I read an article the other day that asked a question about mental illness among African Americans. Since I am a so-called "African American", and since I work in the field of Mental Health, this article was of particular interest to me.
The more I reflected on the question, the more I became convinced of a certain reality -- that whether we want to believe it or not, mental illness is more prevalent among our people than we realize.
Like many physical illnesses, mental illness can manifest in many different forms and degrees...sometimes quite noticeable, sometimes barely noticeable. In fact, it is possible for an entire society to be "mentally ill" and yet regard itself as "sane"; while often labelling the few truly sane among them "insane" or "mentally ill".
There is no way that we, as a people, could experience over 400 years of the worst treatment ever inflicted on any people, and not fall into some form or degree of mental illness.
The GOOD NEWS is that, in most cases, the remedy is simple...although often very time consuming.
What IS "mental illness", exactly?
mental:
1) Of, or relating to, the mind;
2) Of, or relating to, the total emotional and intellectual response of an individual to his environment.
mind:
the record or collective of experiences of a Being by which he or she assigns meaning to his or her subsequent experiences, and to his or her own existence; and by which he or she makes evaluations and decisions concerning his or her past, present and future.
ill(ness):
1) involving or demonstrating dysfunction or difficulty;
2) not optimum; unfavorable.
Therefore, "mental illness" is a state or condition wherein a Being has consistent difficulty (or the inability) responding appropriately to his or her environment or surroundings. "Appropriately" meaning "in a manner that promotes the well being of Self and Others."
If a Being can accurately perceive a situation in his or her environment, and then appropriately respond to the situation, that Being is said to be "rational", or, responding exactly (in a "one to one" ratio) to the demands of the situation, so that the situation ceases to exist, and thus requires no further attention. This is also known as "sanity", and Sanity is absolutely dependent upon the presence and proper understanding of TRUTH.
With the exception of cases where there is physical damage to the Brain, Mental Illness is the result of accepting "false data" as "true data".
What is “false data”? False Data can be any information in the Mind that does not allow a Being to produce a “true” or appropriate answer to a given question or problem.
False data can be said to be of four basic types:
1) Data that is completely false.
2) Data that is partly true and partly false.
3) Data that is true but incomplete.
4) Data that is true and complete, but misunderstood.
Much, if not MOST, of our fundamental assumptions about Life, about Self, about Love, etc., are based on “false data” that has been accepted as True. This presents a problem for a Mind that is Designed to function on TRUTH.
If one could locate all the "false" data that one has accepted as "true", and then replace that false data with "true" data, the result would be a complete return to sanity. But, as with any process of healing, it requires great amounts of honesty, courage and commitment.
Just as “mental illness” is produced by the acceptance of falsehood as Truth, so “mental HEALTH” can be restored and maintained by the acceptance and understanding of TRUTH.
Please Click Here for more Info.
RM
Friday, January 11, 2008
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
"Regardless of Whom or What"
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.
Salaam Family!
In our Lessons from Master Fard Muhammad, we read the following:
11. Have you not learned that your Word shall be Bond, regardless of whom or what?
Ans. Yes. My Word is Bond, and Bond is Life; and I will give my Life before my Word shall fail.
Word - the spoken or written expression of a concept, idea or intention.
Bond - a binding agreement; a tie; a secure connection; an essential or fundamental link or affinity.
Life - purposeful or intelligent activity and the results or effects produced by such activity.
It has been my own personal experience and observation that, "Regardless of whom or what", each of us is bound, or securely connected -- by the law of cause and effect -- to every intention that we formulate and commit to; and the quality of our lives is directly affected by our ability to fulfill the intentions that we formulate and commit to.
The more unfulfilled intentions one has, the lower will be his quality of life, the poorer will be his performance in life, and the more dissatisfied he will be with his life.
This principle can be seen in the example of a computer that has trouble performing the task at hand (present) because there are too many "background" (past) programs running.
To start one program (intention) and then to start a second program without ever closing the first one; and then to start a third program without ever closing the first and second ones, and so on...creates a host of unfulfilled intentions that affect the Awareness of a person in much the same way that excess "background programs" affect the "awareness" or ability of a computer: they tie up the person's attention (memory) in the past, making it increasingly difficult to perform the task at hand, or to be in "present time", causing the "user" to often become dissatisfied, disappointed, and even depressed; unless he or she knows how to identify and "close" those mental "background programs" -- unfulfilled intentions.
