LESSON OF THE DAY 1042

Ayahs of the Day:
While the requital for an affliction is a like affliction, yet whoever forgives and reconciles has a reward due from God; for God does not love oppressors. But there is a cause against those who defend after being oppressed. There is cause against those who oppress people and wreak injustice in the land, without right; for them there is a painful penalty. Yes if anyone is patient and forgives, that would truly be an act of bold will. [40 to 43]

Hadith of the Day:
Do not laugh much for laughing too much deadens the heart. [Timidhi & Ahmad]

Wise Quote of the Day:
You possess only whatever will not be lost in a shipwreck. [Imam Ghazali]

Guidance of the Day:
The awareness of God is useless unless it is put into action in the affairs of daily life. Life is about harmonizing our human relationships, conducting business with integrity, and loving. Meditation, prayer, and spiritual discipline are worthwhile only if our overall life gets better. If it doesn't, we are not praying or meditating properly. There must be consistency between meditation and action. To love God in prayer and then to criticize our neighbor is not consistent.

To the enlightened, or God-realized person, all of life is an opportunity to see God and to put God into action. There are no ups and downs, no comings and goings. We do not need to go off to a cave and renounce the world as a recluse, although there may be a time for retreating to do inner work. We do not need to sit for hours in lotus position. Before embarking on important undertakings, sit quietly, calm your senses and thoughts, and meditate deeply. You will then be guided by the Great Creative Power. After that you should utilize all necessary material means to achieve your goal. Pray as if it all depends on God, but work as if it all depends on you. Pray with your feet moving. [Cohen, The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore]

Food for Thought:
One should seek for others the happiness one desires for one's self. What you would not wish done to yourself do not do unto others. The law imprinted on the hearts of all men is to love the members of society as themselves. Good actions are the invisible hinges on the doors of heaven.