Code of Soul

Crimson Code of Soul, Philosopher's Café, World Religion Day

By John Taylor; 20 January, 2006

Today's essay, the Crimson Code of Soul is shorter than usual, so I am
including a recent article from a local columnist about the
Philosopher's Café in the Wainfleet Library that Stu and I are
co-hosting this year, as well as the local paper's report on the World
Religion Day celebration held in Dunnville last Sunday. The Café
article includes a big photo of Stu, myself and another attendee in a
"Rodin's Thinker" pose. It is strange to be referred to as a "computer
guru," though since I did not mention my being a Baha'i I guess that
is all she had to go on.

1. Crimson Code of Soul,
2. Philosopher's Café report,
3. World Religion Day report

The Crimson Code of Soul

The House of Justice in its recent document, One Common Faith,
distinguishes religion's perspective from past ideologies, all of
which built utopia on unaided human conceptions. Ideology not only
failed but provoked endless suffering and wars both hot and cold. In
contrast,

"Religion's perspective on humanity's future, therefore, has nothing
in common with systems of the past -- and only relatively little
relationship with those of today. Its appeal is to a reality in the
genetic code, if it can be so described, of the rational soul." (OCF,
para 72)

Religion works on this spiritual DNA invisibly, since as Jesus said,
the Kingdom is within. People of faith do not agitate or manipulate
externals, they, in hidden communion with the Spirit, somehow work out
the "purpose and leading edge of the creative process."

The idea of spirit being like the genetic code is an increasingly
powerful one; this analogy is taking on the influence that clockworks
-- God as designer of clocks makes and winds up the universe and then
leaves it alone -- had among deist philosophers in the 18th Century.
From what I hear, Anthony Flew, a leading philosopher and atheist,
recently crossed over to accepting the existence of God, finally
persuaded by the unbelievable complexity and adaptability of the
genetic code. He saw that there is no way that such a mechanism,
infinitely more complex and mysterious than any clock, far beyond what
the best scientists can fathom, could have evolved on its own, unaided
by Something ineffable and far beyond our comprehension.

Is there a genetic code in the soul, a "meta-genetic code" that gives
form to the evolution of our physical DNA, perhaps? Baha'u'llah
definitively tells us that the soul itself is inherently
incomprehensible; it cannot know itself any more than the eye can see
itself. The this quality of soul is probably similar to, even part of,
language; everyone with all their mental faculties can speak, even
though the smartest linguist cannot grasp exactly where or how we get
this strange faculty. In the last Arabic Hidden Word Baha'u'llah
leaves us hope that we can grasp how the soul works out the purpose of
God, in spite of its inability to grasp what it is itself.

"Write all that We have revealed unto thee with the ink of light upon
the tablet of thy spirit. Should this not be in thy power, then make
thine ink of the essence of thy heart. If this thou canst not do, then
write with that crimson ink that hath been shed in My path. Sweeter
indeed is this to Me than all else, that its light may endure for
ever." (Arabic Hidden Words, 71)

This encoding process God does not do alone. We are not written on, we
write. We actively collaborate in composing His creativity on the
"tablet of thy spirit." This starts in recognition of God,
enlightenment. Since complete recognition of the Impenetrable Mystery
is impossible (one cannot recognize what one does not understand),
then He says, write it in the language of love, in gratitude,
closeness, adherence. In this stage of obedience and fidelity the
heart obeys and holds to faith. Again, impossible. Faith is knowledge
followed by action; its knowing is flawed and as yet there has been no
action. The third and last stage is that of action, writing with the
crimson ink shed in His path. Only sacrifice of life's blood activates
the entire process, to know, to obey, to sacrifice. The Bab seems to
paint a picture in words of the invisible, inconceivable actions
happening in this soul place,

"Indeed God hath created everywhere around this Gate oceans of divine
elixir, tinged crimson with the essence of existence and vitalized
through the animating power of the desired fruit; and for them God
hath provided Arks of ruby, tender, crimson-coloured, wherein none
shall sail but the people of Baha, by the leave of God, the Most
Exalted; and verily He is the All-Glorious, the All-Wise."
(Selections, 57-58)

Philosopher's Café report

Great minds do not always think alike

Lynn's Page

Inport News, January, 18, 2006, p. 13

Lots of healthy, brain stretching and exercising going on at the
Philosophers' Cafe, last Thursday, held in the meeting roam at
Wainfleet Public Library at 6:30 p.m.