This is one reason why it is so very important to implement the process of Atonement, and the Practice of Lawful Dialogue in our own personal lives -- to help relieve ourselves of the psychological burden of the unfulfilled intentions, unkept words, and broken promises which tie up so much of our awareness in the past, that we are barely functioning in the Present; and we can hardly even envision a future for ourselves.
Another negative effect of failing to complete or fulfill our intentions, is that after a while, it it sets up in our minds a "habit" of "not fulfilling" our intentions; and so we become chronic "starters", but weak "finishers"; which could easily convince a person that he or she "can't" finish or fulfill his or her own intentions; and then becomes dependent on "someone else" to motivate him/her or to tell him/her what to do.
Let us be careful what intentions we formulate and commit to; but when we DO commit to an intention, let us work hard to fulfill it -- not only for the sake of keeping the trust of those we interact with, but also for the sake of our own sanity and quality of life.
Let us Strive, always, to make our word Bond, regardless of whom or what!
Respectfully,
RM
Salaam Family!
In our Lessons from Master Fard Muhammad, we read the following:
11. Have you not learned that your Word shall be Bond, regardless of whom or what?
Ans. Yes. My Word is Bond, and Bond is Life; and I will give my Life before my Word shall fail.
Word - the spoken or written expression of a concept, idea or intention.
Bond - a binding agreement; a tie; a secure connection; an essential or fundamental link or affinity.
Life - purposeful or intelligent activity and the results or effects produced by such activity.
It has been my own personal experience and observation that, "Regardless of whom or what", each of us is bound, or securely connected -- by the law of cause and effect -- to every intention that we formulate and commit to; and the quality of our lives is directly affected by our ability to fulfill the intentions that we formulate and commit to.
The more unfulfilled intentions one has, the lower will be his quality of life, the poorer will be his performance in life, and the more dissatisfied he will be with his life.
This principle can be seen in the example of a computer that has trouble performing the task at hand (present) because there are too many "background" (past) programs running.
To start one program (intention) and then to start a second program without ever closing the first one; and then to start a third program without ever closing the first and second ones, and so on...creates a host of unfulfilled intentions that affect the Awareness of a person in much the same way that excess "background programs" affect the "awareness" or ability of a computer: they tie up the person's attention (memory) in the past, making it increasingly difficult to perform the task at hand, or to be in "present time", causing the "user" to often become dissatisfied, disappointed, and even depressed; unless he or she knows how to identify and "close" those mental "background programs" -- unfulfilled intentions.
This is one reason why it is so very important to implement the process of Atonement, and the Practice of Lawful Dialogue in our own personal lives -- to help relieve ourselves of the psychological burden of the unfulfilled intentions, unkept words, and broken promises which tie up so much of our awareness in the past, that we are barely functioning in the Present; and we can hardly even envision a future for ourselves.
Another negative effect of failing to complete or fulfill our intentions, is that after a while, it it sets up in our minds a "habit" of "not fulfilling" our intentions; and so we become chronic "starters", but weak "finishers"; which could easily convince a person that he or she "can't" finish or fulfill his or her own intentions; and then becomes dependent on "someone else" to motivate him/her or to tell him/her what to do.
Let us be careful what intentions we formulate and commit to; but when we DO commit to an intention, let us work hard to fulfill it -- not only for the sake of keeping the trust of those we interact with, but also for the sake of our own sanity and quality of life.
Let us Strive, always, to make our word Bond, regardless of whom or what!
Respectfully,
RM
Friday, November 23, 2007
Belief - A conversation...
In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful...the Best Knower.
The following is a conversation I recently had with myself.
(Revised, slightly, 11-26-07)
===============================================
What is Belief?
Belief is the acceptance of something as real or true, thus accepting it as a basis for action or decision making, without having direct, experiential knowledge of the thing accepted.
What is the Basis for Belief?
It appears that "Belief" is the expression or sense that there exists some reality that has not yet been realized, having been inspired by one's experience with what has been realized.
In other words, experience yields Knowledge. That knowledge leads one to "believe" in the existence of a yet higher realm of experience, which would yield a higher knowledge. One's experience with the "seen" gives one insight into the Existence and Nature of the "Unseen".
So then, the quality or validity of one's Belief has much to do with the quality of one's experience?
Actually, it appears that the quality or validity of one's belief has more to do with one's perception of one's experience.
What are some of the things that can affect one's perception of one's experiences?
It apears that one's perception of one's experience can be affected by:
1) Comparison to previous experiences.
2) Correlation to previously received data/information.3) How pleasurable or painful the experience is.
