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Hey, Yo! Abrahamics

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
Shrugs. I always wanted to be an patient advocate for individuals with Epilepsy. The Cyberonics company (the company that made the VNS device in my chest) put me on a list of thousands across the states; so, anyone considering VNS has the option to call me (one out of a thousand). One person did call me from Kentucky I believe. I'm at home most of the time since I'm not in school right now.

I've always been a "go all out" person. Missionary, monk, priest, nun, or so forth. Its an inner need to do more than give a homeless person a dollar bill.

Cool. What's holding you back?
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
Cool. What's holding you back?

:) Finances, transportation, and a couple of years of practice for the dirty stuff. I haven't found other ways to be involved in the community that I'm motivated to do. I've been trying to find ways to be a substitute teacher. I get paid tutoring now and trying to tutor as an entrepreneur since I already teach.

I want to be a professional speaker but I can't figure how to go about it and what do I know well enough to speak of. Who would I go to help with that type stuff?
 

Dawnofhope

Non-Proselytizing Baha'i
Staff member
Premium Member
:) Finances, transportation, and a couple of years of practice for the dirty stuff. I haven't found other ways to be involved in the community that I'm motivated to do. I've been trying to find ways to be a substitute teacher. I get paid tutoring now and trying to tutor as an entrepreneur since I already teach.

I want to be a professional speaker but I can't figure how to go about it and what do I know well enough to speak of. Who would I go to help with that type stuff?

In a sense it is like a calling in life. Through prayer, meditation, and taking the right actions in life the door will open in life.

When I was 29, I was teaching popular styles of guitar. I had about 10 students on the go. I just knew there was more. On the advice of a friend I recited a powerful Baha'i prayer. That night I had a dream about applying for readmission into medical school. I just knew that's where I needed to be heading and a year later that was what I was doing. That was 25 years ago and I'm still doing medicine.

I relied on the power of prayer to God. Sounds like a cliché but it worked.
 

InvestigateTruth

Well-Known Member
"And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways.
I will reply to one of your questions, by quoting Bahaullah, specifically related to the verse of Quran, you have quoted. Bahaullah in the Book of certitude, writes a list of 'efforts', which are required for 'being guided to the ways of God':

But, O my brother, when a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading to the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse and purify his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. He must purge his breast, which is the sanctuary of the abiding love of the Beloved, of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hate repel him away from the truth. Even as thou dost witness in this day how most of the people, because of such love and hate, are bereft of the immortal Face, have strayed far from the Embodiments of the divine mysteries, and, shepherdless, are roaming through the wilderness of oblivion and error. That seeker must at all times put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above anyone, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence, and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endure a century.
That seeker should also regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion, inasmuch as backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire. He should treasure the
companionship of those that have renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and worldly people a precious benefit. At the dawn of every day he should commune with God, and with all his soul persevere in the quest of his Beloved. He should consume every wayward thought with the flame of His loving mention, and, with the swiftness of lightning, pass by all else save Him.
He should succor the dispossessed, and never withhold his favor from the destitute. He should show kindness to animals, how much more unto his fellowman, to him who is endowed with the power of utterance. He should not hesitate to offer up his life for his Beloved, nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the Truth. He should not wish for others that which he doth not wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfill. With all his heart should the seeker avoid fellowship with evildoers, and pray for the remission of their sins. He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be. How often hath a sinner, at the hour of death, attained to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draft, hath taken his flight unto the celestial Concourse. And how often hath a devout believer, at the hour of his soul’s ascension, been so changed as to fall into the nethermost fire. Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.
These are among the attributes of the exalted, and constitute the hallmark of the spiritually minded. They have already been mentioned in connection with the requirements of the wayfarers that tread the Path of Positive Knowledge. When the detached wayfarer and sincere seeker hath fulfilled these essential conditions, then and only then can he be called a true seeker. Whensoever he hath fulfilled the conditions implied in the verse: “Whoso maketh efforts for Us,” he shall enjoy the blessing conferred by the words: “In Our ways shall We assuredly guide him.”
 
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Akivah

Well-Known Member
I have a question(s) for the ritually and dogmatically devoted abrahamics-Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai, um, and all in between.
I don't define myself as ritually or dogmatically devoted. Nor do I understand why this label is necessary to get answers for your questions.

are there specific ways you use scriptures to apply it to a given situation. If you do, name a situation (or make up one similar) that you use your sacred scripture to define and determine how you should act in that given event.I just want to get an idea of how you guys apply scripture to your everyday life.

I go out of my way to fix things that I see as problems. For example, if I see debris in the road, I move it to the side. From Ethics of the Fathers "If not me, then who? If not now, then when?"

I give monies to charitable groups every month.

If I see a person mourning, then I provide comfort.
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
I will reply to one of your questions, by quoting Bahaullah, specifically related to the verse of Quran, you have quoted. Bahaullah in the Book of certitude, writes a list of 'efforts', which are required for 'being guided to the ways of God':

