What would he do??

What Would Jesus Do? This slogan has really become popular over the years. It has been put on bumper stickers, bracelets and even coffee mugs, but I wonder how many people actually take this message to heart. For the past few months, I have spent some serious time trying to imagine how Jesus would feel and react to our world if he was alive today. Would he judge people on the color of their skin? Would he be against the idea of two people who love each other getting married, just because they were the same sex? Would he condone waging war on other people and killing innocent women and children, just because they follow a different religion? Would he approve of the way we treat each other? I honestly think that the answer to all these questions would be NO. Jesus was an advocate of Peace, Loving thy neighbor and compassion for your enemy. At least that's the message I got out of the Bible.

Now I know what some of you are thinking, "What does a Buddhist know about Jesus?". Well for those of you that know me personally, you would know that I was born and raised Catholic. I received all of the sacraments and attended 12 years of Catholic school. I have read the bible (cover to cover) more then a few times and even though I have turned away from that religion, Jesus still holds a very special place in my heart. I truly love Jesus and believe that he was one of the greatest men ever to walk the Earth and his message will always be a part of my life. But that is the extent of it. I do not believe that he was anymore divine then anyone else. I don't believe he walked on water, raised the dead or turned water into wine, but honestly I think his message and how he lived his life is far more important then any miracles that he may or may not have performed. But reading the new testament and sitting through 12 years of religion classes has given me a pretty good idea of not only what Jesus thought, but how he also lived his life. He was a Peace loving man who looked upon all people as his brothers and sisters. He wanted nothing more then to feed the hungry, clothed the naked and shelter the homeless. And I am very confident that if he was walking the Earth now, he would be working tirelessly to end these problems all over the world and would expect his followers to do the same.

So in closing, I would hope that any Christian or anyone else who believes in Jesus would start living as Jesus did and not just be a Christian in name only. The next time you see a homeless person on the streets, give them some food or money to buy a meal. The next time you have an old coat or some clothes that you don't want, give them to charity. And the next time you see some one whom you deem to be different from you, understand that we are all brothers and sisters walking this planet together, and we all deserve each others love and respect. There have been many blessed men and women who have lived their lives as examples for us to follow, but the choice is ours whether we emulate them or ignore their message. Blessings and Love to you all.

A real lesson about Love

I have to admit, the ever growing divorce rate in this world has concerned me for a very long time now. If I am not mistaken, I believe half of all marriages end in divorce. And when you turn on the tabloid channels you hear about actors and celebrities that can't stay married for longer then a few months. Have we really become a race of beings that would just rather give up and walk away then to put out the extra effort to make it work?? Do we really value our own expectations so much, that if someone doesn't live up to them they are not worth our time? What has happened to us? Where is the commitment?Now it has been revealed, by some sort of study done, that money matters and economic hardships are one of the main reasons that most marriages end. I would have to included infidelity as a big NO-NO as well. But the whole money reason to end a loving relationship, to me, always seemed like a really lame excuse. Marriage is a partnership, an equal contract that both people have to do their part to make work. There is no ME or MINE in a marriage, there is just WE and OURS. You have to be committed to your partner and do whatever you have to, to support and encourage each other.

 Now with this being said, I would like to share with you something that happened to me yesterday. There is a catholic church, on the same property, which the building I work in is on. Behind the church is a little field, that has beautiful little trees, landscaped flowers and bushes and even a water fall on it. It is a very peaceful place and I really like sitting there from time to time just to be close to nature. Well yesterday I was walking past this place and something caught my eye, it was a large green tarp. It was carefully placed under some trees behind the fountain. As I walked closer to it, it became clear that there were two people sleeping on the grass using this tarp as a blanket. They used their shoes as pillows and had a few small bags around them. I could only guess that all of their personal belongings were what was in those few tiny bags. The closer I got, I came to find that it was a man and a woman sleeping side by side. Could this really be a married couple? So down on their luck that they have no where else to go but to sleep outside? Now in the city of Philadelphia, homelessness is not some alien thing. You can see the effects of the terrible economy on every street corner. But this was the first time I ever saw a man and his wife together, holding each other tightly as they slept.

 A feeling of utter sadness came over me, but the more I thought about it, I couldn't help but feel joyful, almost Happy. These two amazing people, who obviously have hit rock bottom, didn't allow their situation to end their relationship. They stayed true to their vows of Love, Honor and cherish one another through good times and through bad. They decided that being together, no matter where they were, is far better then being apart. These two strangers taught me a very valuable lesson and they didn't even know it. I wanted so badly to help them. But I am not in the financial state right now to give them enough money to really make a difference. So what could I do? I decided that the very least I could do, was to make sure they had a hot breakfast when they woke up. I jumped into my car and drove to a local coffee shop. I bought them each a hot coffee and some food. When I got back, they were just opening their eyes. I said to them that I thought they might be hungry. They were so grateful for my gesture. They thanked me for my kindness, but I said to them, "No thank you, for showing me that Love is far stronger then anything else that could possibly try to knock me down.". These two wonderful people, in my eyes are role models. They are a great example of not giving up, just because times are hard. I will never forget them. May God bless them and help them get back on their feet.

