Be Still

"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10


I am very troubled these days. It is the start of my school holidays, and tomorrow I will be heading to Malaysia for 3 days. I hope that this holiday will offer me an escape from my every day life. If only a little bit, it will be enough.

Like everyone else I get troubled too. I remind myself to be happy, but there will definitely be times in your life when you feel down. I have my most spiritual moments when I'm feeling down, if that is anything to cheer me up.

Again, it is attachment that is the cause of my troubles. Like any other human, especially teenagers (since I am one). I write this on by blog because of a few reasons. One, to vent my frustrations. Secondly, to show you that I am human as well, and feel the same emotions, ups and downs as you.

Being a teenager is not easy. There will be times when you feel very tired. Mood swings can be caused by many reasons. We all have troubles, but again, the importance is how you deal with it. We will never really get whatever that we want. No man on this Earth is truly happy all the time. No matter how expert you are, you will still not receive everything that you want. Challenges are just part of life, to help you to grow. If you have everything you want, then really life on Earth is just meaningless.

This Biblical Verse just popped into my head just now. Divine comfort, I like to think of it. "Be Still, and Know that I am God." It is a very comforting verse in time of trouble. What exactly does ''Be Still'' mean? I personally think that it means to trust in God, to not take everything into one's own hands. Let go, and let God. Don't worry too much, Know that He is God, and He will Love and Protect you.

Since we will never understand everything that happens in our life, then, the best we can do is to Trust In God.

Is there a God?

Throughout the years of which humankind has existed, every/most of the races and cultures have worshipped a God. The Chinese have the Tao, the Indians Buddha and Krishna, The Caucasians Jesus Christ and so on…
Ever since the revolution in Scientific Thinking, people have tried to determine the existence of God through Science. Frankly speaking, I find that this part of Science is not really going anywhere. This is because I do not believe that you can define God through Science. Science is limited in some aspects.
However, since the main question is, ‘Is there a God?’ I will not stray from the topic. From a scientific point of view, evolution is quite impossible without an Intelligent Mind. Perry Marshall on his website http://www.cosmicfingerprints.com/ has put simply that the DNA is a code, not a jumbled up message. A code can only come from an Intelligent Mind. The odds of evolution are too great.
The main other theory is that there are a great other no. of parallel universes and in one definitely the odds would be just perfect for life to exist.
From a theological point of view, it is easy to believe in God when life is good. But it is harder to trust in Him/Her when the going gets tough. It is even harder to prove that Justice exists on Earth. How come some people can get away with killing thousands? Why are some people born rich while others are born poor and suffer so much? Unless one believes in Karma, this concept of ‘Justice’ is hard to explain. But Karma is hard to prove either.
Even though I have asked many times, God just refuses to appear in front of me. I cannot hear, see, taste, smell or touch Him. I can’t see Him through an X-Ray or CT Scan, I just cannot prove that He exists! Sometimes I blame God for all the bad things that happen, because if He’s there, why is He not doing anything?
The only reasonable explanation that I can accept then, is the concept of Dualism. That is, there are two Gods, one Good and one Evil. Each one of them is equally powerful. When something bad happens, the Evil One is behind it, and vice-versa.
What do you think?

Faith

In increasing troubling times, sometimes the only solution we can have is to have faith. Having faith in God can help bring remarkable results and improvements in one’s life. Take for example people who are dying. Some of them face death with extreme serenity. Why? Because they believe that they will go to a more beautiful place, a heaven, after their death.

In life, people face many troubles and uncertainties. Faith is the thing which gets people going, which helps to maintain their life. In the Bible many promises are made, that you will always be watched over and protected by God. In real life, however, we know that accidents do happen, and since we are after all living on Earth, then we do know that bad things do happen.

Then, one might ask, what is use of faith in God if it only helps to give one a sense of false safety? There is only one answer that I can think of right now. Faith, does not protect a person from reality. Faith can only help prepare a person, his inner soul, for change. Because we know that whatever bad thing that might happen, God will keep us through it. He will never forsake us, because when he does, then all hope is certainly lost. But as long as God is there, a chance is given to us to make a comeback.

