The First Step of a True Moslem: Faith

How can man believe in anything lest he has faith that verifies the notion or idea?  Indeed, it seems many people abuse the word faith; but without faith, one cannot make progress on their spiritual journey.  Therefore, let us examine the true meaning of faith.

Though many people refer to faith as a word to express a belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence, this western definition is incorrect. Moreover, faith implies three things: Belief in Allah, trust in Allah, and an allegiance to God in action (submission).  In this way, we can see how man, woman, and child themselves, become the material evidence of the truth of their God.

Sura 2:143: And thus We have made you an exalted nation that you may be the bearers of witness to the people and that the Messenger may be bearer of witness to you.  And We did not make that which thou wouldst have to be the qiblah but that We might Distinguish him who follows the Messenger from him who turns back upon his heels.  And it was indeed a hard test except for those whom Allah has guided.  Nor was Allah going to make your faith to be FRUITLESS.  

And so we can logically presume that our faith produces a construct of thoughts, desires and actions.  The latter is the evidence of the former.  And is this not why James exclaimed faith without deeds is dead (meaning no faith exists)?

In fact a Moslem should view faith as:

1. Faith is what man knows is truth.
2. Faith is the surety of the omnipotence of Allah and Man.
3. Faith is the certainty that man will reach deific life.
4. Faith is the first step on the path to righteousness.
5. Faith guides one in all of his actions.

In the Circle 7 we learn that men comprehend the inner life by what they see and do (Circle7- 4:17).  Thus a Moslem can only grow in his walk by his words and deeds and as he tills the righteous soil of life, the mystery of deific life is made more plain to him; This rules out the notion of "blind faith."  Abraham is a good example of a faithful man; His desire to follow Allah's commandments, even if it meant killing his own son, allowed him to see the omnipotence of his Ruler.

This interpretation is from a Moslem's point a view. Moslems do not  believe in blind faith; moreover, they become the truth they subscribe to and transform into a living testimony of the one and true Supreme Architect.

Old Teachings, New Approach: Pastor Seth Pickens Shines His light (Part 1).

Old Teachings, New Approach is a new series I am introducing in my blog.  Its purpose is to take a more esoteric approach to modern day religions, mainly Islam and Christianity.  Each blog under this series will feature a guess blogger and it is my proud pleasure to reintroduce to you  Seth Pickens.

For years, Seth Watson Pickens has served his community and world as a messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Before being called as the seventh pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles, he served as Associate Pastor at Shiloh Church in Harlem, NY for five years.

Prior to his ordination, Rev. Pickens has had careers as a sales executive, an elementary school teacher, and as a stand up comedian. From 2001-2003, he served as a Volunteer with the United States Peace Corps in Haiti.

Upon returning from Haiti, Seth enrolled at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, earning a Master of Divinity in 2006 with an emphasis on Ecumenical Studies. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Morehouse College, where he was an honor student.

He  is married to the former Isis Jones, and they are the proud parents of a son, Seth Isaiah, and a daughter, Zola Patrice. In his spare time, he loves to be with his family and friends, read, listen to music, exercise, and play basketball.

“The knowledge of the secrets of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. This is why I speak to them in parables, ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand’ (Matthew 13:11,13).

 S.Sobek:  Jesus clearly states that there is a deeper meaning to his words. He clearly asserts that his parables have an esoteric value that many will miss;however, his disciples were given the "secrets of heaven."  As a senior pastor, do you think those who can understand the inner teachings of Jesus often lose interest in Christianity since many Christian leaders explain Jesus' teachings from face value?

Seth Pickens:  It's true that some people are turned off by Christianity because some preachers and teachers aren't getting deep enough. But because Jesus' teachings are so deep, some people may simply not be able to grasp them right away, even if they try. Right before the scripture you quoted, Jesus gave a parable about spreading the message of the kingdom of God. My job is to spread it everywhere, and with that I need to realize that no matter how much I study and how loud I yell, some people will ignore it. Some people will come running enthusiastically at first but then not follow through. Some people understand intellectually, but get so concerned with the worries of life and wealth that they can't really apply it. But every now and then, someone hears it, gets it, and stays with it.