I've always believed that the brain is like any other body part; if
you do not regularly use it - it gets out of shape. I think of the
Philosophers' Cafe as a lively yoga class for the brain: relaxing,
invigorating, and rejuvenating.

You don't have to be a member of the Wainfleet library to attend but
they do ask you to call ahead to pre-register. No university degree or
specific reading or research required for this cafe - but do bring you
own traveler cup of coffee. All you need to bring to this group are
your honest opinions, ideas, life experiences, and an open mind.

Heck, you don't even have to talk you can just listen, but I doubt
you'll be able to stay quiet for long.

It is a marvelous forum to try to figure out what you think about
hot-button issues. How can you know what you think unless you put some
deep thought and discussion into it? And its amazing how your ideas
can change when' you consider others' experiences in the matter. Walk
into the meeting roam and there's a nametag waiting for you; first
name only.

Seated in a circle are 8 adults on the evening I attended, men and
women, ranging in age from young 20s to seniors. I fall somewhere in
the middle, with a few others...

Last year when I attended I think there was double the attendance - so
the numbers of philosophers vary on any given night. The topic of the
evening is: "Illness and Human Nature," and after everyone briefly
introduces themselves, our philosophy group leader, Stu, starts us off
with a notable quote from a famous MD; and in response to the quote he
offers up an anecdote from his own life experience.

He gets the conversation ball rolling - and everyone from the circle
is busting with something to share.

Some people choose to talk about general ideas, and back up their
argument with articles or books they've read. One computer guru is
full of statistics, informative websites, and a library of books he's
read.

Same philosophers choose to talk about their ideas and back up their
arguments with very personal life experiences.

All ideas are listened to; all ideas are welcomed and pondered. If you
agree or disagree, you can have your say next. It's all very
courteous, fascinating, sometimes wandering off-topic, but mast of all
there's a god respect for what everyone brings to the discussion.

There are times that it's even funny. One quick witted woman in the
group made an astute observation that had us all laughing out loud. It
was just so true that it struck us all by surprise. Enlightening,
spontaneous moments like these happen often during the Philosophers'
Cafe...

There's only one face I recognize from my past visit. And there's a
paradoxical, intimate and yet anonymous relationship between
philosophers. There's a comfortable zone of anonymity amongst
participants yet everyone wears a nametag with their first name
displayed - and we respond to each other on a first-name basis.

There weren't any cliquey groups of people, everyone there seemed to
have come on their own.

I regretted not bringing my 17-year-ald daughter because I knew she
would have enjoyed it and there were more than a few experiences
shared that she could have benefited from.

Some philosophers share very personal stories to illustrate their
arguments, and indeed, it provides strong reasoning that nobody can
dispute.

And in every personal story you can find same glimmer in it that
pertains to your own life, or to someone who is close to you, so it's
all very relevant and really reinforces that we are all different and
yet really all the same too, no matter what ages or genders.

I got to speak afterwards with Philosophers' Café leader, Stu,
afterwards. Stu is a recently retired elementary school teacher whose
expertise in drawing everyone in conversation comes naturally to him.

He tells me he's much like a carpenter in a way; except his tools and
materials that he works with are ideas. He has this very calming and
serene influence on the group during discussions and comes forward
only to put us back an track when we've conversationally derailed -
and it happens - but Stu's there to put us back an track with another
quote or definition that generates more ideas and directions we can
discuss.

From my perspective, the evening was so highly enjoyable because, as a
mother of young and older children, I hardly seem to have quiet time
in a day to think, much less talk to other adults.

So this hour and a half of adult discussion was heaven. It made me
think about things and experiences I might have otherwise not thought
about.

Next topic of discussion is Euthanasia: When Does Human Life Lose its
Quality or Value? The next meeting is on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Meetings are about an hour in length, although our group went into
overtime and everyone seemed almost reluctant to leave. To
pre-register call 905-899-1277.

