Friday, May 30, 2014

Fwd: Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh: How the world's largest NGO has changed the face of Indian democracy


 

Thursday, 15 May 2014 - 8:03pm IST | Agency: DNA

Priti Gandhi

http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-rashtriya-swayamsewak-sangh-how-the-world-s-largest-ngo-has-changed-the-face-of-indian-democracy-1988636

 

In October 1947, soon after India became independent, Pakistani troops had reached the borders of Kashmir. All the efforts of political leaders had failed. Time was ticking. In these conditions Sardar Patel sent a message to the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), MS Golwalker, requesting him to use his influence to prevail upon the Maharaja to accede to India. 'Guruji', as he was fondly called, cancelled all engagements and rushed to Srinagar from Nagpur to resolve the delicate matter. A meeting between Guruji and Maharaja Hari Singh was arranged. This historic meeting on the issue of national honour ended successfully, after which the Maharaja sent the accession proposal to Delhi, and Guruji directed the RSS workers in Jammu and Kashmir to shed their blood to the last drop for the integrity of the nation.

Thanks to the important contribution of these unsung heroes, along with that of our army, we were able to save Kashmir from the clutches of Pakistan and protect and preserve our national honour.

Today, with over 5 million active members assembling in 40-50,000 shakhas each day across India and over 100 affiliate bodies, the RSS is certainly a force to reckon with. With such an extensive network they have successfully conducted mass movements for the greater good of societies. The RSS runs 27,000 Ekal Vidyalayas (schools) in remote tribal areas where more than 8 lakh socially deprived tribal students are enrolled. This is just one of their many initiatives.

The sacrifices rendered by RSS activists and their contribution in protecting India during Partition deserves special mention in India's history. Whether it was charging the entire atmosphere by taking out processions during the independence struggle, or collecting information about Pakistan's military activities and of the possible Kashmir invasion, or even the famous 'Martyrs of Kotli' incident where the heroism and gallantry of swayamsevaks proved they are even ready to lay down their lives to protect the honour of their Motherland.

During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, the contribution of the RSS was immense. Swayamsevaks from across the nation assembled in the northeast of India to help the army as well as the locals during those trying times. Their dedicated contribution was recognised by the whole nation when then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, as a special gesture, invited the RSS to take part in the Indian Republic Day parade of 1963. In fact, it is believed Nehru was against the RSS purely for political reasons. The RSS was banned on Nehru's orders because he suspected Vallabhbhai Patel would form a political alliance with them and challenge the Congress.

During Partition, when Nehru was finding it extremely difficult to stop the bloodshed, it was the RSS that helped organise over 3,000 relief camps for the refugees from Pakistan. During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, at the request of then PM Lal Bahudar Shastri, RSS volunteers successfully maintained law and order in the country and are said to be the first to donate blood. When Pakistanis were trying to take over Jammu and Kashmir, it was the dedicated and sacrificingswayamsevaks who cleared the snow from the airstrips and repaired airfields so that the Indian air force could land their aircraft. Also, not many people know the RSS also actively participated in the liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli from Portuguese occupation. Noted journalist Kushwant Singh, who had otherwise been openly critical of the RSS, acknowledged the fact that the RSS was instrumental in helping Sikhs in large numbers when murderers went on rampage to kill them in Delhi in the gruesome 1984 anti-Sikh riots, where even government machinery failed.

Even today, whether it is natural disasters like the Tamil Nadu Tsunami, the Gujarat earthquake, the Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand floods, or manmade disasters like the Bhopal gas tragedy or the recent Assam riots, RSS swayamsevaks are the first to reach those in need of help.

In spite of their selfless service to the nation and immense contribution to nation-building, the RSS is among the most infamous outfits in the country today. It is panned as an intolerant, extremist group that is, sadly, even compared to militant organisations at times. Bashing the RSS has become fashion. Many feel this fear is being deliberately stoked among people for vested political interests by those who want to make the foundation of their political careers by practising the 'divide and rule' policy. 

Following Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 by a "former" member of the RSS, Nathuram Godse, many prominent RSS leaders were arrested and it was banned as an organisation. A commission of inquiry into the conspiracy of murder of Gandhi was set up and its report was published by India's Ministry of Home Affairs in 1970. The 'Justice Kapur commission' noted that the RSS was not responsible for the murder of Mahatma Gandhi.