There are some leaders in Christianity and in every faith who only scratch the surface with their teachings. I'd like to believe I'm one of the good ones who makes God's Word relevant and plain so that anyone can digest it and grow as a result. But even if I do have a knack for teaching about the Spirit, I have to admit that even on my best day, I can only provide a very small glimpse of what the Bible calls the unsearchable riches of Christ. There's a reason why we can keep going back to the same scriptures and gathering new meanings and deeper insights, and that is because none of us have it completely figured out. At best, we can just hope to gradually shed more light on our shared situation.
 

Allah Says: Come to Common Terms

I'm not sure if you heard about the conflict of Muslims and Christians in Malaysia. In short, a government band on Christians using the word Allah was lifted, allowing them to do so. For specifics, click here. Some Muslims (if we can even call them that) didn't take it lightly at all. Consequently, three Christian Churches were firebombed.

Now, if one were to search the Quran, and let the holy words within judge the aforesaid circumstance, they would clearly come across this:
Qur'an 3:64-71 Surah Ale-'Imran (The Family of 'Imran)
Say: "O people of the Book (a reference to Christians-my emphasis)! come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but Allah; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not from among ourselves Lords and patrons other than Allah."

Perhaps the people that bombed the churches aren't Muslims at all, similar to the K.K.K. who claims to be Christians (but are far from it). The fact is, it's a step in unity and Islam is a religion that unites Divine light to the utmost. I bear witness to that. Lastly, check out Harun Yahya, a renown Islamic scholar. I myself harbored mixed emotions about the matter until I stumbled across his sight. It was an opportunity for me to be educated and I didn't pass it up. Salaam to all.

If It Were My World...

I play Civilization, a strategy game where the goal is to build an empire, and I enjoy playing it very much. In the game I'm currently playing, I am overseeing an Ethiopian empire. The thing I like about Civilization is you get to rewrite history, as it has real leaders, real technology and so forth.

Anyway, my goal in this game is to AVOID war at all costs. I have quite an empire right now, and there is a small portion of the map owned by Indians. It would be nothing for me to make a military campaign to conquer their territory. However, at the end of the night, it's more rewarding to trade with them and allow them to retain their land, traditions, customs, etc.

My point is though American History did the opposite of how I am playing the game (we know the story of the "Native Americans"), I can relate to the struggles that a race goes through when they are conquered or taken away from their land. If we are to truly let love save the day, then we submit to universal principles that hinges off:

"That which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another".
"Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. "


If we could pound this theory into our mind, we would live in an almost perfect world. The Brotherhood and Sisterhood of all citizens of the globe would be united. Prisons would not be infested with criminals. Love would be the King or Savior of the day (which is the inherent nature of all upstanding religions anyway).

I want to encourage you and let you know that it starts with me. It starts with you. Really sit and think about the power one has when he lives by the Golden Rule. Look in the nooks and crannies of your life and see where you can apply the Golden Rule more. Then, sit back and watch the universe become your biggest ally in uplifting your sisters and brothers. Don't believe me? Try it out. I bet you I'm right.

Bikini or Burkini v. East Meets West

Did you here about the Muslim women in France who wore a burkini and was subsequently banned from the pool she swam at? I think this is another sign of the times;whereas, a woman who chose the road less traveled in honor of her religion and purity was actually disciplined. After further researching the matter, there were health laws in place that banded anyone from being fully dressed in the swimming pool. But wait, it gets deeper.

"French lawmakers recently proposed a ban on the burka and other voluminous Muslim attire. President Nicolas Sarkozy backs the move, saying such clothing makes women prisoners."
-The Jarkata Globe

Ohhh, the world we live in. Why would lawmakers say that women, who have the free will to say yea or nae to wearing such apparel, are being imprisoned (apparently by there own religion)?

First, lets clear it up. These instruction came from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In chapter 24 of the Holy Koran, it states, "And say to the believing women that they lower their gaze and restrain their sexual passions and do not display their adornment except what appears thereof. And let them wear head -coverings over their bosoms."