Having faith in God is not an easy thing. It is always easier to have faith in something that you can see, touch, hear or feel. But since God cannot be touched, seen, heard or felt you cannot be exactly sure that he/she exists. Therefore those people who believe in a God has greater faith than those who do not.

Frankly speaking, I think of God as the whole Universe. Hence, my opinion of God is that he is neither good nor bad but rather He is all that is. But instead I choose to place my faith in angels or spirit guides. I believe that since there are always humans on earth who like to help others, so there are other beings who like to help others. These beings are the manifestations of God, angels or guides or whatever you like to call them. Since they will protect and guide me, then I have one less worry to take care of.

In all, I would like to state that having faith in something will give you more strength than if you don’t. I know that it is hard to have faith in something that you can’t see, but, the rewards are greater if you have faith in them then in someone/thing fallible.

Respecting Religions

Religion nowadays is a commonly used excuse to attack or threaten another party. It has been happening since a very long time ago. A very good example would be the Crusades or the ‘Holy Wars’. Can a war really be considered holy? I beg to differ.

Ever since I consider myself part of the New Thought/Age movement, I began to learn to respect all religions and learn from what each have to offer. Interesting, many religions are quite similar; however each religion views the world a little differently. These points of view unique to each religion are very interesting as they have a great impact on the followers of these religions.

Again, some people like priests or monks find their purpose of their lives in religion. Though this might not please you, I still have to say this. We can never be sure of what happens next, whether in our life or after our life. Therefore it is important that we place more emphasis on what is happening now. Ask yourself what you are doing now. Does it actually help people? If it does, then good, by all means continue. If it does not then why are you still doing it?

I know that some religions believe that it is important to convert others to their own religion. That’s fine. However, one should not place too much pressure on others. One should have respect for another’s beliefs. They have a very good reason for believing in such a way, and since we cannot really imagine how it is like to live their life, then we must not judge.

Being stubborn has no use for anyone. I have personally learnt that it is very important to not let your view/belief in your God separate you from others. I believe that God does not want that to happen.

So therefore I urge you today to continue to hold your beliefs while respecting others and giving them the right to hold their beliefs. You are then truly a noble person.

Is it worth it?

Yesterday when I was in school, there was a talk given by someone (I think it was the owner) from 77th Street.

She talked about money, or rather entrepreneurship and about grabbing opportunities. She recounted about her days when she wrote down her goal of being a millionaire by 25.

There's nothing wrong with that, of course. She told the audience how she took every opportunity to learn and do whatever she could to earn money, taking 3 jobs and waking up at 8 am every morning.

Eventually, her store was a success, having 13 outlets in Singapore and ohers also abroad.

She did everything she could to achieve her goal, which was commendable. Every one wants to get rich, but are they willing to do what she went through?

Whenever you do something, you have to ask yourself if it is worth it. Since everything comes with a price, are you willing to pay that price?

Are you willing to do whatever it takes to get it?

Or maybe, is it worth it?

She had to sacrifice her time, but now, she has the money and the time to do work to give back to the community (which she did anyways).

She said that money was not the only thing in life, but was an important medium through which you can make things happen (thats not what she said exactly but it was what she meant)

Since now that she is often free and gives back to society I guess I can't complain that it wasn't worth it.

But many people still sacrifice their relationships and health for their work, and thats really not worth it.

The Science Project

I should have never pitied the Band people...It seems now that I am as busy as them...Working 3 to 4 days a week on the science project.

Some stay back for music (choir, band) others physical training (uniform groups) and us, Science.

All those hours spent in the name of Science.

When I asked people if they wanted to do this Project, they declined, stating that they would be busy next year.

I had to turn to friends, then.

Indeed, it would take up a lot of our time. But still, it was an interesting experience.

A Problem:
If it took 10 years to create the glowing orchid...and by a person with a PhD...in a stocked lab with sufficient chemicals...

how long would it take for us to create the glowing grass...in a lab that isn't even air conditioned, much less mention the amount of chemicals...

Our own bio-fertiliser we will create, but we're not even sure if we will do the job of creating the grass...or just be advisors to secondary 2 pupils?

So much time, so much effort, for this project?

Are the rewards sufficient?

Is the recognition sufficient? Or will it be given to our Juniors?

Will we be an inspiration?

Is it worth it?