Spiritual warriors

For the past few months, I have seen the term "Spiritual Warrior" more and more. And to be completely honest, at first I wasn't to sure how to feel about it. My definition of Spiritual, is to become one with the universe, to see all living things as equal to myself. To spread positivity, Love and Compassion every where I go and to everyone that I meet. With that said, my idea of what a warrior is, is someone who fights a battle, who is struggling against some opposing threat. Some one who will do whatever it takes to be victorious. How could someone be spiritual and still consider themselves a warrior?

Then today it finally hit me. People who are truly Spiritual, are fighting a battle everyday of their lives. They fight against the negative thoughts, words, ideas and emotions that plague this world. They fight hatred with Love. They combat ignorance with Truth. They Battle greed with Generosity and resentment with Forgiveness. A Spiritual Warrior is someone who has decided to fight the good fight. To do everything in their power to change the world and to try and end the suffering of all those in it. They do this by living a warm, caring and ethical life. They let themselves be a channel of all the positive energies that the universe has to offer. They stand up to the darkness of life and say "This has got to end, NOW!!"

But like in every struggle, between light and darkness, there are victories and defeats. We can't reach everyone. We can't force people to see things the way that we do. And we can't change some people's archaic ideas and attitudes. But we can never give up. The time for a global spiritual awakening is now and we are the warriors that have to fight the battle. I have met so many other warriors, these past few years and hear about so many more, through the news and other social networks. I'm not sure how long this struggle will go on for, but I am pleased and honored to be on the same side as so many beautiful and wonderful people. Humanity is worth trying to save, we can never stop trying to make the world a Peaceful and Loving place where all living things can live together in harmony. Namaste to you all, my spiritual brothers and sisters.

Money vs. Love

I have been thinking a lot lately about the huge gap between the wealthy of this world and all the millions and millions of people who live below the poverty level. I have been trying to justify the rationality of people going out and spending millions of dollars on a home, when there are so many who are either on the verge of losing their house or are homeless. How grown men can be paid millions of dollars every year to play a child's game, while there are others who work extremely laboring jobs for minimum wage, just to try and support their families. These restaurants that would rather throw away perfectly good food at he end of the night, instead of giving it away to hungry people, just because they fear being sued. I search the history books to find the one moment in time, when wealth become far more important then our fellow human beings. When the love of possessions over came the love we should have for our neighbor. How have we come to such a lowly state in history?

What makes us believe that we deserve so much, while others have so little? I wonder if a little of it has to do with the television programs that infect so many people's minds. They sit around and watch these mindless shows, people exploiting and making fools of themselves for fame and fortune. I think about how the people who watch these shows live vicariously through these "reality" show stars. Dreaming of living a life like what they see on T.V. All the time disrespecting the life they have, not feeling any kind of gratitude for their own good fortunes. There are far to many people in the world who snub their nose at contentment, while wanting so much more then they need. It has been said that you will never get rich, counting someone else's money. So why are so many fascinated over the lives of those they feel are better of then themselves? Do they really think that money buys happiness? Or that if they could have anything they desired, life would be that much better? Attachment breeds jealousy and jealousy causes suffering. The more money and material possession a person has, the more they have to worry about losing it all. Now I am not saying I wouldn't like to hit the lottery some day, I would be lying if I did, but I know that if I ever was given that kind of money, I would feel compelled to do as much good with it as possible. I have not only become content with who I am and what I have, I have become much more. I am Happier now then I have ever been in my whole life, and I am not making anywhere near the money I used to make. I have just found the joy in life, that is there for each and every one of us to find.

So in closing I would just like to say, I am not condemning anyone for having nice things. We all work hard for our money and deserve to have some of the comforts in life. All I am saying is, take some time and go through the lists of the things you need to live and the things you want in life. I think you will be surprised how different those two lists are. There is a middle path that we all should travel, it separates having an excess of material possessions and having nothing at all. Can you travel that path? I think you can. Love your life and it will Love you back.

The easy life

No where in the history of the world was it ever written that life is supposed to be easy. But so many of us take the easy road in life, even though it may not be the right road. It's true that it's much easier to be negative then it is to stay positive in the face of adversity. But doesn't that only make matters worse? I know it may be easier to to give up when things are going bad then it is to keep on trying, but quiting has never won anyone the race. It may be easier to strike back at someone who has hurt you then it is to turn the other cheek, but it takes a lot more courage to walk away from confrontation then it does to engage in it.I know it's easier to use profanity when you talk then it is to try and express your self more constructively, but how uneducated does that make you look? It's a lot easier to give into peer pressure then it is to do what you know in your heart is the right thing. Sadly enough it is easier to hate then it is to Love, because to love someone, you are giving that person the chance to hurt you, but trusting that they won't. And I know it's much easier to try and blame someone else for the problems in your life then it is to accept responsibility for them.