Now, I know this is contrary to everything that the western world stands on. I guess what I'm saying is whats wrong with piety, what's wrong with purity?

(In America)it's hell when you go to church and are tempted because some women seems to think church is a continuation of the night before, in which they were dressed in nearly similar apparel at the local night club (shaking it like a salt shaker).

Now, while these ignorant lawmakers are asserting these clothes are making women prisoners of their own pious actions, other Western European women are walking around in a two piece bikini. Men are staring, lusting and drooling it up. Meanwhile, the creator sees all that we do and keeps a flawless account of all our actions.

It would seem to me that people should honor women that don't want men staring at their bodies. After all, the women becomes an object of lust and the man falls into sin. In my spiritual walk, I could actually dig "burkinis" in America. I'm not perfect and burkinis makes it easier for men whose conscious are actually seared after they lust after a women. Obviously, this is foreign concept in a western world. What else is new?

Spirituality or Religion: Ohhh, How they Differ!

What makes the difference between these two words? When we speak of religion, we aren't necessarily speaking of spirituality. Instead, religion often offers one a path to become spiritual. By in large, spirituality does not only consist of attending your church, mosque, synagogue, etc. These actions are more so rituals and can become so mundane, they might have no bearing on one's heart and mind (going through the motions).

Religion mainly is exoteric. Meaning, religion mainly deals with the outer forms of man's quest to align with his creator. A good example could be the Ten Commandments or the five daily prayers required of a Muslim. In short, religion gives man a foundation to conduct himself according to his creator's wishes (e.g, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, etc.)

Spirituality;however, goes much deeper. It deals with the esoteric side of things. It questions the heart of man, and also makes outer practices and rituals null and void if man's heart is not in the right place.

The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. -Genesis 6:5

Being spiritual is not only applying the teachings from previous Masters and religious scriptures, it literally is transforming into those same teachings. Study any Master such as Jesus (p.b.u.h) or Muhammed (p.b.u.h) and you will realize that they were the same teachings they preached. And so a line is drawn between religion and spirituality and it's pretty thin.

The goal of man should not be to be religious but spiritual. And actually, it's hard work. Being spiritual is being able to see the difference between a wordly existence and a soulful existence. I believe that all men have a soul and this portion of their consciousness is eternal. To tap into the soul, especially by the help of a competent teacher or guru, transcends religion. It is the direct path that one must take to become one with his Father.

Now that you can see the difference, you have work to do. Good luck.

Watered Down Conviction=No Religion

Perhaps the single most significant problem in western society is the lack of religious conviction. The lack of piety in America can be viewed on its face and it's no secret that our administration also treats religion as a mere sport (by in large).

Sure Christianity is the "American Way," but does Christianity have a profound impact on society? If it doesn't, it is a empirical reflection of those who practice Christianity, for man makes religion profound; religion does not make man.

What I mean by that is no matter how pious the religion or path may be, it takes someone to use the religion or path as vehicle to perfection in order for the masses to certify the legitimacy of the said faith. And though it is written in most holy books, apparently it is difficult for humans to except the notion that the ways of the world only bring pain and suffering.

When you turn on the news you see it. When you go to the club, it is on full blast, and sadly when you go to religious institutions, folly is prevalent as ever before. What is the solution to this problem? I believe that man must treat religion/spirituality as if it is a part of his inherent nature. Only God can give us the faculties to be upright and pious and it is through His mercy that we are able to use these faculties for the upliftment of ourselves and others.

However, it became clear to me at an early age that religion for most is closer to being "child's play," rather than it being on the forefront of the majority's hearts and minds. Sadly, until we as a nation begin to place emphasis on pious principles, our fate will ultimately be doomed.

Of course, for me, the revelation by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) holds all the keys to establish a nation that God would be proud of. Islam is unique because it clearly makes it known that lukewarmness is not the way to God's heart. The Quran of Mecca points this out clearly in the following Sura:

"Such as took their religion to be mere amusement and play, and were deceived by the life of the world...for We had certainly sent to them a Book based on knowledge, which We explained in detail- a guide and a mercy to all who believe (7:51)."