Basically, the RSS is a pro-Hindu organisation, and being pro-Hindu doesn't mean it is anti-Muslim or anti-Christian. In fact the basic founding principle of the RSS is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the vision of the whole world as one family. The guiding principles towards this vision are voluntary service to the nation for socio-economic welfare and development. Their ultimate goal is to inspire in every Indian the spirit of unity, self confidence and the feeling of national pride. They strive to make India most prosperous and a powerful world leader.

It is these strong ideals of the RSS that have gone into the making of great visionary leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the soon to become Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, whose popularity has created ripples not just in India, but across the world. Their policies of inclusive growth have become a benchmark for all and their good governance is talked about in very high regard. The strong character of a swayamsevak is built by inculcating the virtues of nationalism, selfless service and discipline, all three of which are equally important in the upliftment of society and walking the path of 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikas'.

 




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Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Fwd: Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh: How the world's largest NGO has changed the face of Indian democracy


 

Thursday, 15 May 2014 - 8:03pm IST | Agency: DNA

Priti Gandhi

http://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/standpoint-rashtriya-swayamsewak-sangh-how-the-world-s-largest-ngo-has-changed-the-face-of-indian-democracy-1988636

 

In October 1947, soon after India became independent, Pakistani troops had reached the borders of Kashmir. All the efforts of political leaders had failed. Time was ticking. In these conditions Sardar Patel sent a message to the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), MS Golwalker, requesting him to use his influence to prevail upon the Maharaja to accede to India. 'Guruji', as he was fondly called, cancelled all engagements and rushed to Srinagar from Nagpur to resolve the delicate matter. A meeting between Guruji and Maharaja Hari Singh was arranged. This historic meeting on the issue of national honour ended successfully, after which the Maharaja sent the accession proposal to Delhi, and Guruji directed the RSS workers in Jammu and Kashmir to shed their blood to the last drop for the integrity of the nation.

Thanks to the important contribution of these unsung heroes, along with that of our army, we were able to save Kashmir from the clutches of Pakistan and protect and preserve our national honour.

Today, with over 5 million active members assembling in 40-50,000 shakhas each day across India and over 100 affiliate bodies, the RSS is certainly a force to reckon with. With such an extensive network they have successfully conducted mass movements for the greater good of societies. The RSS runs 27,000 Ekal Vidyalayas (schools) in remote tribal areas where more than 8 lakh socially deprived tribal students are enrolled. This is just one of their many initiatives.

The sacrifices rendered by RSS activists and their contribution in protecting India during Partition deserves special mention in India's history. Whether it was charging the entire atmosphere by taking out processions during the independence struggle, or collecting information about Pakistan's military activities and of the possible Kashmir invasion, or even the famous 'Martyrs of Kotli' incident where the heroism and gallantry of swayamsevaks proved they are even ready to lay down their lives to protect the honour of their Motherland.

During the Sino-Indian War in 1962, the contribution of the RSS was immense. Swayamsevaks from across the nation assembled in the northeast of India to help the army as well as the locals during those trying times. Their dedicated contribution was recognised by the whole nation when then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, as a special gesture, invited the RSS to take part in the Indian Republic Day parade of 1963. In fact, it is believed Nehru was against the RSS purely for political reasons. The RSS was banned on Nehru's orders because he suspected Vallabhbhai Patel would form a political alliance with them and challenge the Congress.

During Partition, when Nehru was finding it extremely difficult to stop the bloodshed, it was the RSS that helped organise over 3,000 relief camps for the refugees from Pakistan. During the 1965 India-Pakistan war, at the request of then PM Lal Bahudar Shastri, RSS volunteers successfully maintained law and order in the country and are said to be the first to donate blood. When Pakistanis were trying to take over Jammu and Kashmir, it was the dedicated and sacrificingswayamsevaks who cleared the snow from the airstrips and repaired airfields so that the Indian air force could land their aircraft. Also, not many people know the RSS also actively participated in the liberation of Dadra and Nagar Haveli from Portuguese occupation. Noted journalist Kushwant Singh, who had otherwise been openly critical of the RSS, acknowledged the fact that the RSS was instrumental in helping Sikhs in large numbers when murderers went on rampage to kill them in Delhi in the gruesome 1984 anti-Sikh riots, where even government machinery failed.

