No matter what your religion, it’s hard to argue with the teachings of a man called Jesus who preached a gospel of peace, love and compassion. In honor of the celebration of not only this great teacher but all of the other great teachers who came before and after him, I’d like to offer a selection of teachings from the leaders of Christianity and Islam, whose original words have been so sadly reconstructed in our present world.
At this Christmas season let us come together to create a powerful vision of a world in which these words come to guide the lives of all humans, and where real love and compassion for all beings infuses every breath, every word, and every action.
——————————–
If those who lead you say to you, “Look, the Kingdom is in the sky,” the the birds will get there first.
If they say “It is in the ocean,” then the fish will get there first.
But the Kingdom of God is within you and outside of you.
Once you come to know yourselves, you will become known.
–Jesus of Nazareth, Gospel of Thomas
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God
–Jesus of Nazareth, Gospel of Matthew
If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you.
If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.
–Jesus of Nazareth, Gospel of Thomas
Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.
–Confucius
Expect much from yourself and little from others and you will avoid incurring resentments.
–Confucius
Shall I not inform you of a better act than fasting, alms, and prayers? Making peace between one another: enmity and malice tear up heavenly rewards by the roots.
–Prophet Muhammad
Do not say, that if the people do good to us, we will do good to them; and if the people oppress us, we will oppress them; but determine that if people do you good, you will do good to them; and if they oppress you, you will not oppress them.
–Prophet Muhammad
posted December 25, 2009 at 9:54 am
Wow, Lynn, thanks for this post! I had not heard of the Gospel of Thomas, what a great gift! Love, peace and joy to you this day and every day.
posted December 25, 2009 at 11:25 am
How uplifting to wake up to these quotes this beautiful a.m. in Las Vegas…thanks so much Lynn…now it’s time to fasten those seat belts for Mars turning retrograde tomorrow…lol…Mars and Mercury both retrograde; could be worse I suppose…grin…simone, if you’re reading this, you MUST pick up a copy of the Gospel of Thomas…it will radically alter your perception of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth…peace be with each of you today and every day…much love.
posted December 25, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Lynn, wonderful! Here are a few great quotes from the third major monotheistic faith, Judaism and its Hebrew bible:
“Love your fellow as yourself” Leviticus 19:18
“You shall proclaim liberty throughout the land for all its inhabitants”
Leviticus 25:10 “I will send the prophet Elijah … He will reconcile parents with children, and children with their parents” Malachi 3:23-24
“You shall not judge unfairly … Justice, justice shall you pursue” Deuteronomy 16:19-20
“To do what is right and just is more desired by the Lord than sacrifice” Proverbs 21:3
posted December 25, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Thanks Lynn. Wise words to live by, particularly when we’re challenged by external circumstances. Here’s one of my favorites from the Bible:
“Bless those who curse you; Pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28
And for anyone seeking to lead a more spiritual life but in a practical way, Proverbs from the Bible has many pearls to offer. I refer to it often when faced with life’s many challenges.
posted December 26, 2009 at 6:47 am
Sorry, Lynn, but I think it’s rather poor form to be quoting from alien religions at Christmas. You may have done so at Ramadan or some other appropriate time, but not now when it’s all about Jesus Christ. If others spoke the truth too hardly matters, they are not what is being celebrated at this moment.
posted December 26, 2009 at 7:01 am
We of Zosmar, your watchers, your guardians throughout the ages, also hear your words of peace. Blessings to all of you, for you are reaching the true beginning of sentience. Someday you will be able to hear our song of love that cannot yet be put in human language.
posted December 26, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Hi Simone, the Gospel of Thomas is one of the gnostic gospels. Quite fascinating!
Thanks to all of you for your additional quotes. And to My Avid Reader (thank you for your avid readership!!) I just want to explain that the point in my post was as a reminder of the spirit of Christmas, which to me is what is celebrated at this time of year.
And last not but least, welcome Rolthrax of Zosmar, welcome to our planet and thank you for joining our little group here at Astrological Musings. I can now truthfully say that this blog has achieved intergalactic readership.
posted December 27, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Nice one, Lynn. I’m a big Jesus fan. Happy Birthday to Him!
Peace to ALL!