That means, as much as we would like to get on our death bed and ask for forgiveness of all our sins in our entire life, we know that God is much smarter than that. After all, He is the all knowing and most Beneficent one, and He is just and holds ALL our deeds on a balance scale.

My point is, in order for us to live up to the standards of God, being lukewarm is not the key. It takes courage and strength to uphold righteous pillars, to not blend in with the ways of the world, and to refute behaviors, laws and actions that are against the divine scheme of things. However, it must be done. If it is not done, you will end up with a nation that has no morals, no significant spiritual precedent, no reverence for the throne of God, and no understanding of what it truly means to walk in the path of the pious ones.


-Neo decides to investigate the feeling he has inside of himself that makes him aware of the crooked ways of the world.

Wanting Heaven but Reaching for Hell (Part 1)

Two weeks ago, I made a decision to stop drinking. I felt it was necessary for several reasons, all basically centered around spiritual ideals. Remember last Monday, we opened the week discussing how the internal love that exist within us is strong enough to blossom any virtuos attributes in our characters if we so choose.

But in the entertainment industry, I find some of the strangest and most illogical thoughts. What do I mean? Well, honestly, I get the weirdest reactions when I tell people I've quit. Most are in disbelief until they realize that I've been drinking Sprite all night. I've received one congratulation, and several other nudges of encouragement.

But then, I also have been getting this warped kind of pyschological paradox from people. For instance, one associate said that his boss told him that he was a d#@K when he sobered up. In addition, he noted that he would go several weeks without drinking just to prove he could quite...and then start drinking again.

Yesterday night at the gig, I told the bartender I will be ordering no alcohol all night. After letting her know I quit, she noted, "I had a rough one last night." I told her, "I've had one to many rough ones."

Now, we as humans want heaven but our minds seem to reach for hell. What do I mean? I simply mean that our own thinking drops poisonous seeds that blossom and circumvent the good which we were born to create. Moreover, I know plenty of people that have substance abuse problems, want to change, acknowledge that they're wrong, yet perpetually continue to hurt themselves. Why? There are many reasons, and surely I can relate. In fact, I'm just like you.

This is why in Islam, our holy book asserts that we are children of Adam. In other words, we are more inclined to follow our own will, not the harmonious will that exists within us. Ironically, however, we all are inherently created to be representatives of the Most High. Think about it. No matter what you want, at some point you have to reach out and grab it. Your mind dictates what you want and your actions navigate your reach; therefore, the average human being wants heaven but reaches for hell.

I'm sorry to tell you that in this life, you can't have your cake and eat it to. So long as nature has existed, we know that everything comes in pairs. The same can be said for our personalities and characters and if we are wise, at some point in our lives, we make a choice and stick with it. We decide not only do we want heaven, but we are willing to put ourselves in position to receive heaven. This means one has to acquire a shift in thought. It's like being blindfolded and taking someone's hand through the forest. Though you can't see, you left the force or the divine will guide your steps (instead of the person leading you).

When you make a decision to dedicate your life to the divine will that exists within you, you should not feel like the average person. You should not feel worldly. You should feel like an alien on a unknown planet. Your goal: to uphold your creeds from you native home.

This shift is important because we are Lords of this plane. The average person lets the world dictate to them who they will be. They will go with the flow and become sucked in the ways of this rigid world and by doing so, they take on all the negative aspects that we see from this world. Our only sane wall of defense is free will and our minds. Stay tuned for part two.

Do We All Come From the Same Place?

There are interesting theories on where we as human beings come from. Anthropologist and Scientist admit that, so far as they have found, Africa is the birthplace of human civilization. Lets face it, our educational system on who we are as human beings and our inherent birthplace is foggy at best. The western world often refers to the "Adam and Eve" story. However, that story only dates back to 5,000+ years ago. I have evidence on my books shelf that places the Sphinx atleast 40,000 years old.