So many people these days are taking the easy road through life. They don't want to put in the time or do the work to live more morally or ethically. They are just hitching their wagon onto the what the rest of society is doing because it has become the norm. Doing the right thing isn't always easy, but the truly moral person does it, even when no one else is watching. It has been written once that "nothing easy is ever worth doing". So lets all try and stop taking the easy path through life and try the hard road. They say the harder the mountain is to climb, the better the view will be when you reach the top. Blessings and Love to you all. Namaste.

A year is nothing more then 365 single days.

So another year has passed, it is 2012, where has the time gone?? I have sat on face book for the past few days reading about how people can't wait for 2011 to be over and that they have hopes that the upcoming year will be better. I am not sure if they are hoping to win the lottery or maybe find their soul mate, but whatever they wish for, I'm sure they are hoping that nothing bad comes their way. Regardless of what they wish for, we all must realize that our lives are strictly what we make of them. The Universe is not vengeful nor is it unfair. It gives to us what we are meant to have. Everyone in the world goes through their own troubled times. Bad things happen to good people every second of every day. The true test is how we handle these hardships. Can we stay positive?? Can we look past our own disappointments and recognise that there are bigger problems in the world? when we look at life as if we are the center of the universe, our problems only become more intensified. If you can broaden your point of view and show compassion for others, you will find that your life really isn't that bad. It's all on how you look at things.

So you want to have a better year this year?? What is a year but 365 single days. Instead of putting expectations on a whole year, do your best to make each individual day the best you possibly can. Be thankful for all that you have, instead of wanting the things you don't have. Try and see the good in people, instead of judging them for things you may not agree with. try being supportive instead of critical of others. Real Happiness comes from within. It has nothing to do with your possessions or the amount of money you have. The first step you have to take is to convince yourself that you truly do deserve to be the Happiest you can be. There is no one in the universe that deserves you love and respect more then yourself.

In closing I wish only Happiness, Love and Prosperity to all of you in the days to come. If Happiness was mine to give, I would give you all enough to last a thousand life times, but like I said Happiness is an inside job. I look forward to spending time most of you and getting to know some of you that I may not know all that well. You can never have enough people in your life that make you feel joy and comfort. Blessings and Love to all of you and your families.

Happy moments

It has been a long time since I sat down and wrote a blog. I have had the idea for this particular blog on my mind for a few weeks now, I just wanted to make sure I gave it enough thought before I sat down and put it into words. This blog is about, what my wife and I call "Happy moments". Have you ever had a moment in your day when you feel an over whelming sense of Happiness or joy, and your not really sure why you feel it? For my wife and I they usually happen when we are just sitting around watching television or just spending time with our kids. But they can happen almost anywhere or anytime. You never know when or where it's gonna happen, it just does.

It's as if all the troubles, aggravation or worrying you have in your life just goes away for a short time. You feel only Happiness, you live only in the moment. You are not worried about the future and do not dwell on the past. This, in my opinion, is like having a moment of awareness. A real moment of enlightenment. You have unconsciously awaken to your inner-peace. You are no longer bogged down with negative emotions, like anger, fear, resentment or worry. You have let it all go, you have seen what it feels like to be truly Happy. The only problem with this is, it only lasts for a short time. But if we are mindful, if we can remember how these feelings make us feel, we can decide that we want to feel that way all the time. It is possible.

Waking up to your inner-peace, feeling that Happy for the rest of your life is a possibility for each and everyone of us. For many people, meditation is the path to feeling that way every minute of every day. We must train our minds not to place emphasis on the negativity of the world, but to really embrace all the positivity that we have surrounding us every day. Meditation doesn't have to be something that takes an hour or two every day. You could start out slowly, by when you are feeling negative, you just close your eyes and be mindful of your breathing, just a few moments of this will put you in a more relaxed frame of mind. And when your mind is relaxed, you can handle life's little troubles a lot better.

Negativity and anger clouds our judgments. It pollutes the way we see the world, the way we perceive others, even the way we experience our lives. But Happiness on the other hand, makes every thing better. The world is a much more beautiful place, our food tastes better and our relationships are more meaningful. I am pretty sure if anyone of you reading this have ever felt this kind of happy moment, you have the desire to feel that way all of the time. The first step is understanding that the power to have this ever lasting feeling is inside each and everyone of you. It will not be an easy or over night accomplishment, but with a little work each day, it will become more accessible. We all deserve life long Happiness. Good luck on your journey and know that I wish you many more Happy moments in your lives. Blessings and Love to you all.