Happy People

Hi Friends,

Ok, lets face it. Some people are born happy. They are always much more cheerful than others. They do not make enemies, and can seem to tolerate everything else.

On the other hand, some people are always not happy. They are pessimistic and negative by nature. They are easily irritated, or break down often. They cry, or they are easily hurt.

You can't really help it. You're not in charge. If you are one of the happy go lucky ones, probably you wouldn't be bothering to read this. Except for some of my friends of course. These (happy) people do not philosophise about life. They have no need to seek a God, or search for one. The only time they do actually need one is when they are scared of ghosts.

The thing is, the Purpose of Life, isn't about living in joy and happiness all of the time. It is about Growth. The sad things in life are the ones that really make you grow. Not the happy ones. Our lives are probably a mix of happiness and sadness. Its what makes a movie interesting. Variety makes a dish interesting.

I wanted to explain today, why some people are mostly happy all of the time. But, really, I can't. Its just them, their personality and their way of thinking. It makes them unique, and we are all unique. Sometimes, we have to learn to accept ourselves. We have to learn and know that, we cannot be happy all of the time.

When we are unhappy, we can think about happy times. We can, talk to friends. We can, take a walk. When we are happy, we learn to cherish it. This is called life. Its full of ups and downs. We cannot stay the same.

If peace is what you want, then the Serenity Prayer is a good guide to follow.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Be glad that you are you, and learn to accept your life. Sometimes, we have to believe that Fate is at work, and we are not always responsible for everything in your life. You may be the Captain of Your Ship, but not the God of the Seas. So why bother struggling? Just fully accept the sadness, and if you need to cry, do it.

Free Will Vs Fate

Hi friends,

This is a common topic debated about. If we believe in Astrology and Tarot or any sort of divination, then, obviously we are supporting fate. But the strange thing is that, since this fate is unavoidable then why should I do anything about it?

Others for example Christians believe in the purpose that God has given them. In parts of the bible it is written that only some can believe and hence some go to heaven and so the others will go to hell? Then why believe?

Or, let us consider the Prophecies. It was prophecised that Judas would betray Jesus. Then obviously Judas did not have a choice. Or how about Judas' parents? They did not have a choice of getting together, since they had to give birth to Judas to betray Jesus. Then what is Judas' purpose in life? To betray jesus?

Ok, so we do not have free will then. But if we do not have free will, and everything is predestined, then how can we take account of our actions? After all, I had to do according to fate. Then why punish me? it was fated and predestined! So if we do not have free will, then that is ridiculous too.

If Jesus knew that judas would betray him then why take him as a disciple? I wouldn't if it meant putting his soul in danger. It would be a terrible thing to do. I would not sacrifice a soul to prove a prophecy.

My view is this. There is no prophecy that would definitely come true. Our actions all affect the future, and since that is so, the future is always in motion. There can be various scenerious that may come true and a prohecy is only one of these. We should not take all these things in serious consideration, but should in fact focus on the moment.

However, when we try to make a prophecy come true, we might end up hurting more than helping others. Therefore, we should just try our best to do good, and should give our best at every opportunity rather than give up, just because a prophecy predicted it would happen that way.

Our Gifts

"Mr. Gray, the gods have been good to you. But what the gods give, they quickly take away..."

"The ugly and the stupid have the best of it in this world. They can sit at their ease and gape at the play. If they know nothing of victory, they are at least spared the knowledge of defeat. They live as we all should live--undisturbed, indifferent, and without disquiet. They neither bring ruin upon others, nor ever receive it from alien hands. Your rank and wealth, Harry; my brains, such as they are--my art, whatever it may be worth; Dorian Gray's good looks--we shall all suffer for what the gods have given us, suffer terribly."

-The Picture of Dorian Gray


We have been told multile times, that all of us are unique, we have our gifts and talents. However, these talents come with a heavy price. If we misuse them, we shall all suffer greatly.

Everything comes with a price. If you are born into a noble family, then, you will be always be hounded by the media. Every action that you do can be broadcast across the nation. You have to think twice about what you do. You cannot act rashly.

If you have smart parents, then you will be expected to be smart as well. You will be expected to do well in school. You may be given extra tuition.