Even the Bible suggest or infers that others existed before Adam in Genesis. For instance, if Cain was the offspring of Adam and Eve, how quickly were they popping out babies? After the infamous first murder of the Bible, Cain says upon knowing he will be put in exile by Allah himself: "I will be a restless wanderer on the earth and whoever finds me will kill me." (Gen. 4:13)

My point is if these were truly the first siblings in humanity, where did the other people come from who would find Cain on his nomadic venture? Furthermore, whats up with Nod, the land east of Eden? Cain goes there and finds a wife? Hmmm. So there were other people around! (Gen 4:17). But then Allah said NO, no one touches (murders) Cain, thus giving him the "mark" for protection. In other words, these other people were going to kill him had it not been for Allah and his graceful pardon(Gen 4:15). According to Cain, people would discover him and kill him..lol.

So I have just proven how the first several pages of the Bible does not offer clear cut answers on the beginning times of man. And for your info, Adam had two different sets of offspring (Gen 4:25/4:1)

Now, the rabbit whole gets deeper. If indeed the dark hue man was the first, that would make him indigeneous-a direct descendant from God in laymen terms. So where did the pale skin man come from? Lets mention a couple of theories on this topic. There is a Vitamin D albino theory which states that Europeans were dark hue until they moved to colder regions in which they adapted and transformed into a entirely different race.

There is a theory that ancient Egyptians (pre-dynasty) created the European race. As Bobby Hemmit said, they deemed it an "experiment gone bad." If you think this notion is far fetch, realize that cloning exist now and there is nothing new under the son according to Solomon. Anyway it goes, science shows that they are not the original man.

So the logical question is what are they and how do they differ from melanin infused people? Now, in all fairness, if you are on this earth, you deserve to be treated in fairness and equality...regardless. All I'm saying is where can they be traced back in ancient history? And if the Sphinx is atleast 40,000 years old, why are we told that man's history can only be traced back to Adam and Eve? There is a thin line between science, history, and spirtuality. Things that make you go hmm. Take the time to look at this discourse from Bobby Hemmit, it's quite interesting.

The Beauty of the Inner Self

"Islam does not demand unreasoned belief. Rather, it invites intelligent faith, growing from observation, reflection, and contemplation, beginning with nature and what is all around us."
-Thomas Cleary writer for IslamiCity.com

"I call to witness...the soul and how it was integrated and given the faculty of knowing what is disruptive and what is intrinsic to it."
-Sura 91:8

I wanted to start off the week by purely addressing spirituality and how we can make it work for ourselves. First, regardless of your faith, we all know that God has already engraved in us morality. And perhaps it's beyond our understanding, but surely we inherently know right from wrong.

As human beings, we have to pay more attention to ourselves. Yes, that small voice that speaks inside of our mind. Often we ignore, or minimize its purpose but what if we were to listen to the still small voice that speaks from within? Normally, we make excuses and just end up succumbing to the wrong train of thought. How many times has that voice confirmed something was wrong before you committed the act?

Think of this theory: Humanity, by in large, is out of tune with themselves. This feeds into a kind of reverse psychology. In other words, the bad becomes the norm to the degree that the norm is accepted as acceptable!
But the scriptures reveal that there is a radar in all of us (the soul) which sways us to doing God's will. No matter how much dirt and dross you bury it in, it's still there. That means, at anytime in a man's life, he can decide to pull the shovel out and remove the filth which clouds his mind. This will lead to righteous thoughts which leads to righteous thinking, which ultimately leads to perfection.

So as all the prophets call for, we must change! We talked about this before. Repentance comes in degrees and it should. How do I know? Well if thoughts come before actions, we have to explore how we think to solve our outer forms of folly.

But you have to take a look in the mirror and just be pathetically real and honest with yourself! Make adjustments from there, and in the back of your mind, know that you will change-it's just a matter of YOU doing it.

So when you listen to this song...realize that love is already in you. God is already within you. The spirit of peace has been engraved in your very being. All you have to do is use it.

Low Income, Drug distribution, and the Excuses thereof

You remember Boyz in Da Hood, Menace to Society, New Jersey Drive...etc? Good, because you know that movies as such portrayed demographics, which demonstrated the trap of the inner city life. Often, urban youth are literally born into circumstances where selling drugs "seems" normal, common if you will. However, upon close scrutiny, excuses are made and lives are killed, communities are damaged (often times beyond repair), and generations are affected forever.