Even today, whether it is natural disasters like the Tamil Nadu Tsunami, the Gujarat earthquake, the Andhra Pradesh and Uttarakhand floods, or manmade disasters like the Bhopal gas tragedy or the recent Assam riots, RSS swayamsevaks are the first to reach those in need of help.

In spite of their selfless service to the nation and immense contribution to nation-building, the RSS is among the most infamous outfits in the country today. It is panned as an intolerant, extremist group that is, sadly, even compared to militant organisations at times. Bashing the RSS has become fashion. Many feel this fear is being deliberately stoked among people for vested political interests by those who want to make the foundation of their political careers by practising the 'divide and rule' policy. 

Following Mahatma Gandhi's assassination in 1948 by a "former" member of the RSS, Nathuram Godse, many prominent RSS leaders were arrested and it was banned as an organisation. A commission of inquiry into the conspiracy of murder of Gandhi was set up and its report was published by India's Ministry of Home Affairs in 1970. The 'Justice Kapur commission' noted that the RSS was not responsible for the murder of Mahatma Gandhi.

Basically, the RSS is a pro-Hindu organisation, and being pro-Hindu doesn't mean it is anti-Muslim or anti-Christian. In fact the basic founding principle of the RSS is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" – the vision of the whole world as one family. The guiding principles towards this vision are voluntary service to the nation for socio-economic welfare and development. Their ultimate goal is to inspire in every Indian the spirit of unity, self confidence and the feeling of national pride. They strive to make India most prosperous and a powerful world leader.

It is these strong ideals of the RSS that have gone into the making of great visionary leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the soon to become Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, whose popularity has created ripples not just in India, but across the world. Their policies of inclusive growth have become a benchmark for all and their good governance is talked about in very high regard. The strong character of a swayamsevak is built by inculcating the virtues of nationalism, selfless service and discipline, all three of which are equally important in the upliftment of society and walking the path of 'sab ka saath, sab ka vikas'.

 






Wednesday, May 14, 2014

सेकुलर' राजनीति का 'लज्जा' जनक सच


'सेकुलर' राजनीति का 'लज्जा' जनक सच

तस्लीमा नसरीन ने सेकुलरिज्म की आड़ में कट्टरपंथ का पोषण करने वाली राजनीति पर गंभीर सवाल उठाया है। यह सवाल लोकतंत्र की रक्षा का है, और नारी के सम्मान की रक्षा का भी। सवाल अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता का भी है, और उदार भारतीय मूल्यों की उपासना का भी ।सवाल यह भी है, कि घुसपैठिए और शरणार्थी में अंतर करना हम सीख पाए हैं क्या ?

 

- प्रशांत बाजपेई

तारीख: 10 May 2014 17:04:54

http://www.panchjanya.com/Encyc/2014/5/10/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%B0-%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF-%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE-%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3-%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%95-%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%9A.aspx?NB=&lang=5&m1=&m2=&p1=&p2=&p3=&p4=&PageType=N

 

51 वर्षीय बंगलादेशी लेखिका सुश्री तस्लीमा नसरीन का नाम दुनिया ने तब जाना, जब 1993 में उनका उपन्यास 'लज्जा' प्रकाशित हुआ। बंगलादेश में कट्टरपंथी मुसलमानों के द्वारा प्रताडि़त हो रहे बंगलादेशी हिंदुओं की मर्मकथा कहने वाला 'लज्जा' कट्टरपंथियों की आंखों में गड़ने लगा, और तस्लीमा पर वैचारिक और शारीरिक हमले शुरू हो गए। उन्माद भड़काया जाने लगा। अक्तूबर 1993 में 'काउंसिल ऑफ इस्लामिक सोल्जर्स' नामक संगठन ने तस्लीमा के सिर पर इनाम घोषित कर दिया। तस्लीमा को अपना घर, अपना देश छोड़कर निर्वासित होना पड़ा।