4) A combination of any or all of the above.Numer 2) is of particular significance because it carries the possibility of receiving "false" data, which can cause one to misinterpret items 1) and 3).
So, one's beliefs can be affected by the information or data one receives?
Yes.
What do YOU believe?
I believe in the Principles of Freedom, Justice and Equality.
Why do you believe in Freedom, Justice and Equality?
I believe such because what I see in Nature is that all Living things - including myself - seek (desire) to be "free" and to be treated "fairly" (justly) and to have equal access to the necessities of Life; and it is seen that where these Principles are the Essence and the Goal of the Laws governing the society, the people are content with their existence.
Are you the only one who seeks (desires) Freedom, Justice and Equality for Self?
Not at all. It has been my observation that all people, since we are "Living things", are inclined by Nature to seek Freedom, Justice and Equality for ourselves.
Can one attain or experience these Principles for one's self, alone, if the rest of Humanity is denied these Principles?
No. I don't see how that could be possible. In order to secure Freedom, Justice and Equality for One, these Principles must be secured for All. The security of the Whole ensures the security of the Parts that make up the Whole...and vice versa.
How does each individual, who has free will, enjoy or secure Freedom, Justice and Equality for himself without violating the rights of others to enjoy or secure the same?
There must be order among the people that will govern their activities and behavior without denying them any of their Natural Rights, which are based on their Natural Needs.
How is this Order produced?
Order is produced by establishment and enforecement of, and obedience to, Law.
How is Law established among Beings of free will?
Among Beings of free will, Law is established by agreement among them as to what activities will best facilitate the Survival of the Community (or Nation).
How do Beings of Free Will come to such an agreement?
They must have some awareness of the common Nature and Needs they all share as Beings of the same Essence, sharing existence in the same Universe; and they must have some awareness of the Laws that Govern the Universe in which they live, and of which they are a part. Then they can effectively discern the value of a proposed social law, by evaluating how well the proposed social law harmonizes with the Universal or Divine Law.
How is such awareness developed?
Such awareness is developed by study of the physical Universe and the Laws, or natural tendencies, at work within it. However, under circumstances where people have lost the ability to "read" Creation, they must read and study Writings of Those who have done such Study and ahve some awareness of the Laws of Creation, and have recorded their findings for the benefit of others.
So, observation and study of the Laws, or Natural Tendencies, governing Creation results in greater awareness of these Laws?
Yes.
Is it possible, then, for there to be One Being who has a Greater Awareness and Understanding of these Laws than every other Being?
It is not only "possible", but it must be the case, since there are no two things in the Universe (including People) that are exactly alike in terms of form, function, degree, size, etc.
Therefore, there must be, by virtue of the Nature of things, a "larger" and a "smaller"; a "Greater" and a "lesser"; and this reality must always be present so long as there is "existence".
How far back does "existence" reach in time?
I don't "know", exactly. The Hon. Elijah Muhammad taught us that it goes back into the Trillions of years.
So, then, the "Order" of the Universe goes back into the Trillions of years?
Yes, that is what we are taught.
And, is the Universe "ordered" presently?
Yes, it is. If it weren't, it could not exist.
What is it that keeps the Laws, and thus the Order, in place? Why doesn't everything that exists just diffuse or dissipate back into "nothingness"? What is holding everything together?
It appears that there is a definite element of Control at work here, which overpowers the natural tendency in Matter to settle back into a state of diffusion.
What does "Control" suggest?
"Control" suggests "Intelligence"...at least in MY mind.
Ok...so...If Order suggests Control, and Control suggests Intelligence, then does Order suggest Intelligence?
Yes, that certainly appears to be the case.
And, if there has been "Order and "Control" Governing the Universe constantly, from Trillions of years ago to the Present; then has there also been an Intelligence keeping the "Order" and the "Control" in the Universe during that time?
Yes, I believe so ... a constant Presence of Intelligence, ensuring the constant Presence of "Order" by Its constant exercise of "Control".
What is this "Intelligence"?
It appears to be the Energy of Life, which is constantly seeking Expression or Manifestation.
And "where" is this Intelligence?
It appears or seems to be in all Living Things.
Is this Intelligence found in Man?
Yes. It is found ESPECIALLY in Man, as Man appears to be the only Being that can bring order, not only to his own social world, but also to worlds outside of his own social world; and can facilitate directly the survival of not only himself, but of other species as well.
So, the same Organizing Intelligence that formed the Universe is found in the expression of Man?
Yes.
Is Man, then, the Controller of the Universe?
That is what I believe, but I have not yet been able to experience or demonstrate that directly for myself.