On the flip side, the psychology of the individuals who distribute drugs in our urban communities seem warped, even considering the rigorous circumstances. You can say, "I'm from the hood, this is all I know." But do they not make a choice in the matter? At some point, a man/women must evaluate-Is this right and if it's wrong, do I still want to continue doing this? With that said, the aforesaid quote seems like a well concocted excuse.

The mind is sharp. And my philosophy is only you can make it sharper. For instance, most inherently know right from wrong. Why? Empirically speaking, it seems to be a inner brand that comes along with the package of being a human being (unbeknown to us). So if you agree with me that that inner being or consciousness is there, how can we reason with those who default any criminal activity to an excuses (s) such as: This is where I'm from, This is all I know, This is who I am, This is how I was raised.

Now, in a court of law, do these excuses fly? Are they permissible? NO! Why? Because that dag on state attorney (whether crooked or not) and that judge expects you to know right from wrong! Something gave you those spidey senses, because you surely didn't give it to yourself. It's even hard for an atheist to argue that point (not necessarily saying that it comes from God).

So, when I see hip-hop that portrays this kind of mentality, I don't agree because we ALL can choose to do better for ourselves. We all can choose to let go of negativity, and we all can choose to help mankind to the best of our abilities. Anything else is uncivilized and history proves it.



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Give or Take: The Balance of Life

Life is truly about energy. More specifically, how we use our energy, what motives underly the use of that energy, and who we direct that energy towards. Moreso, there is an aspect of energy that remains within our own being. To much output without tapping into the input doesn't seem to make sense.

I'm at a point in my life where certain changes must be made. Those changes surely will free up energy for me. When I make the shift, there will be a surge of energy going out but no place to go! Humans must maintain a certain level of equilibrium. What is fair must be balanced. So when we make changes, especially character wise, we have to evaluate that former use of energy. Otherwise, we may be at the same point again since we don't no how to appropriate the energy elsewhere.

For me, I'm choosing martial arts. That's right. Oronde is going to be chopping it up with a dojo. I've looked into several forms of martial arts. None is better than the other. It's a matter of choice and application of the art and the science that grounds the art. The point is we as human beings have to find ways to channel our energy in more holistic fashion. Some people play ball, others play golf, some lift weights.

I, subjectively speaking, am going to take up martial arts. Why? Because, Martial arts shows one how to harness internal energy and also push it out peacefully. Furthermore, if I do need to defend myself, someone will be in for a treat.

So it looks like I will be practicing Tang Soo Do. After researching, I found out this form of martial arts is the original Taekwondo. Even more intriguing are the pillars to the art. Take a look:
"IN" -humanity, "UI"-righteousness, "YIE"-etiquette, "JI"-wisdom and "SHIN"-trust.

Not a bad way to channel unused energy at all hey?

Can Allah be found before the Arabs? Survey says: Yup!

It is true that I'm highly considering converting to Islam. But, I don't want to become "Arabanized." Dig it? In other words, I am for the ideology of Islam, but I don't see the necessity in associating with the Arabic culture. Every man must have a sense of his forefather's legacy and mine can be traced back to Ethiopia and even Egypt. In those days, spirituality was not used for imperialism or political reasons. These were the ancient days of old where spirituality was authentic and it was a way of existence as opposed to a past time (like people treat religion today).

I've always had thoughts of if there are historical traces of the term "Allah" before Mohammed. Dr. Henrick Clarke, a late African Historian, and one of the best, states boldly: "If you talk about Islam before Mohammed, I don't know what you are talking about."

But who knows? The brother in this film asserts the term Allah did exist in pre-Islamic times. The only variable is that it was written on the walls of the tombs in Egypt, according to him. In other words, its language is encoded in hieroglyphics ( which he says is Wollof which derives from Kemet).

Now I won't accept it on face value but I'm open to the idea. After all, the concept of a creator can be found wherever man can be found. Moreover, Mohammed only referred to the same Creator that Abraham worshipped and it's no secret that the essence of Christianity comes from Egypt. So of course, now I have MORE research to do concerning this matter. Does it ever stop? Nope!

