Hari Om
Today is a special day for the two other countries of my heart; OZ and Bharata.
For those of you who are a bit new to this blog, YAM is an Australian by choice. All official. Got the certificate. It is a joy to me that between OZ and UK one can maintain dual-citizenship. I truly have the best of both worlds. (Newcomers may like to click the labels at left bar for 'Mac History' and WBLs to get a taste of Down Under.)
These two places have played an enormous part in who I am in the physical world. A significant part of who I am as a whole, though, is the 'inner' world; the spiritual me. Definitely UK and OZ inform that, but even further I have the magic of India to bless me... and today is a National holiday there too!
For a little over two years India was my home. I have written little about that of late, though this blog began whilst I was there and you can catch glimpses of it on the 'ashram' label.
No doubt I shall get round to telling more of my personal relationship with India (the spiritual side is on display over at Aatmaavrajanam!) What I would say now, though, in line with the adage "you cannot know a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes", living within a culture, absorbing what it has to offer, breaking down one's inner barriers as well as being surprised at what those barriers are (often not what you would think), is the only way that one can then truly appreciate that culture. It opens one's eyes and stretches the heart. Or it ought to. There are, of course, those who plant themselves on another's territory but seek to bring theirs with them.
There are 'fanatics and fundamentalists' in all countries, all cultures, all walks of life. In an open society, they are to be allowed their views. In that same open society, as long as the weight of opinion remains balanced and the bulk of the views are of the live and let live kind, goodness will prevail. This is the nature of tolerance.
Now, do please enjoy this video about three amazing minds! (You can click the 'watch later' button to add to your tubular account if you wish)
Today is a special day for the two other countries of my heart; OZ and Bharata.
For those of you who are a bit new to this blog, YAM is an Australian by choice. All official. Got the certificate. It is a joy to me that between OZ and UK one can maintain dual-citizenship. I truly have the best of both worlds. (Newcomers may like to click the labels at left bar for 'Mac History' and WBLs to get a taste of Down Under.)
These two places have played an enormous part in who I am in the physical world. A significant part of who I am as a whole, though, is the 'inner' world; the spiritual me. Definitely UK and OZ inform that, but even further I have the magic of India to bless me... and today is a National holiday there too!For a little over two years India was my home. I have written little about that of late, though this blog began whilst I was there and you can catch glimpses of it on the 'ashram' label.
'Tolerance is the only test of civilization.'
[HH Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda]
No doubt I shall get round to telling more of my personal relationship with India (the spiritual side is on display over at Aatmaavrajanam!) What I would say now, though, in line with the adage "you cannot know a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes", living within a culture, absorbing what it has to offer, breaking down one's inner barriers as well as being surprised at what those barriers are (often not what you would think), is the only way that one can then truly appreciate that culture. It opens one's eyes and stretches the heart. Or it ought to. There are, of course, those who plant themselves on another's territory but seek to bring theirs with them.
There are 'fanatics and fundamentalists' in all countries, all cultures, all walks of life. In an open society, they are to be allowed their views. In that same open society, as long as the weight of opinion remains balanced and the bulk of the views are of the live and let live kind, goodness will prevail. This is the nature of tolerance.
Now, do please enjoy this video about three amazing minds! (You can click the 'watch later' button to add to your tubular account if you wish)
Bella and ROXY and Dui have a SUPER DUPER post up.... with Happy STRALYA Day Video... Happy BIRFDAY to All of OZ.
ReplyDeleteHappy Australia Day to you too.
ReplyDeleteMerle.......
Crikey Aunty ..... Australia Day, aye?? AND .... India is celebrating a special day too?? Sure hope you're celebrating!! We are!! AND it's RAINING!! Gotta get out there in it so haven't had time to look at the videos but trust me ..... we will. Mum's started to read your blogs in bed at night .... from the begining. She MUST be mad, aye???????
ReplyDeleteHappy Australia Day!!!!!!!!!
You've such an interesting life!
ReplyDeleteHi there - nice post - I sit in the due identity box - British by birth, Australian by choice!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne (and Somerset!)
PS: work has settled down, school and summer holidays just about over, normal device will now be resumed!
Happy Australia Day and Happy Republic Day... I think it's a good way to celebrate together, so we will understand each other much better :o)
ReplyDeleteEasy Rider
I heard on the radio yesterday that it was Australia Day. Hope you had a nice day celebrating!!
ReplyDelete