Is Man "flesh", or is Man "Energy"?
I am convinced that Man is Light, Life and Power. Even his "flesh" is actualy "energy".
Who is the Supreme One among Man, today?
I believe that Master W. Fard Muhammad -- the Teacher of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad -- is that Supreme One.
Why do you believe He is the Supreme One?
I believe such because of the Teaching or Revelation that He Brought...because of the Supreme Truth that He Brought. Only a Supreme Mind can manifest Supreme Truth from Supreme Wisdom.
Also, because of the Supreme EFFECT that His Truth has had among a people in the absolute worst condition of any other people, ever, on our Planet. His Word has begun the Process of Resurrection among our people, which continues to this day under the Voice and Guidance of the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, without any carnal weapons, and despite the intense opposition from the Rulers of this world.
With a Word, Master Fard Muhammad is Bringing about a change of Worlds; that Word being delivered now through the Hon. Louis Farrakhan.
So, again, What do YOU Believe?
I believe that Man is the Supreme Being, and that the Supreme Being is Man. I believe that the Universal or Divine Intelligence which Governs Creation, Created the Human Form for Its Expression and Exercise of Power over Matter, to produce an environment (Universe) that is suitable for Its(His) continued evolution and growth.
I believe this Being Created also the means by which the Form or Vessel (Body) could be reproduced, so that the Idea and Work of the First One could continue, and be developed through His Progeny over eons of Time.
This is evident in the Nature of Life, wherein any single generation in the Present represents the cumulative experience and "instinct" of all the previous generations, all the way back to the Beginning of the species; making the Present generation a more evolved expression of their Ancestors.
I believe that the Supreme God/Man among us, today, is Master Fard Muhammad, Who attained His Mastery through a Supreme Study of the Wisdom and Work of the First God/Man -- the Originator (of Self and Creation).
How are the Idea and Wisdom of the Originator Evolved or Improved upon?
It is a demonstrable Truth that Living Beings retain the effects of their expeirences. These "effects" are retained as "information" or "data", and then are passed on to the next generation of Beings. This next generation is thus "born" with the record of the previous generation's experience, and then adds to that the data from its OWN experience, and then passes that combined experience on to ITS progeny, who then continue the Process...
This is just as true for Mental experience (in Man) as it is for physical experience. Man, unlike any other Being on Earth, has the ability to study, examine and evaluate His Past Actions and Ideas, and to determine how, if necessary, those Actions and Ideas should be modified to meet the ever evolving needs of the Present, toward fulfillment of a desired Future. This is Improvement, towards Perfection, of the Wisdom of the Originator, through each successive generation.
Is that what makes Master Fard Muhammad the Wisest and the Supreme of Beings?
Yes, I believe so. We are taught that He Studied (for 42 years) the Wisdom of All the Gods before Him -- especially the Originator -- out of a Deep Love and Respect for the Desire, Vision and Will of the Originator; and was able to Improve on the Wisdom of the Originator, and is in the Process of Improving on the Work of the Originator. This is called "Progress"...or Moving Forward; Building on the Foundation (or Base) Laid by the Originator.
Is this what is meant by the statement that "Allah" Came to us "In the Person" of Master Fard Muhammad?
Yes, I believe so. It means that the Mind, the Idea, the Will, the Spirit and the Power of "Allah" -- the Original Man -- is fully developed and Present among us in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad; as is evident by the Power of the Word He Gave us, which, when adhered to, is shown to be Superior to any other teaching I have encountered, in its ability to Raise the Consciousness of a fallen People. His ability to Reach and Raise the "dead" is proof of His ability to Reach and Raise the Living.
RM
The following is a conversation I recently had with myself.
(Revised, slightly, 11-26-07)
===============================================
What is Belief?
Belief is the acceptance of something as real or true, thus accepting it as a basis for action or decision making, without having direct, experiential knowledge of the thing accepted.
What is the Basis for Belief?
It appears that "Belief" is the expression or sense that there exists some reality that has not yet been realized, having been inspired by one's experience with what has been realized.
In other words, experience yields Knowledge. That knowledge leads one to "believe" in the existence of a yet higher realm of experience, which would yield a higher knowledge. One's experience with the "seen" gives one insight into the Existence and Nature of the "Unseen".
So then, the quality or validity of one's Belief has much to do with the quality of one's experience?
Actually, it appears that the quality or validity of one's belief has more to do with one's perception of one's experience.
What are some of the things that can affect one's perception of one's experiences?