Knowledge, Wisdom, and Understanding: My take on it.

1. What is knowledge?
-Knowledge is all material that can be mentally absorbed empirically. Without knowledge, we would seek to learn nothing which the mind can't fathom because it is designed to seek and learn various forms of information.

2.What is wisdom?
-Wisdom is the minds ability to reason and apply knowledge in a manner that will uplift himself and others around him. Essentially, wisdom is knowing when, why and how to use the knowledge that has been acquired.

3. What is Understanding?
-Understanding is merely the mind's perception of knowledge as it is;therefore, being able to objectively and subjectively process information acutely and rationally.

Less Ego=Getting Stronger

Did you see how Southpark ridiculed Kanye West? It was quite hysterical. But all in all, Southpark, perhaps, showed Kanye how ignorant he looks at times. In short, the clip in Southpark shows how Kanye's ego prevents him from recognizing a blatant joke. Because he loves to put fish sticks in his mouth, he's a "gayfish." Click here to see how this spun out of control: http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/04/south-park-fish.html

But the ego is tricky, and no matter how much of a piehole Kanye can be, did we ever stop to think that maybe, in his mind, he was being rational? In Buddhism, for instance, the ego is the single opponent that man must overcome. And yes, you that are reading this now, surely have ego discrepancies.

How do we conquer our own ego? My studies reveal that sitting under a teacher that is competent in the study of self is the most efficient way to accomplish such a task. The ego condones obscurities, and present a multitude of mental barriers that prohibits us from seeing things as they really are. When we don't see things as they are, we live in a warped world where everything is narrowly curtailed to our own likings. How could we ever reach are pinnacle in this mode?

So my advise to Kanye, just as he has mentors like Jay-Z, and No I.D., is to find a teacher that can teach you how to suppress your ego. Something to think about Mr. West.

Understand Your Mind First

I came across a Pema Chodron clip on You Tube. She spoke of some very true facts. Most people start making adjustments to external phenomena, in order to bring some kind of "inner peace." Isn't it true? We eliminate, make additions, and adjust all of our worldly circumstances in the hopes that it will bring us what we want-happiness.

A classic example is money. Alot of us presume that a life with a significant amount of money can bring us happiness. However, money only solves financial problems. It does not cure personalities or character discrepancies.

Thus, we have to start working with our minds first. I agree 100 percent with this philosophy. Change the way you think and you will see that you can create your own happiness. There is no doubt that we might have to change our external phenomena.

You may need to find a new job since the current one is draining you. You might need to move. Perhaps your neighborhood is not healthy for you. But in the end, the mind is the fix to all pyschological glitches. Start there first and then clean house.

Diamonds Start as Coal-The 10% Advantage

It is very rare for a human beings' character to receive a "total makeover" overnight. After all, as human beings, we reap what we sow. All of our character, good or bad, is a composite of 1)How we were raised, 2)the decisions we make, 3)how we react to our decisions, and 4)how we react to various life circumstances sometimes out of our control. Therefore, it is safe say that one can not simply change overnight.

Moreover, I want to change. But it's overwhelming when I objectively look at it. I can be extremely selfish at times and lose all compassion for others in an instant. My pride often explodes like a brand new flavor from Starburst. Sometimes I'm so attached to insignificant factors in life, I don't even consider that I need to detach. How do I began to chip away at this toxic coal?

I'll tell you how. Little by little. Perfection comes in degrees and it's been proven. Think of how great athletes evolve. They normally initiate their career wanting to be the best but they soon realize they have more attributes to develop in order to change into the athlete they desire to be. There coach, having more experience and foreseeability, usually points out their faults and begins to show them how they can become better. The athlete then begins implementing new drills and practice routines that will make his current performance better. He chips away at his goal little by little until his performance reaches an apex. He just doesn't show up the next day to the gym an entirely different player.

