Today’s thought – as I look out at a snow-covered vista from my window…

 

“

I can’t pray beside my little peace tree without thinking about the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace . . .

 

I can’t pray beside my little peace tree without considering how I can be that instrument. What can I do to make a difference, when the need is so great?

 

I can’t pray beside my little peace tree without thinking about the over-the-top consumerism in our culture: false values that fly at us like reindeer on speed, without thinking about how I get caught up in the “wants” versus “needs,” and too often coming down on the side of “wants.” It’s too easy. Yet when I think about the heartbreaking conditions of the poor around the world, I want to weep because of my own insensitivity. 

 

A few days ago I put out my creche, which besides my peace tree, is the only other Christmas “decoration” in our home. My mother handpainted the nativity figures when I was a child, and it’s been a special treasure through the years. I hid a tiny cross in the manger, a tradition begun by St. Fransis of Assisi.  Such a simple tradition, yet to me this year, it’s one of the most precious reminders of why this Child came into this war torn, troubled world: not as a King, but as a Savior.

 

Sacrifice. Not a word we associate with Christmas in this season of giving and receiving. Yet, when I think about it, isn’t that what the heart of Christ’s message was all about? I have to ask myself what will I sacrifice this year, this week before Christmas, this day, that will bring peace to one child or one family. Mother Teresa was once asked how she could go on with her work when the need was so great. “One child at a time,” she replied.

 

Peace comes with a price. What will I give of myself that just might make a difference in one life this week, in one life this new year?

 “

– Diane Noble – Inspirational Thoughts on Writing and Life (http://dianenoble.wordpress.com/ )

 

 

..and now, Kabir Day 9

 

First, the couplet, transliterated:

Mangan Maran Saman Hai, Mat Koi Mango Beekh Mangan Se Marna Bhala, Yeh Satguru Ki Seekh

 

Translation

Begging is akin to dying – do not beg, O Human To die is preferable to begging, this is what the Guru taught!

 

My Understanding

 

This couplet is not about the simple act of begging – it hides in its simplicity the huge psychological and mental anguish created by the simple act.

 

Across the world, millions survive by begging. In this simple act, they hurt and sometimes kill their inner self and put themselves up to enormous shame, self-pity and humiliation. In the third-world this takes the form of the scantily clad beggar found on streets everywhere; in the more affluent nations, think of those who live on unemployment and welfare.

 

The Guru, in his infinite compassion, understands this pain, and teaches the value of self-reliance over humiliation: for while self-reliance involves initial pain, the rewards and pleasure lead to a much better life and comfort for the individual. Begging, while initially comfortable, leads to a life of imprisonment for the soul.

 

In this simple couplet, Kabir is awakening the conscience of people through a stiff reminder for those willing to listen.