It apears that one's perception of one's experience can be affected by:
1) Comparison to previous experiences.
2) Correlation to previously received data/information.3) How pleasurable or painful the experience is.
4) A combination of any or all of the above.Numer 2) is of particular significance because it carries the possibility of receiving "false" data, which can cause one to misinterpret items 1) and 3).
So, one's beliefs can be affected by the information or data one receives?
Yes.
What do YOU believe?
I believe in the Principles of Freedom, Justice and Equality.
Why do you believe in Freedom, Justice and Equality?
I believe such because what I see in Nature is that all Living things - including myself - seek (desire) to be "free" and to be treated "fairly" (justly) and to have equal access to the necessities of Life; and it is seen that where these Principles are the Essence and the Goal of the Laws governing the society, the people are content with their existence.
Are you the only one who seeks (desires) Freedom, Justice and Equality for Self?
Not at all. It has been my observation that all people, since we are "Living things", are inclined by Nature to seek Freedom, Justice and Equality for ourselves.
Can one attain or experience these Principles for one's self, alone, if the rest of Humanity is denied these Principles?
No. I don't see how that could be possible. In order to secure Freedom, Justice and Equality for One, these Principles must be secured for All. The security of the Whole ensures the security of the Parts that make up the Whole...and vice versa.
How does each individual, who has free will, enjoy or secure Freedom, Justice and Equality for himself without violating the rights of others to enjoy or secure the same?
There must be order among the people that will govern their activities and behavior without denying them any of their Natural Rights, which are based on their Natural Needs.
How is this Order produced?
Order is produced by establishment and enforecement of, and obedience to, Law.
How is Law established among Beings of free will?
Among Beings of free will, Law is established by agreement among them as to what activities will best facilitate the Survival of the Community (or Nation).
How do Beings of Free Will come to such an agreement?
They must have some awareness of the common Nature and Needs they all share as Beings of the same Essence, sharing existence in the same Universe; and they must have some awareness of the Laws that Govern the Universe in which they live, and of which they are a part. Then they can effectively discern the value of a proposed social law, by evaluating how well the proposed social law harmonizes with the Universal or Divine Law.
How is such awareness developed?
Such awareness is developed by study of the physical Universe and the Laws, or natural tendencies, at work within it. However, under circumstances where people have lost the ability to "read" Creation, they must read and study Writings of Those who have done such Study and ahve some awareness of the Laws of Creation, and have recorded their findings for the benefit of others.
So, observation and study of the Laws, or Natural Tendencies, governing Creation results in greater awareness of these Laws?
Yes.
Is it possible, then, for there to be One Being who has a Greater Awareness and Understanding of these Laws than every other Being?
It is not only "possible", but it must be the case, since there are no two things in the Universe (including People) that are exactly alike in terms of form, function, degree, size, etc.
Therefore, there must be, by virtue of the Nature of things, a "larger" and a "smaller"; a "Greater" and a "lesser"; and this reality must always be present so long as there is "existence".
How far back does "existence" reach in time?
I don't "know", exactly. The Hon. Elijah Muhammad taught us that it goes back into the Trillions of years.
So, then, the "Order" of the Universe goes back into the Trillions of years?
Yes, that is what we are taught.
And, is the Universe "ordered" presently?
Yes, it is. If it weren't, it could not exist.
What is it that keeps the Laws, and thus the Order, in place? Why doesn't everything that exists just diffuse or dissipate back into "nothingness"? What is holding everything together?
It appears that there is a definite element of Control at work here, which overpowers the natural tendency in Matter to settle back into a state of diffusion.
What does "Control" suggest?
"Control" suggests "Intelligence"...at least in MY mind.
Ok...so...If Order suggests Control, and Control suggests Intelligence, then does Order suggest Intelligence?
Yes, that certainly appears to be the case.
And, if there has been "Order and "Control" Governing the Universe constantly, from Trillions of years ago to the Present; then has there also been an Intelligence keeping the "Order" and the "Control" in the Universe during that time?
Yes, I believe so ... a constant Presence of Intelligence, ensuring the constant Presence of "Order" by Its constant exercise of "Control".
What is this "Intelligence"?
It appears to be the Energy of Life, which is constantly seeking Expression or Manifestation.
And "where" is this Intelligence?
It appears or seems to be in all Living Things.
Is this Intelligence found in Man?
Yes. It is found ESPECIALLY in Man, as Man appears to be the only Being that can bring order, not only to his own social world, but also to worlds outside of his own social world; and can facilitate directly the survival of not only himself, but of other species as well.