भारत में घर की तलाश-

अगस्त 1994 में द स्टेट्समैन, कोलकाता ने तस्लीमा का साक्षात्कार छापा, जिसमें तस्लीमा ने 'शरिया कानून ' के औचित्य पर चर्चा प्रारंभ की। इसके तत्काल बाद हजारों उन्मादी सड़कों पर उपद्रव करने उतर आए। और तस्लीमा को मृत्युदंड देने की मांग करने लगे। तस्लीमा पर भड़काऊ बयान देने का मामला दर्ज हुआ। भारत में भी शरण न मिलने पर तस्लीमा चुपचाप यूरोप चली गई, और गुमनाम हो गई।

10 वर्ष के अज्ञातवास के बाद वो चुपचाप लौटी, और कोलकाता में रहने लगी। तस्लीमा ने अनेक बार कहा है, कि पश्चिम बंगाल उसे अपना दूसरा घर लगता है, इसीलिए वह कोलकाता में रहना चाहती हैं। तस्लीमा के शब्दों में " यहाँ की मिट्टी की खुशबू बंगलादेश जैसी है।" उनका ये सुकून भी अधिक समय तक नहीं रह सका। जैसे ही तस्लीमा के बंगाल में होने की बात बाहर आई, सड़कों पर उपद्रव शुरू हो गए। देश भर में कट्टरपंथियों द्वारा तस्लीमा पर प्रहार होने लगे, इतना ही नहीं स्थान-स्थान पर सेकुलरिजम के ठेकेदार अकेली महिला पर टूट पड़े।

 9
अगस्त 2007 को तस्लीमा हैदराबाद में अपनी पुस्तक " शोधके तमिल संस्करण का लोकार्पण करने गईं। कार्यक्रम के दौरान मजलिस इत्तेहादुल मुसलमीन के तीन विधायकों अफसर खान, अहमद पाशा और मोज़म खान ने अपने समर्थकों के साथ तस्लीमा पर हमला कर दिया। इसी पार्टी के विधायक हैदराबाद के अकबरूद्दीन ओवैसी ने अपने कुख्यात जहरीले भाषण में उपरोक्त घटना का गर्व पूर्वक वर्णन किया है। राज्य सरकार ने खानापूर्ति की, भारत सरकार ने संरक्षण नहीं दिया, और भारत से चले जाने को कह दिया। हताश तस्लीमा दोबारा यूरोप लौट गईं।

वर्ष 2011 में पश्चिम बंगाल में राजनीतिक ' परिवर्तन ' आया, पर 'सेकुलर ' राजनीति की चाल वैसी ही बनीं रही। वर्ष 1971 के बंगलादेश स्वतंत्रता संघर्ष के समय हजारों निर्दोष बंगालियों की हत्या और बलात्कार के आरोपी जमात-ए-इस्लामी के नेता देलवार हुसैन सैय्यदी को बंगलादेश के न्यायालय ने मौत की सजा सुनाई। बंगलादेश में हुए इस निर्णय के विरोध में कोलकाता में विशाल रैली हुई, हंगामा हुआ और कोलकाता को दो दिन तक बंधक बनाकर रखा गया। ऐसे में स्वाभाविक तौर पर तस्लीमा जैसों के लिए आशा की कोई किरण नहीं थी।

वर्ष 2013 में तस्लीमा ने एक बंगला टीवी धारावाहिक ' दुसाहबास ' की पटकथा लिखी। दिसंबर 2013 में उसका प्रसारण होना था, परंतु तस्लीमा का नाम सामने आते ही कट्टरपंथी तलवारें खींचकर सामने आ गए, और उनके कंधे से कंधा मिलाकर ह्यसेकुलरह्ण नेता भी मैदान में कूद पड़े, जिसमें तृणमूल कांग्रेस के स्थानीय नेता भी शामिल थे। बेचारी तस्लीमा कहती रही कि इस कहानी में मजहब का '' भी नहीं है, और ये कहानी एक हिंदू परिवार की पृष्ठभूमि पर आधारित है, परंतु चूंकि उस धारावाहिक की लेखिका तस्लीमा नसरीन थीं, इसलिए ममता बनर्जी ने इस 'सांप्रदायिक' धारावाहिक के प्रसारण पर अनिश्चितकालीन रोक लगा दी।