Dunnville Celebrates l5th Annual World Religion Day

BY KAREN BEST
Chronicle Staff Writer,
DUNNVILLE Chronicle (Reproduced with permission)

Children sang about virtues, the central theme at the 15th World
Religion Day celebration at Grace United Church.

In introductory comments, event emcee Ron Speer said virtues are a
part of the sacred teachings of the great faiths of the world.
Representatives of 10 religions shared their views of virtues at the
Sunday afternoon gathering.

Before a choir of students from Grandview, St. Michael's and Dunnville
Central Schools sang, Bethany Ricker read a Bible passage and Silvie
Taylor recited a Baha'i prayer.

This year Zoroastrianism was the focus faith. The ancient religion is
based upon the teachings of Zoroaster who was a Persian prophet.
Because most of the faith's documents were destroyed by Alexander the
Great in 331 BC, his teachings are passed on through songs and
rituals.

Nozer Kotwal, one of the 2000 Zoroastrians who 1ive in Canada,
explained key tenets of the faith: God is without beginning and end,
he said. People use their own freewill to choose how to live. Those
who choose good over evil enjoy a happy afterlife.

"Living in about 1500BC, Zoroaster received this message and others in
a revelation at 30. He began a lifelong mission to spread the message
that God is the father of truth. Thirty four centuries ago, Zoroaster
preached about preserving all elements of nature and women's' rights,
pointed out Kotwol.

Zoroastrians believe that fire is the most important creation and it
is used in all the faith's rituals. Kotwol emphasized that this does
not mean that they are fire worshippers.

After the Arabs invaded Persia in 641 AD, followers were forced to
convert to Islam. Zoroastrianism all but disappeared. In 1925, it
rebounded. However its future is uncertain. Dwindling numbers, late
marriages and non-acceptance of conversions are factors in a recent
decline, said Kotwol.

He hoped that modern scholars will inspire Zoroastrian youths to live
a life of truth and to take care of the world according to their
faith. The most important message from the faith's founder is, "Real
happiness lies in giving happiness to others."

Throughout the rest of the proceedings, representatives of Hinduism,
Judaism, Christianity, native spirituality, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism
and the Baha'i Faith offered inspiration. Betty Frost, who also
assisted in event organization, said learning about other religions
fosters a spirit of community in this multicultural country.

Strife will lessen in the world if everyone understands there are
different religions, said Swadesh Sachdeva, who is a Hindu. Mike
Wiersma read a Torah passage describing the four decades that the
Jewish people spent in the wilderness. God disciplined them to keep
his commandments to earn a life in the land of olives, oil and honey
where they lack nothing.

Of the seven cardinal Christian virtues, mediaeval priests selected
faith, hope and love as the most important, Brian Melick of the Dunn
United Church told the audience. Virtues arc best looked at through
the lens of love for God, others and self, he continued.

The Creator gives everyone all they need for a good life, said Elize
Hartley, a Metis woman from Hamilton. While aboriginal people follow
natural laws where sun, air, fire and water are key elements of life,
others are not and are destroying the earth, she warned. Everything in
the world has a spirit and destroying any small thing destroys part of
mankind, she continued. People must consider seven generations back
and seven generations forward, Hartley reminded listeners. Then she
was joined by five other Metis women for songs that lifted their
voices to the Creator.

Justice and non-violence, loving kindness, respectful sexual conduct,
considerate communication and healthy consumption of food and media
are key virtues for Buddhists, explained Sister Tinh Quang. Kindness
is a mark of faith which is necessary to enter paradise according to
Islam teachings. Sikhs believe the one God, who is worshipped by all
faiths, is equally in every man and woman.

In the middle of the program, Breanne Pottie filled the church room
with sacred music. Eyes closed, she eased her bow across the violin's
strings, creating solemn and joyful expressions of worship

Throughout life, people practice and develop virtues, said Pat
Kjarsgaard who represented the 162 year old Baha'i Faith. The key
virtue is courage because it is often the prerequisite for other
virtues. One may need courage to love or to be kind, she explained.
The life purpose of most people is to acquire as many virtues as they
can, she summed up.

--
John Taylor

badijet@gmail.com