So, the same Organizing Intelligence that formed the Universe is found in the expression of Man?
Yes.
Is Man, then, the Controller of the Universe?
That is what I believe, but I have not yet been able to experience or demonstrate that directly for myself.
Is Man "flesh", or is Man "Energy"?
I am convinced that Man is Light, Life and Power. Even his "flesh" is actualy "energy".
Who is the Supreme One among Man, today?
I believe that Master W. Fard Muhammad -- the Teacher of the Hon. Elijah Muhammad -- is that Supreme One.
Why do you believe He is the Supreme One?
I believe such because of the Teaching or Revelation that He Brought...because of the Supreme Truth that He Brought. Only a Supreme Mind can manifest Supreme Truth from Supreme Wisdom.
Also, because of the Supreme EFFECT that His Truth has had among a people in the absolute worst condition of any other people, ever, on our Planet. His Word has begun the Process of Resurrection among our people, which continues to this day under the Voice and Guidance of the Hon. Louis Farrakhan, without any carnal weapons, and despite the intense opposition from the Rulers of this world.
With a Word, Master Fard Muhammad is Bringing about a change of Worlds; that Word being delivered now through the Hon. Louis Farrakhan.
So, again, What do YOU Believe?
I believe that Man is the Supreme Being, and that the Supreme Being is Man. I believe that the Universal or Divine Intelligence which Governs Creation, Created the Human Form for Its Expression and Exercise of Power over Matter, to produce an environment (Universe) that is suitable for Its(His) continued evolution and growth.
I believe this Being Created also the means by which the Form or Vessel (Body) could be reproduced, so that the Idea and Work of the First One could continue, and be developed through His Progeny over eons of Time.
This is evident in the Nature of Life, wherein any single generation in the Present represents the cumulative experience and "instinct" of all the previous generations, all the way back to the Beginning of the species; making the Present generation a more evolved expression of their Ancestors.
I believe that the Supreme God/Man among us, today, is Master Fard Muhammad, Who attained His Mastery through a Supreme Study of the Wisdom and Work of the First God/Man -- the Originator (of Self and Creation).
How are the Idea and Wisdom of the Originator Evolved or Improved upon?
It is a demonstrable Truth that Living Beings retain the effects of their expeirences. These "effects" are retained as "information" or "data", and then are passed on to the next generation of Beings. This next generation is thus "born" with the record of the previous generation's experience, and then adds to that the data from its OWN experience, and then passes that combined experience on to ITS progeny, who then continue the Process...
This is just as true for Mental experience (in Man) as it is for physical experience. Man, unlike any other Being on Earth, has the ability to study, examine and evaluate His Past Actions and Ideas, and to determine how, if necessary, those Actions and Ideas should be modified to meet the ever evolving needs of the Present, toward fulfillment of a desired Future. This is Improvement, towards Perfection, of the Wisdom of the Originator, through each successive generation.
Is that what makes Master Fard Muhammad the Wisest and the Supreme of Beings?
Yes, I believe so. We are taught that He Studied (for 42 years) the Wisdom of All the Gods before Him -- especially the Originator -- out of a Deep Love and Respect for the Desire, Vision and Will of the Originator; and was able to Improve on the Wisdom of the Originator, and is in the Process of Improving on the Work of the Originator. This is called "Progress"...or Moving Forward; Building on the Foundation (or Base) Laid by the Originator.
Is this what is meant by the statement that "Allah" Came to us "In the Person" of Master Fard Muhammad?
Yes, I believe so. It means that the Mind, the Idea, the Will, the Spirit and the Power of "Allah" -- the Original Man -- is fully developed and Present among us in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad; as is evident by the Power of the Word He Gave us, which, when adhered to, is shown to be Superior to any other teaching I have encountered, in its ability to Raise the Consciousness of a fallen People. His ability to Reach and Raise the "dead" is proof of His ability to Reach and Raise the Living.
RM
Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Rise and Fall of Nations...and Belief Systems
The strength and longevity of a Tree depends, to a large degree, on the strength and depth of its connection (roots) to the Earth.
If a man, having no root in the earth, can walk up to a tree twice his size and push it down so that it falls to the ground, is this an indication of the strength of the man, or of the weakness of the Tree's connection (roots) to the Earth?
Likewise, the strength and longevity of any Civilization (or Belief System) depend, to a great extent, upon that civilization's governing principles being sufficiently rooted in the Universal Order of God's Creation.
If an alien civilization, with no root in the Universal Order, can walk up to an "Ancient" civilization and topple it to the "ground", is this an indication of the "strength" of the "alien civilization", or of the weakness of the Ancient Civilization?