But, O my brother, when a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading to the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse and purify his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. He must purge his breast, which is the sanctuary of the abiding love of the Beloved, of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hate repel him away from the truth. Even as thou dost witness in this day how most of the people, because of such love and hate, are bereft of the immortal Face, have strayed far from the Embodiments of the divine mysteries, and, shepherdless, are roaming through the wilderness of oblivion and error. That seeker must at all times put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above anyone, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vainglory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence, and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endure a century.
That seeker should also regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion, inasmuch as backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire. He should treasure the
companionship of those that have renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and worldly people a precious benefit. At the dawn of every day he should commune with God, and with all his soul persevere in the quest of his Beloved. He should consume every wayward thought with the flame of His loving mention, and, with the swiftness of lightning, pass by all else save Him.
He should succor the dispossessed, and never withhold his favor from the destitute. He should show kindness to animals, how much more unto his fellowman, to him who is endowed with the power of utterance. He should not hesitate to offer up his life for his Beloved, nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the Truth. He should not wish for others that which he doth not wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfill. With all his heart should the seeker avoid fellowship with evildoers, and pray for the remission of their sins. He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be. How often hath a sinner, at the hour of death, attained to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draft, hath taken his flight unto the celestial Concourse. And how often hath a devout believer, at the hour of his soul’s ascension, been so changed as to fall into the nethermost fire. Our purpose in revealing these convincing and weighty utterances is to impress upon the seeker that he should regard all else beside God as transient, and count all things save Him, Who is the Object of all adoration, as utter nothingness.
These are among the attributes of the exalted, and constitute the hallmark of the spiritually minded. They have already been mentioned in connection with the requirements of the wayfarers that tread the Path of Positive Knowledge. When the detached wayfarer and sincere seeker hath fulfilled these essential conditions, then and only then can he be called a true seeker. Whensoever he hath fulfilled the conditions implied in the verse: “Whoso maketh efforts for Us,” he shall enjoy the blessing conferred by the words: “In Our ways shall We assuredly guide him.”

I'm sorry I didn't get back to you. Getting me back for those long posts. :pJoking. I'll take some time to read it soon. Thanks!
 

Unveiled Artist

Veteran Member
I don't define myself as ritually or dogmatically devoted. Nor do I understand why this label is necessary to get answers for your questions.



I go out of my way to fix things that I see as problems. For example, if I see debris in the road, I move it to the side. From Ethics of the Fathers "If not me, then who? If not now, then when?"

I give monies to charitable groups every month.

If I see a person mourning, then I provide comfort.

Have you thought about being part of environmental clean up organizations?

Charity giving is always good.
 

whirlingmerc

Well-Known Member
I have a question(s) for the ritually and dogmatically devoted abrahamics-Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai, um, and all in between.

I'm treading trying to figure how to live my faith as a Buddhist beyond sitting on the cushion, reading suttas, and saying thank you.

When you guys read your sacred text, and you read "Love thy neighbor" and "And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And Indeed, Allah is with those who are of service to others. (Al Quran 29:70)" and so forth.

How do you scripturally apply these things literally not metaphorically (we all want to love thy neighbor and do service to others, for example) in accordance with your scriptures.

The laws of marriage, avoiding sexual perversion, killing, and so forth are pretty straight forward. What about the teachings that aren't negative in nature. Are they only practiced in worship or what

are there specific ways you use scriptures to apply it to a given situation. If you do, name a situation (or make up one similar) that you use your sacred scripture to define and determine how you should act in that given event.

I just want to get an idea of how you guys apply scripture to your everyday life. I mean, anyone can pray and light a candle. Anyone a say "do unto others as one would do unto themselves" but what does that actually mean in action and how do you personally apply it--that or make it up but keep with the context of the questions.

If you have nothing nice to say about my posts, please don't reply. I ignored people that I never had any issues with. Maybe its the way I toss my fingers when I type or the baby finger that sticks out, who knows.

Point being: be respectful.

Share your practice in relation to your belief.


Jesus quoted Leviticus and Moses in saying ;love your neighbor as yourself'
Jesus raised the bar to say 'love one another as I have loved you' at the last supper
before dying for them all

And the Bible is after all true
A Posited Debate - The Book of Joshua
 

whirlingmerc

Well-Known Member
I have a question(s) for the ritually and dogmatically devoted abrahamics-Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Bahai, um, and all in between.

I'm treading trying to figure how to live my faith as a Buddhist beyond sitting on the cushion, reading suttas, and saying thank you.

When you guys read your sacred text, and you read "Love thy neighbor" and "And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And Indeed, Allah is with those who are of service to others. (Al Quran 29:70)" and so forth.

How do you scripturally apply these things literally not metaphorically (we all want to love thy neighbor and do service to others, for example) in accordance with your scriptures.

The laws of marriage, avoiding sexual perversion, killing, and so forth are pretty straight forward. What about the teachings that aren't negative in nature. Are they only practiced in worship or what

are there specific ways you use scriptures to apply it to a given situation. If you do, name a situation (or make up one similar) that you use your sacred scripture to define and determine how you should act in that given event.

I just want to get an idea of how you guys apply scripture to your everyday life. I mean, anyone can pray and light a candle. Anyone a say "do unto others as one would do unto themselves" but what does that actually mean in action and how do you personally apply it--that or make it up but keep with the context of the questions.

If you have nothing nice to say about my posts, please don't reply. I ignored people that I never had any issues with. Maybe its the way I toss my fingers when I type or the baby finger that sticks out, who knows.

Point being: be respectful.

Share your practice in relation to your belief.

I think love for others flows first from a love for God. After all others are made in God's image in some sense and believers being renovated in God's image to be no longer tarnished images
 

SomeRandom

Still learning to be wise
Staff member
Premium Member
I think Abrahamic or not people of the religious/spiritual variety strive to live and breathe the tenants they believe in.
Whether that is following Jesus' example or helping those in need or giving up attachments or whatever. I'm not particularly disciplined so I'm still a meat eater (though I try to source from local small farms.)
But see what your philosophy asks you to uphold and live by those virtues as best you can. Practice non violence, encourage peace, I dunno give soup to the homeless or something. You need not become a monk or anything, but just try to practice what is preached, so to speak.
 
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