If you are very good looking, then you will have even more of a temptation to fall in love and date at a younger age. You may succumb to pressure. It might affect your studies and so on.

If you are the Head of a country, a great responsibility is placed on your shoulders. Every decision you make may affect the fate of the country.

Thus is the price which comes with every gift. With knowledge, with power also comes such.

We might or might not have chosen our gifts before we were born, but it doesn't really matter. What matters now is that you are living your life. Every person has their own problems. I have never seen a person without problems. In fact, most of the spiritual leaders or writers are those people who have had the most problems. Thats why they can write and tell others about it.

Naturally speaking we should use our gifts for Good. But what the hell is good? Can anyone define it? Not really. Because, sometimes, we have to go against Love, Truth and Compassion to serve the Greater Good. But then again, who is capable of defining the Greater Good?

Should we then, sacrifice 100,000 people, to end a war? Or save a country? Is the ending of the war really the Greater Good? How about the death of so many people?

What is Good?

The Picture of Dorian Gray, if you haven't read it, goes like this. A very handsome young man made a wish, that his portrait would age, instead of him. And it came true. He indulged in many sins and deadly pleasures, but still remained as beautiful as ever. However, it was his portrait which changed. It became old, it became sinful, it became ugly. He went on to murder, but still he remained as young and sinless-looking as ever.

In the end, he died when he stabbed his portrait, because he became paranoid and sick of his own life. He was tortured by his gift and the Past. Similarly, we are tortured by our gifts.

Is there no escape, then? (Thats for you to think about, I'm not answering that question :)


Your Friend,
Aaron

P.S I hoped that you have had a Happy Halloween yesterday. I know that some of you rejoiced over your results, some of you were disappointed, either by your results, or your parents' reactions. But, nevertheless, think about it. What is there for you to be upset about? You can't control how people react.

Divination

Hi Friends,


Everyone wants to know about the future. Throughout the ages, there has been many ways of doing so, Palm Reading, Tarot, Crystal Ball gazing and so on...Nowadays, because of the New Age and also the Western influence, these ways have become quite popular. Also, because of the mixing of the Eastern and Western influences in our country contributed to the rise of many superstitions and false beliefs about such.

All of us have many different beliefs about such things, and I take a stand on these things on a Mental Science basis. For example, I have always taught that in everything we should try to understand and find out the underlying cause. We need to understand how magick works, and so we can reproduce it everytime we need it. We do not believe blindly in things.

On the bus on Tuesday on the way back from Pulau Semakou, we saw a group of friends playing Tarot. I might have stated that Tarot was evil the last time, but that was because of Christian Influence. Anyway, my current stand now, is as such. I highly encourage people not to take Tarot seriously, or in fact other divination methods. If the results of the readings are good, I do not worry. But if the results of the readings are bad, then these readings if given enough attention will take a place in your subconscious mind, and will only lead you to disaster.

Therefore, my summary of Tarot is that it influences your Future by messing with your present.

The future is not really static, and what you do will influence and change it. I suggest that life is meant to be lived as it is, without trying to find out what the Future holds. I heard on that day about methods that are very accurate. I highly doubt it. I think that it is your subconscious mind that will make these results of these readings come true, because you fear it too much.

Also there is the problem of Ouija. I was thinking of buying an ouija board not too far back. Many people who are afraid shun Ouija, as a source of demonic power but remember as Sentients or Mental Scientists, we should know that we cannot believe in something unless we have tested it. I have 2 theories which may support about demonic posession after the use of Ouija, a case as given by one of my friends. Firstly is the case of Collective Belief. If everyone believes that something is unlucky, then they contribute their power to it, so bad things will have a higher chance of happening. No. 2 is that if you are afraid of something, fear means that you are giving the directions to your subconscious mind that you want the thing to happen, because you keep picturing it in your mind. Therefore, even if you are not posessed, you will believe and act so.

I have not conversed with a visible spirit before, but that does not really mean I do not believe in spirits. I think that every single thing has a spirit, and you can practise being in harmony with your enviroment, by being on good terms with them. That is what many of the beliefs of the ancient tribes, that everything has a spirit. I think that now science is getting closer to proving that.

Anyway, I'll update you all on this topic when I get an Ouija board :)

Aaron