If the Ancient Civilization were sufficiently rooted in the Universal Order, it should not fall victim to that which has no root.
The fall of a particular nation has not so much to do with the strength of opposing nations, as it has to do with the inability of that nation to maintain its connection to the evolutionary process of Change in keeping with the Laws of Nature.
Consider these words from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan:
"When you go out after Knowledge, never say, 'I found it!,' for when you think you have found it, you have stopped searching. You have stopped seeking. When you stop searching, stop seeking, you have reached a plateau of learning. That plateau leads to the death of your society; the death of your own power; your creative energy."
When a people rise to a certain height in cultural development, there is a tendency to "level out", and "rest" at that level, and they get "comfortable" where they are; which means the "push" to further evolve is halted; and the people then begin the process of degeneration, as it is well known that when growth ceases, degeneration begins.
The degeneration of the society begins to produce dissatisfaction in the people whose nature demands cultivation; and that dissatisfaction invariably "gives birth" to a new idea that is more suitable to the needs of the people. If the society at large does not accept the "new idea", then it will continue to degenerate and weaken until either the new idea takes over, or some outside element moves in to take over.
In order to protect itself from this phenomena, a nation or society must encourage and promote the cultivation and evolution of the Minds of its citizens, according to the Natural Order, or Universal Order of Creation. The society must constantly guard itself against 'settling' on any particular level of understanding, and must constantly strive for greater and greater understanding; as Truth and Reality are ever-evolving. This means we must be "open" to consider new Ideas and new Possibilities for the furtherance of the society, and not get "stuck" on any one moment in the past. Everything is moving forward, and so must we.
Where do these "new Ideas" come from? Ofttimes, it is born out of the dissatisfaction of the people, whose Nature is to constantly seek growth, and rebels against stagnation.
However, the most siginificant Source of these "new Ideas" is the Divine Supreme Being, Who, according to Scripture, has been facilitating the evolution of Humanity through time by stages, by way of Divine Revelation.
It is when a society rejects, or turns away from, this Divine Guidance that it ceases to grow, and begins (or continues) the process of degeneration; and so becomes destined for collapse and replacement.
If we, who are in the Present, are seeking growth and evolution through that which is already Past, then we too will soon become a thing of the past...obsolete.
Let us open our eyes and seek out that Guidance that is suited for the Present. We must Honor and Respect the Past, but we also must be mature enough to accept that the wisdom of the Past is not sufficient for the Present time and circumstances.
God's Guidance for the Present, and the proper study of it, is the Key to maximizing our success in the Present, and thus laying a proper foundation to take us into the Future.
Let us "Honor" the past...not "worship" it.
RM
If a man, having no root in the earth, can walk up to a tree twice his size and push it down so that it falls to the ground, is this an indication of the strength of the man, or of the weakness of the Tree's connection (roots) to the Earth?
Likewise, the strength and longevity of any Civilization (or Belief System) depend, to a great extent, upon that civilization's governing principles being sufficiently rooted in the Universal Order of God's Creation.
If an alien civilization, with no root in the Universal Order, can walk up to an "Ancient" civilization and topple it to the "ground", is this an indication of the "strength" of the "alien civilization", or of the weakness of the Ancient Civilization?
If the Ancient Civilization were sufficiently rooted in the Universal Order, it should not fall victim to that which has no root.
The fall of a particular nation has not so much to do with the strength of opposing nations, as it has to do with the inability of that nation to maintain its connection to the evolutionary process of Change in keeping with the Laws of Nature.
Consider these words from the Hon. Louis Farrakhan:
"When you go out after Knowledge, never say, 'I found it!,' for when you think you have found it, you have stopped searching. You have stopped seeking. When you stop searching, stop seeking, you have reached a plateau of learning. That plateau leads to the death of your society; the death of your own power; your creative energy."
When a people rise to a certain height in cultural development, there is a tendency to "level out", and "rest" at that level, and they get "comfortable" where they are; which means the "push" to further evolve is halted; and the people then begin the process of degeneration, as it is well known that when growth ceases, degeneration begins.
The degeneration of the society begins to produce dissatisfaction in the people whose nature demands cultivation; and that dissatisfaction invariably "gives birth" to a new idea that is more suitable to the needs of the people. If the society at large does not accept the "new idea", then it will continue to degenerate and weaken until either the new idea takes over, or some outside element moves in to take over.