2014 के लोकसभा चुनावों में बहुत कुछ नया घटा। बंगलादेशी घुसपैठ का मुद्दा भी राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर चर्चा में आया। भाजपा के प्रधानमंत्री पद के उम्मीदवार श्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने अपनी रैलियों में इस मुद्दे को प्रमुखता से उठाया और बंगलादेशी घुसपैठियों को भारत से बाहर निकालने की बात की। स्वाभाविक था कि यह बात ममता बनर्जी को नागवार गुजरनी थी। इसलिए वे हुंकारते हुए मैदान में आईं और बोली कि " हिम्मत है, तो एक भी बंगलादेशी को छूकर दिखाएं।"
 
ममता द्वारा बंगलादेशी के घुसपैठियों को संरक्षित करने वाला बयान देने के बाद भी इस पर कथित सेकुलर नेताओं से लेकर मीडिया तक में खामोशी छाई रही, पर तस्लीमा ने एक सवाल उठाकर सबका ध्यान समस्या के उद्गम की ओर खींच लिया।

तस्लीमा ने कहा " ममता जी तो अवैध रूप से आ रहे घुसपैठियों का भी स्वागत करती हैं, फिर मुझ से ये भेदभाव क्यों? क्या इसलिए कि मैं वैध तरीके से भारत  आई हूं ? "

तस्लीमा का ये सवाल सेकुलरिज्म की आड़ में कट्टरपंथ का पोषण करने वाली राजनीति पर गंभीर चिंतन का आह्वान है। तस्लीमा प्रश्नचिन्ह बन गई हैं, हमारी विडंबनाओं का। सवाल लोकतंत्र की रक्षा का है, और नारी के सम्मान की रक्षा का भी। सवाल अभिव्यक्ति की स्वतंत्रता का भी है, और उदार भारतीय मूल्यों की उपासना का भी है। सवाल यह भी है, कि घुसपैठिए और शरणार्थी में अंतर करना हम सीख पाए हैं क्या ?

 






Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Faith; What is a Pagan? Are we Pagans?]



What is a Pagan? Are we Pagans?


A Pagan is a person who believes that everything has a soul or spirit. This is called Animism, and all Pagan religions share this belief. Rivers, animals, rocks, trees, land are all filled with there own unique spirits for people who are Pagans. Christians believe that only humans have souls or spirits, Pagans see the divine spirit in all life.

Is there more than One Pagan Religion?
There are hundreds of different Pagan Religions. Some of the best known Pagan religions are Buddhism, Shintoism, Native American Religions, Hinduism, Taoism, Wicca, Druidism, Asatru, Shamanism, Neo- Paganism and Eclectic Paganism.


Is Paganism a Cult?
No, Paganism is a major World Religion, with many branches. More people on Earth are Pagans than any other faith. Some Pagan groups may be classified as cults, just like some Christian groups are cults.


The Christian groups headed by Jim Jones at Jonestown, who committed mass suicide, and the followers of David Koresh at Waco, Texas are both considered cults, but they were once considered Christian denominations. Any religious or spiritual tradition can have cults in its midst, that does not mean that the entire tradition is a cult. Wackos and religious charlatans come in all religions, denominations, and races.


The word Cult is often used as a slur word to disparage someone else's religious beliefs. It is frequently used derisively toward non-white or indigenous folk cultures and their beliefs.


Are Pagans Devil Worshippers?
No, Pagans do not worship the Devil or Satan. Pagans do not believe in the Devil, he is part of the Judeo-Christian Religions and mythology. Most Devil worshipping groups are not Pagan, because they are centered on a Judeo-Christian supernatural being, namely Satan. These Devil Worshippers are a sect of Christianity, even though Christianity does not want to claim them.


Their focus is on opposing the mainstream Christian God and honoring the Devil, neither of these beings are part of Paganism. There is a tradition that calls itself Satanist. Satanists are not devil worshippers. They do not believe in god or the devil or any force outside themselves and other living creatures. They believe they can control their lives without the need to place responsibility on a higher power of any kind. Devil worshippers on the other hand sometimes do claim to be Satanists. This leads to lots of confusion.


