Tolerance and respect..
I am not as clever as some may think so writing my blog is a challenge. Everything I write has been picked up from other people. Throughout my working career I took notice of those with the knowhow. Also I learned the value of nonfiction books. In recreational activities every skill that would help me in what I was trying to achieve, I would swat up on. No one can claim to be a self-made man.
As Sir Isaac Newton in 1679 is quoted as saying in a letter to Robert Hooke, “If I have seen further than others it was by standing on the shoulders of giants.” A similar observation was made earlier in 1159 by John of Salisbury in a book, written in Latin translated as. “We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants.”
So we have a lot to thank those that showed us the way. Lau Tzu showed me one Way, Buddha showed me another Path. My belief is, whatever religious differences we have, we must practice tolerance and respect for others beliefs. Even if we cannot accept it all, there will be a lot we can agree on.
For peace and harmony in the world today we need to meet on this neutral ground.
All major religions preach loving kindness, morality and generosity. If we have faith in a God we should show our faith by keeping his commandments and not take over the divine reins of life and death. If you have faith and trust there is no need to take over this responsibility. Let your God do the driving, you have not got a licence to kill. This would be the right way to promote your religion.
Writing my blog required me to revise my ideas and rethink everything. This gave me a clearer understanding in my own mind. Owing to practically no schooling the English language was another learning curve. A blog is a lot more difficult than a job report. Even then I always had a dictionary on hand.
There is an incident that demonstrates this. At a meeting one of the engineers criticised my spelling. I immediately replied “I will scribble my report in future then the spelling will be less of a problem.” His writing was as difficult to decipher as a doctor’s prescription.
My blog helps me improve in more ways than one. Everything I decide to do is a benefit to me. If reading my blog inspires others to follow what I have found beneficial, that is a bonus.
That prompts another quote, from Little John Salisbury.”One who comprehends truth is wise. One who loves truth is good. One who orders his life by truth is happy”.
Buddhism reminds us of a universal truth “Everything is subject to change.” Aware of that truth will help you improve your happiness. As you will accept change and not cling to passing things.
There is a lot I still have to pick up, while wandering along the vast ocean seashore. That is a more enjoyable pass-time than blogging. The sun is shining the surf is rolling in I am on my bike to enjoy these gifts of nature , have a nice day see you later.