Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts

Thursday, November 20, 2014

LIFE: Existentialism

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s saying ‘Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood’ is indeed a representation of one of the most important schools of thought operating in the twentieth century, which helped shape much of modern thought, and how people conducted their lives: existentialism. Existentialists believe in the importance of individual, subjective experiences: they believe that only through acting upon individual choices could a person arrive at the significant truths of this life.

Therefore, it allowed people to break out of the mould of convention and orthodox practices; it allowed them the room to deduce what meaning they chose out of the world around them, and engulfed them in a terrifying freedom, to interpret, live and experience life to its core, as they each saw fit respectively, which helped them to realize and make sense of the inexplicable workings of this world. This idea is presented in I Ching as “The sage, who is living outside the routine of the world, contemplates his own character, not as an isolated ego manifestation, but in relation to the laws of life.”

Thursday, November 13, 2014

LIFE: Fate

Man is a great believer in fate. Even those of us who scoff at such an idea and are great proponents of free will as compared to pre destination, find some comfort in knowing-when stuck in particularly tricky situations-that what will be, will be.

However, our lives are not dictated by the fates alone, and the aforementioned knowledge should not be such a comfort, knowing that the reason we’re stuck in that particular situation is not merely the play of fate alone-rather, it is the result of our own individual actions and choices which have led us to whatever point in life we are at: as Jawaharlal Nehru has said ‘Life is like a game of cards. The hand that is dealt you represents determinism; the way you play it is free will.’ Thus, we play a part in deciding our path in life as much as fate or pre-destination, and as the Bible states “Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”

Thursday, November 6, 2014

LIFE: Judging people

Humans have a tendency to judge other people through their actions, their appearance, their behavior and manners. They think that all the above mention criterion describe them as people and their traits can be generalized and they can be put into specific categories of people. People do this to some extent; they can be judgmental to the extreme of being racists, sexists, or biased on the sexual orientation or creed, or just as small as claiming another person to be “hyper” or aloof.

The most appropriate way of dealing with the natural feelings of generalizing is to see every individual as a separate identity with various aspects to him or her. Not everyone is the same, and everyone is the not the same al the time. So, if you judge others, there is a good chance that you will be judged at some point in time as well. As it says in the Bible, “Judge not lest you be judged”.

Thursday, October 30, 2014

LIFE: Learning

A man is brought into this world, where he knows nothing, but he grows in a Society where he adapts and learns the culture and the norms. He is taught the difference between right and wrong, about the world, about his beliefs, about etiquettes and manners, his conduct.

However, during this process of learning and adaptation, one should not forget one’s own identity. One should not let other people take decisions for him and force their opinions on him. He should learn the way to discern the truth from falsehood and then choose the path for himself on his own. As it says “Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind” (Romans 14:5), God wants us to see the facts around us and use our logic to determine the way for us. It is a sign to not let other people coerce us into making decisions not beneficial for us, and if there have to be decisions that go wrong, they should be our mistakes, something we learn from and not repeat again.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

LIFE: Existential concern

The choice to take one’s own life is a very existential concern. It’s a question of one exercising his existential right, to live, or not to live, taking the core issue of one’s life being shaped by their own individual choices, owning up to the responsibility of one’s actions to the extreme; thus, very justifiable by our post modern morality and its emphasis on passionate individual experiences, as essential to reaching truths in this life, as this act pertains only to the Self, and no other.

However, viewing it in a more conventional light, the 6th commandment forbids man from committing murder: in essence, from taking life. That, is solely a privilege of God. By taking one’s own life, we are in complete discord with the teachings of the 6th Commandment. Thus, though the act seems to embody the ultimate existentialist right of man, it is a direct flouting of the teachings of God.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

LIFE: Respect

“Do onto others as you would have them do onto you”. This is a clear statement which applies to all people, regardless of their creed, race, gender. To prosper in this world, they have to do good to be successful in life.

The most desired behavior of conduct of all mankind is to treat another person the way they would want to be treated, in need, in sickness or health, in good times and bad. If you want people to treat you with respect, you have to treat them with respect. If everyone started thinking this way, there would be no crime, no fights, no wars and no loss of life or otherwise.

Monday, October 6, 2014

HEALTH: Think positive

Proverbs 23:7 states that as we think, we are. The thoughts that we think about ourselves are exactly who we are. Who we are today is a product of the thoughts we’ve thought of all the years before today.

How do you see yourself physically? Strong, healthy, vibrant? Sick, tired, and apathetic? Your thoughts and perspective can help you or hurt you. If you struggle with negative thinking patterns, it’s time to change that. It’s time to begin thinking positive thoughts about you and everything about you. I encourage you to envision yourself healthy, strong, happy, and vibrant. No matter what your situation is or how you are feeling, visualize you at optimum level. Also, use positive affirmations such as, “I am strong. I am healthy. I eat healthy. I am confident, successful, and happy. I can do anything through Christ, who strengthens me.”

Before long, you will notice that you will change the way you feel and see yourself. You are not your thoughts, but your thoughts greatly influence your perception of yourself.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

LIFE: Keeping an open mind

“Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keeps the law, happy [is] he.” This clearly states the importance of one keeping its mind open to new things and ideas. The person who shuts his mind to the world will remain ignorant and will not be able to live as fully as he would have otherwise.

The person should be able to think and decide for himself, and not be influenced blindly by the opinion and views of other people. The person who lives truthfully and according to the rules of the world, only s/he will be truly happy, the others who pretend to be someone they are not will always be under the complexes which complicate their lives further. Live truthfully, honestly with a clear open mind, in other words-an enriched life.

Monday, September 29, 2014

HEALTH: Your career

Our physical health can affect other areas of our lives such as career and family. If we are not feeling well or are battling sickness and disease, it affects not only us, but those around us.

God has given us the best diet plan in the Bible. If you will read Leviticus and Deuteronomy, you will find a diet blueprint that will help you walk in optimal health. Walking in good health requires discipline and commitment. You might not feel like eating fruits and vegetables over cookies and hotdogs, but the rewards of feeling energized and fully alive are well worth the effort. Educate yourself on how you can live a healthier lifestyle and share your good news with others.

Monday, September 22, 2014

HEALTH: Learn the art of meditation

Various cultures and religions have used meditation for healing for thousands of years. Studies have revealed that mediation can help those who suffer from stress, pain, depression, and high blood pressure, as well as an assortment of other ailments.

Meditation calms the mind and allows individuals to learn to take back control of their lives. There are various meditation techniques used throughout the world. The bible explains that if one meditates and follows God’s word continually, then he/she will have success. Take some time to learn about mediation and commit to spending time each day in prayerful meditation.