People often confuse the Occult with Pagan Religion, this is a mistake, and they are very different things. Many religions, including; Pagan, Non-Pagan, Christianity and Judaism have occult aspects, many do not.

Are Pagans Witches?
Some Pagans are Witches, some are not. Many Pagan groups do not practice Witchcraft. Wiccans are a type of Pagan Witches; there are also Dianic Witches, Green Witches, and other types of Pagan Witches. There are also Christian Witches, many of these people are practicing Christian, but also practice Witchcraft. Santeria is a South American religion that is a blend of Voodoo, Witchcraft and Christianity.

What do I need to be a Pagan?
A love of Nature, and a commitment to live in harmony with the Earth and Her creatures. You need to feel in your heart that it is where your own spirituality is leading you. Paganism is for Pagans, only you know if you are a Pagan in your heart.

What is a Pagan Ritual?
A Religious or Pagan Ritual is anything that focuses your spiritual energy. A church service is a ritual, so is a wedding, or a funeral, or a Hopi Sun Dance. Humans have created rituals since the beginning of time. Ritual is the way humans express their connection with divinity and each other.


There are many kinds of Pagan Ritual, personal rituals you do by yourself, full moon rituals, by yourself or with a group. There are blessing rituals for a new home, or for children, or for healing, or cleansing. There are protection ritual, and banishing rituals, to name a few. Your Grandmother may have placed a horseshoe over the door; this is a popular form of simple protection ritual that is rooted in Pagan tradition. Or throwing salt over your shoulder if it is spilled, so as not to attract bad luck.


For Wiccans and Neo-Pagans there are some basic Ritual Traditions that you may have heard about. Many Pagan Ritual begin by honoring the Earth and the 4 directions, as well as the elements the directions represent, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. A circle is cast and blessed with water, smoke, salt and light in honor of these elements. Rituals often include, singing, chanting, dancing, drumming, poetry and hymns to the Goddess or Gods. Some Rituals are very complex and are almost like a play; other rituals are very simple and flow with the energy of the group.

Who is the Pagan God?
There is no single Pagan God. Some Pagan faiths, like Hinduism and Eclectic Paganism have many Gods and Goddesses. Some Pagan Traditions like Taoism have no Gods or Goddesses. Some popular deities with contemporary American Pagans are Artemis-Diana, Inanna, the GreenMan, Isis, Brigid, Rhiannon, Apollo, Kore, and Demeter.

What is a Goddess?
The first deities humans worshipped were Goddesses. A Goddess is the female creative and life giving forces of the Universe and much more.

Do Pagans Pray?
Yes, many Pagans pray and many connect with the divine in other ways. Many meditate as a form of prayer, other drum as a form of prayer; others chant, sing or dance. Some dedicate each task they perform during the day, to the Goddess. Throughout human history people have spoken to their Gods or Goddesses through many different kinds of "prayer".


When a Muslim prays, they bow toward Mecca, when a Christian prays they cross themselves, when a Buddhist prays they chant or make a sand Mandela, when a Pagan prays, they may be chanting, doing ritual, hugging a tree or picking up litter on a beach, as a way of connecting with their Goddesses or Gods.

How do you become a Pagan?
You look into your heart and ask if it is the right path for you. Some people are born Pagans, even though they do not even know the word, others are born into Pagan cultures, and many others become Pagan when they search their hearts for a connection with their Spirits.


To become a practicing Pagan, you must learn to look at Nature and begin to honor her ways and cycles. Many new Pagans begin by celebrating the phases of the Moon. This can be as simple as taking the time each evening to gaze at the Moon and sing softly to yourself. Make up the words as you go along, you will be amazed at how easy it is. Really look at plants, and your cat, sit quietly and see if you can feel their energy. The first steps to becoming a Pagan are becoming aware of the magic of the natural world around you. The second step is do a small personal ritual and self-blessing that celebrates your entering the Pagan Path.

What do Pagans do?
Pagans try to live in harmony with the Earth and raise their children to honor the ways of Nature. Pagans strive to strengthen their understanding of this miracle called Life. Pagans go to school, go to work, pay taxes, clean house, garden, raise kids, make art, watch TV, do not watch TV, eat at McDonalds, do not eat at McDonalds and love or hate computers, just like everyone else. Pagans are just folks who have a different religion, a Nature Religion that teaches them to honor all life. Pagans honor their Goddesses and Gods with the same faith that non-pagans have their own religions.