In order to protect itself from this phenomena, a nation or society must encourage and promote the cultivation and evolution of the Minds of its citizens, according to the Natural Order, or Universal Order of Creation. The society must constantly guard itself against 'settling' on any particular level of understanding, and must constantly strive for greater and greater understanding; as Truth and Reality are ever-evolving. This means we must be "open" to consider new Ideas and new Possibilities for the furtherance of the society, and not get "stuck" on any one moment in the past. Everything is moving forward, and so must we.
Where do these "new Ideas" come from? Ofttimes, it is born out of the dissatisfaction of the people, whose Nature is to constantly seek growth, and rebels against stagnation.
However, the most siginificant Source of these "new Ideas" is the Divine Supreme Being, Who, according to Scripture, has been facilitating the evolution of Humanity through time by stages, by way of Divine Revelation.
It is when a society rejects, or turns away from, this Divine Guidance that it ceases to grow, and begins (or continues) the process of degeneration; and so becomes destined for collapse and replacement.
If we, who are in the Present, are seeking growth and evolution through that which is already Past, then we too will soon become a thing of the past...obsolete.
Let us open our eyes and seek out that Guidance that is suited for the Present. We must Honor and Respect the Past, but we also must be mature enough to accept that the wisdom of the Past is not sufficient for the Present time and circumstances.
God's Guidance for the Present, and the proper study of it, is the Key to maximizing our success in the Present, and thus laying a proper foundation to take us into the Future.
Let us "Honor" the past...not "worship" it.
RM
Friday, November 09, 2007
What Is It About Us "Religious" Folk..?
Salaam (Peace) to all...
I was reading over an article today, about a Pastor in Los Angeles who publicly criticized certain members of the Christian Community -- Bishop Weeks, Juanita Bynum, and Paula White -- for the unfortunate circumstances they have found themselves in.
Mind you, I am not deluded into thinking that what I'm about to speak on is a "Christian" problem. I understand that it is a "human" problem which tends to find its greatest manifestation among religious people in general...Jews, Christians, Muslims, etc.
What is it in us, who claim to believe in God, that causes us to be so quick to mock and ridicule a fellow believer who has fallen due to some imperfection, as if we have no imperfections?
I was really disappointed to hear of a Christian pastor openly mocking the misfortune of other Christian leaders, infecting his congregation with the spirit of condemnation of a fellow believer, instead of the spirit of compassion.
Instead of mocking our Brothers and Sisters in faith when they stumble (or fall), why not go to them and offer our SUPPORT...especially when they have demonstrated that they are sincere in the midst of their imperfections.
Many of us claim kinship to a "Jesus" who is lifted up as the epitome of Love, Mercy and Compassion. Should not those same wonderful attributes be found in the hearts of those who follow Him?
Or, do we fall into the category of the "hypocrites", of whom Jesus said, "this people draweth nigh unto me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me"?
It just seems to me that, instead of being so quick to "crucify" one another for the faults that must eventually manifest in all of us, we should run to each other's aid, and seek to "heal the sin sick soul".
"Love covereth a multitude of sins..."
RM
I was reading over an article today, about a Pastor in Los Angeles who publicly criticized certain members of the Christian Community -- Bishop Weeks, Juanita Bynum, and Paula White -- for the unfortunate circumstances they have found themselves in.
Mind you, I am not deluded into thinking that what I'm about to speak on is a "Christian" problem. I understand that it is a "human" problem which tends to find its greatest manifestation among religious people in general...Jews, Christians, Muslims, etc.
What is it in us, who claim to believe in God, that causes us to be so quick to mock and ridicule a fellow believer who has fallen due to some imperfection, as if we have no imperfections?
I was really disappointed to hear of a Christian pastor openly mocking the misfortune of other Christian leaders, infecting his congregation with the spirit of condemnation of a fellow believer, instead of the spirit of compassion.
Instead of mocking our Brothers and Sisters in faith when they stumble (or fall), why not go to them and offer our SUPPORT...especially when they have demonstrated that they are sincere in the midst of their imperfections.
Many of us claim kinship to a "Jesus" who is lifted up as the epitome of Love, Mercy and Compassion. Should not those same wonderful attributes be found in the hearts of those who follow Him?
Or, do we fall into the category of the "hypocrites", of whom Jesus said, "this people draweth nigh unto me with their lips, but their hearts are far removed from me"?
It just seems to me that, instead of being so quick to "crucify" one another for the faults that must eventually manifest in all of us, we should run to each other's aid, and seek to "heal the sin sick soul".
"Love covereth a multitude of sins..."
RM
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