The truth of the matter is it's down right easier and borderline ingenious. Bit by bit you begin to give 10% each day to something you want to change. Since it's only 10% percent, you don't feel the pressure as you normally would, as opposed to completely coming out of your cocoon in one day. As the Tibetan Master Sakyong Rinponche mentions, we begin to work with our positive qualities and become more familiar with them. This invokes a spirit of love that can be transmitted to others. Finally, it's stops us from getting frustrated and going immediately back to our habitual habits. Take the time to listen to this theory from a Master. I've also included a clip of Michael Jordan subscribing to the same theory. "Improve your weaknesses until they become strengths [a process], and improve your strengths so you don't have anymore weaknesses." Well said Mike. Enjoy!

Leaving Your Mark: If you don't do it, who will?

Last night, Mad Mardigan, founder of the only current hip-hop night in Tallahassee partied with us for possibly the last time. He's on his way to Kentucky for a permanent move. But he left his mark here and hip-hop artist in Tallahassee should be ever grateful to him for starting a local hip-hop movement.

Alot of people think making a mark has to be this illustrious demonstration of brilliance that rubs off on the people in their circle (or outside of their circle). But maybe we've complicated the idea of leaving a mark. If everyone looks out for their fellow brotherman/women, and truly shows compassion in their actions, does that not constitute leaving a mark?

Not everyone can be Michael Jordan, Barack Obama or Benjamin Franklin. However, the simple things in life are underated. Things like saying thank you, going the extra mile for someone, being noble and fair, being honest and just...can't we leave are mark this way?

Well if Mardigan can do it-so can you. Sometimes people who have conquored extraordinary feats cloud are judgement on our own being. Chogyam Trungpa, a late Tibetan Lama, states "When you hear of someone who possesses remarkable qualities, you regard him or her as a significant being and yourself as insignificant.The continual comparing and selecting generates a never-ending procession of desires." I concur with such a statment.

Essentially, we have to remove the pressure that we place on ourselves. I remember my dad would always tell me that if you don't surpass what I've done, you've failed. Perhaps he used it as a motivational tool, but it also can create a dangerous pyschological paradox in which one feels that they must either surpass the feats their parents accomplished or accept failure.

The fact is God gives us all that we need to be the best at who we are. When we point to someone else and say that's my hero, it infers that we lack something. The truth of the matter is we don't.

So today, make up your mind to make a mark. You have everything it takes to do so and it doesn't have to include breaking a record,making history or being famous. Start with your family, move your way to your friends, and even to your associates. Recognize your worth and continue to act in a manner that shows people their worth. I'll miss Mardigan, but he left his mark in this town. He will always be remembered by a select group of hip-hop artist in Tallahassee for revitalizing local hip-hop. Moreover, the way he treated us was just and fair. We've made making a mark to complicated. He made his and all he did was stay true to himself. We'll miss you Mardigan.

Repentance, Balling, Pimping, and Rap: How does it Work?

Of course my eyes were searching for one YouTube clip that would initiate this week's blog in the right spirit. As you can see by the title, I have something special for you.

The urban world of Hip-Hop is forever growing, changing, and pulling more "youngins" in everday. Unfortunately, the Hip-Hop culture has become so influential, that without wholesome parenting, today's youth often can be lured into the dark world of balling, pimping, and drug trafficking. After all, most of your top ten Billboards hits in Hip-Hop deal directly with these topics.

Moreover, it is rare to see one who is not a member of the Christian Rap genre state boldly, "Jesus Save my Soul." Indeed I have found an emcee that is clearly (atleast according to the lyrics) still embracing a life of sin. Upon watching it, one feels as if they are listening to the wacky Christian Rap that I blogged previously. Not so. This brother is pimpin on 24's, and even will "smack a hoe" to get his point across. Notice, while speaking to God, you here alot of "You know I had to..."

There is a thin line between confession and repentance. We can learn an even deeper lesson from this demonstration. One thing that I give this brother is that he is in tune with who he is. Doesn't that count for something? How can one change if they are in denial of their faults or their inherent nature. In other words, for this gentleman, half the battle is won. Repentance in short is:
"to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better; be penitent."

The problem with Mr. Save My Soul is that I don't sense much sorrow. That same sorrow should be used to help one change and walk a straight path. Okay-enough of the serious talk. Watch this and don't feel bad if you laugh your but off. It's okay-it's hard to take him serious.