Where are the Pagan Churches?
There are thousands of Pagan Temples around the world. Most Eclectic Pagans, Wiccans and Native American Religions do not worship in churches. Because they are Nature Religions. Religious Rituals are often held outside, in parks, fields, wooded groves, at a beach or lake, anywhere that promotes a connection with Nature. Large public rituals are often held in auditoriums, small rituals are often held in people's homes. There are also Virtual Temples and Altars online.

Why do people say bad things about Pagans?
People often ridicule what they do not understand. Fundamental Christianity seems especially threatened by Pagans, although I do not know why. Many hateful, ridiculous, and untrue things about Paganism have been said by Fundamentalist preachers, who obviously were not paying any attention to Jesus message. Hate and prejudice were never a part of Jesus teachings. Hollywood has also created many damaging and untrue stereotypes to sell movie tickets. Funny, no one believes Robo-Cop is real, but people seem anxious to believe any absurd thing said about Pagans or Witches. (NO "The Craft" was not realistic or true at all!!!).

Can a Christian be a Pagan too?
Many cultures have a blend of Christian and Pagan beliefs within their Christian Religions. Irish Catholicism, Mexican, Italian and South American Catholicism all have incorporated many Pagan beliefs and customs into their Christian faith. I am sure there are many others, but these are the ones I am most familiar with. The crowning of Mary on May Day is from the older Pagan custom of "Crowning the May Queen" as a representative of the Goddess.
Religious belief is a very personal thing; it is the most personal thing about you. How you express your spirituality is no ones business but your own and what you believe is between you and your higher power. Your truth is in your own heart, honor it and do not let anyone limit it.

How do I start learning about being a Pagan?
You look into your heart and begin asking yourself questions about what is sacred. The essence of Paganism is within you, many of the answers are there. Hopefully, this group will enable you to learn more about Paganism. Start with remembering to be grateful to the earth for sustaining your life and giving you food.

What can I do if my family or friends think it is bad to be a Pagan?
You can try to educate them. If this does not work, quietly develop a Pagan heart.
You can begin by trusting your own perceptions. Then honor Nature and learn her ways. You may not be able to buy books or go to public rituals, but you can watch a small patch of grass for 10 minutes and really see it, all true power comes through understanding.
You can gaze at the night sky and feel the power of the Moon, and get to know Her phases.
You can learn about herbs, and the environment.
You can practice sewing, so when you can have ritual clothes, you will be able to create beautiful ones.
You can look at National Geographic's at the Library and learn about Pagan societies and beliefs around the world.
You can go to museums and see ancient Goddess & God figures.
You can study about Native American customs.
You can pick up litter as a way to be a Pagan honoring Mother Earth.
You can meditate.
You can collect pictures of Nature.
You can soak in a tub and do a private ritual in your mind, as you bless the water for its life giving essence.
You can notice if the plants or animals around you need food or water.
You can thank the Earth for each bit of food you eat.
You can learn to recognize what Nature is saying by listening.

Regardless of what your friends or family believe, you can practice your faith in small, simple, healing ways that will create a powerful spiritual energy within you and strengthen your connection with the Earths 

Friday, May 2, 2014

What Do You Make, Teacher?


 

From A School Principal's speech at a graduation......

He said "The Doctor wants his child to become a doctor.........
the Engineer wants his child to become an engineer......
The Businessman wants his ward to become CEO.....
BUT a teacher also wants his child to become one of them, as well..!!!!
Nobody wants to become a teacher BY CHOICE" ....Very sad but that's the truth.....!!!

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become only a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest;
"You're a teacher, Mrs Sharma. Be honest. What do you make?"

Teacher Mrs Sharma, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?
(She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor winner.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 min. without an I- Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?
(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them how to write and then I make them write.
Keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.
They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about India while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they
were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Mrs Sharma paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make.

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALL YOUR LIVES, EDUCATING KIDS AND PREPARING THEM TO BECOME CEO's, AND DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS..........

What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped; he went silent.