Monthly Archives: January 2011

“A story is a tree that grows in the soil of the heart”

Posted on January 29, 2011 by

“A story is a tree that grows in the soil of the heart” Hasan Askari (1932-2008)

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Gayatri used in Hindu daily worship

Posted on January 29, 2011 by

Gayatri (Sanskrit) Meditative chant/mantra used in the daily worship of Hindus. Bhur bhuvah svah / tat savitur varenyam / bhargo devasya dhimahi / dhiyo yo nah pracodayat / santih santih santih Body of all. Mind of all. Spirit of all / May we meditate on the Supreme / On the all-pervading radiance of … Continue reading →

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Inter-dependence as an agent of Unity

Posted on January 29, 2011 by

To  say “All” implies Unity. Thus “All” diversity in the sensible realm if it is to possess unity; how does it display or present that unity? A unity that is not of its own. As beauty of a particular form is not the forms’ … Continue reading →

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Collective Identity held lightly not tightly

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

            I prefer to hold on to any identity lightly rather than tightly. It informs my thinking but is not essentially who I am. Spiritually, I cling to such identities lightly with the hope that … Continue reading →

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Source of evil is self-conscious good

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

World cultures and world systems how evil is cognized: a summary of Hasan Askari’s view from the book Towards A Spiritual Humanism…continued. We face an extraordinary challenge when it comes to the question of evil. An extraordinary philosophical and gnostic question at … Continue reading →

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Conceptions & Responses to the question of evil

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

World cultures and world systems how evil is cognized: a summary of Hasan Askari’s view from the book Towards A Spiritual Humanism…continued. Two ideas are universally shared in various world traditions:  1) there is something in the structure of the world which … Continue reading →

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The Problem of evil as understood in World Cultures & Systems

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

World cultures and world systems how evil is cognized: a summary of Hasan Askari’s view from the book Towards A Spiritual Humanism Ancient Indian discourse – evil is “avidya” or ignorance – lack of knowledge. A lack of being. Duality … Continue reading →

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Theory of Evolution forestalled in drama, poetry & symbol

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

“There are two extremely crucial moments in our modern transformation which both humanists and Muslims and religious people in general have to come to terms with. The first moment which created the greatest upheaval in our thought came about through … Continue reading →

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A Farewell Wish

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

Whiter than white, The setting sun departs, Bidding goodnight, Pain in my heart Hope to see you again my friend, Pay tribute to you as you descend, In your wake, The Sky: Still, Clear, And light, A lone bird takes … Continue reading →

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Plotinus, father of Neo-Platonism

Posted on January 23, 2011 by

“This is not a journey for the feet; the feet bring us only from land to land; nor need you think of coach or ship to carry you away; all this order of things you must set aside and refuse … Continue reading →

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