilization, emotionally and spiritually, we remain primitive. Our killings are not driven by survival, unlike predators in the wild, but by other motives. After millions of years of evolution, if we are still killing our own kind, it raises questions about our direction and the effectiveness of modern weaponry.

The pain of love loss is a universal experience, whether one is a wolf, deer, or human. The key difference is that humans can empathize with others’ pain and recognize the wrongness of causing harm. Unlike animals, humans have personal agency in their actions. Speaking out against political and revenge killings should be a matter of human rights.

The times have changed; swords and spears are no longer in use. Today, warfare often involves killing innocents, whether through suicide bombings or drone strikes. Modern conflicts are characterized by nuclear and chemical weapons. If we are to engage in conflict, it must be over clearly defined issues that do not harm innocents. Even in the name of religion or nationalism, causing unnecessary suffering constitutes a spiritual crime.

It is crucial to prioritize humanity over rigid group identities. Understanding humanity as a whole is essential to grasping spirituality. If you resist this perspective, it may reflect an excessive attachment to group identities, which are inherently political. True spirituality requires a focus on personal justice over group affiliation.

The philosophy of belonging to exclusive groups has long been a source of division and has often worsened conflicts. It is time for individuals to take a leap of faith and evolve. Embrace your role as part of the larger human family and contribute to a more just and compassionate world.

As human beings, we possess a profound capacity for understanding, particularly when it comes to the matter of love and loss. Unlike animals, we can harbor grudges and seek revenge, driven by the immense pain of losing someone we love. This cycle of retaliation—”you kill mine, I will kill yours”—raises the question: who truly suffers in the end?

Humanity itself is at a loss. It is high time we evolve beyond this primal nature. If you feel compelled to cause harm, remember that the “pups” or “fawns” are part of humanity. Justifying harmful actions as a group is akin to the behavior of a pack of wolves. Instead, embrace your compassionate nature and use it to help those in distant lands. This demonstrates your evolution as a human being.

Despite millions of years of civilization, emotionally and spiritually, we still remain in a state of wilderness. Our acts of violence are not driven by survival needs, as they are in the animal kingdom, but by other motives. After such extensive evolution, if we are still killing our own kind, it raises doubts about our progress and direction, especially with modern weaponry.

The pain of love loss is a universal experience, whether one is a wolf, deer, or human. The key difference is that humans have the ability to empathize with others’ pain and recognize the wrongness of causing harm. Unlike animals, humans have a personal say in their actions. Therefore, opposing political and revenge killings should be a matter of human rights.

Times have changed; swords and spears are no longer relevant. In modern warfare, it is often innocent lives that are lost, whether through suicide bombings or drone strikes. Today’s conflicts involve nuclear and chemical weapons. If we are to engage in war, it must be over clearly understood issues that do not harm innocents. Even in the name of religion or nationalism, causing unnecessary suffering constitutes a spiritual crime.

We must prioritize our humanity over rigid group identities. Understanding and embodying humanity as a whole is essential to grasping spirituality, regardless of religious affiliation. If you cannot see beyond your group identity, it indicates an excessive attachment that is inherently political. True spirituality requires a focus on personal justice over group allegiance.

If your nationalism or religion teaches that you are superior to others simply by belonging to it, consider the politics and realities of life. You share the same oxygen, the same capacity for procreation, and the same fundamental genetics with others, regardless of race or color. At a deeper level, we are all made of carbon. What distinguishes us is not religion or nationalism, but our compassionate character and spirituality.

Believing oneself to be superior to others automatically labels one as prejudiced. If you take pride in this prejudice, it is time to prioritize spirituality over mere theology in your daily life.

I am not addressing entire groups based on religion, nation, race, or gender. Instead, I call on individuals, one person at a time. The root of our problems lies in a distorted sense of belonging. If your sense of belonging is confined to a specific group rather than humanity as a whole, it is time to evolve and lead humanity to a higher level.

Groups may resist this change because it threatens their political power. Therefore, the decision to evolve must come from individuals. The philosophy of group allegiance has not worked, and it has often worsened the situation with political and religious influence. True progress will come when each of us takes a leap of faith and evolves beyond group identities.

If you exercise your free will, you are already the CEO of your life. As such, you cannot allow group identities to hinder your personal evolution. Today’s evolution demands equal human rights. If your group pressures you into committing spiritual crimes of prejudice, shouldn’t you question them about equal human rights? Embrace your humanity before you embrace any other identity, whether Muslim, Christian, Canadian, Pakistani, black, or white.

       

Imagine you’re riding on a bus filled with all kinds of people—rich, poor, strong, old, and weak. Along the way, the bus gets stuck in a muddy ditch. Everyone decides to push the bus out. When everyone puts their shoulders to it, some just pretend to push, thinking others will do the work, believing they’ll get a free ride without contributing—smart, perhaps, but not wise.

If you believe this attitude doesn’t exist, just look around. Able-bodied individuals stay on government assistance longer than necessary, feeling entitled. Then there are those who avoid paying taxes, thinking they’re clever, much like Donald Trump. Metaphorically, humanity is like this spiritual bus; it moves forward only when everyone pitches in. If you avoid reciprocity, you miss the essence of human life, which is to give and receive.

God grants life, and in return, we keep the divine essence alive through our actions. No group—whether family, community, or nation—can provide life; only God can, in the realm of spirituality, if we understand it.

Our education often teaches us to do less to gain more or exploit the system, whether through family, community, or society. This business mentality neglects the principle of reciprocity. While this approach might make one successful in business, it raises questions about their moral character as a human being. Whether it’s individuals exploiting one another or politics exploiting humanity and its beliefs—religions, nations, races, and genders—all engage in a transactional mindset.

Now, picture everyone pretending to push the bus out of the ditch, but no one is really pushing. It won’t budge. If only some push while others slack off, those who are pushing will struggle, surrounded by those who think themselves clever for not helping. Ultimately, it’s about your relationship with yourself; on your deathbed, you’ll judge yourself based on your own actions. Living with guilt and regret suggests you haven’t fully embraced your role as a CEO of your own life; you’ve let others dictate your choices.

Self-understanding is a form of wisdom that allows self-regulation, eliminating the need for external guidance. Your inner happiness and contentment are vital; as a mortal CEO, they define your success.

If your group’s teachings prioritize taking more than giving, and you apply this philosophy to every aspect of life, remember: if everyone cheats, the bus won’t move forward.

One might argue, “Why should I reciprocate if there’s no God?” It’s not about others or God; it’s about you. You inhabit your mortal body and must answer for your honest, spiritual living.

Success is meaningless without health and happiness. Inner peace depends not only on physical health but also emotional and spiritual well-being.

Recently, news highlighted famine in Sudan; people are dying from hunger. The United Nations seeks aid, attributing the crisis to drought and water scarcity.

In neighboring oil-rich countries, pipelines carry oil, not water, despite the suffering. Islam states, “If your neighbor goes hungry, your food is not blessed.” Today, it’s not just hunger but starvation and drought. Many predominantly Muslim countries understand this spiritually, yet they fall prey to political interpretations of religion. They wage war, chanting “God is great” from both sides, dying with pride. Something is amiss. Only personal reflection can reveal how our political affiliations impact our spirituality.

When neighbors starve, political religions forfeit their spiritual essence. Meanwhile, Christian charities provide aid but often proselytize. True spiritual acts are void of ulterior motives and political agendas, transcending religious denominations. The proverb about feeding neighbors wasn’t about religion—it was about compassion. Our downfall is embracing a dog-eat-dog ethos or disregarding what’s right. We pretend to help, but without genuine effort, human spirituality stagnates.