Week 8 Day 4; Christianity; Matthew 15:18 - 20

" 'But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander. These are what defile a man;' " (Matthew 15:18 - 20, from the Gospels of Christianity).

What is something that you do to maximise the love that comes from your heart?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 4; Judaism; Beresheit 32:25

" 'I am unworthy of all the kindness that You have so steadfastly shown Your servant: with my staff alone I crossed this (Yordan), and now I have become two camps.' " (Beresheit 32:25, from the Torah of Judaism).

Upon leaving his far-in-law's house and returning to his homeland, Yaakov performs a prayer and supplication to God. And in this prayer, Yaakov reflects how he experiences a formidable transformation to becoming a family man and a leader of a considerable house. When is the most recent occasion that you sit back and reflect upon the benevolence that you experience in life?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 4; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 8:8

"When you make your mind one-pointed through regular practice of meditation, you will find the supreme glory of the Lord." (Chapter 8:8, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Is there ever an occasion, when you are highly concentrated in some manner, when you experience a prominent revelation?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 4; Buddhism; Kutadanta Sutta 4

"Then Kutadanta thought: 'I have heard that the Samana Gotama understands about the successful performance of a sacrifice with its threefold method and its sixteen accessory instruments." (Kutadanta Sutta 4, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Brahmin Priest, Kutadanta, references a particular protocol and requirements for a leader to satisfy in order to properly perform a sacrifice. Are you ever involved in the organising of a community celebration? If so, what are some of the diplomatic or practical protocols that you address in preparing that celebration?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 4; Islam; Sura 8:28

"And know that your wealth and your children are a temptation, and that Allah is (Allah) with Whom there is a mighty reward." (Sura 8:28, from the Koran of Islam).

Amidst the achievements and blessings that we experience in life, do you ever that there may be a "higher purpose" for all of this? If so, what do you think that might be?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 3; Judaism; Beresheit 32:4

"(Yaakov) sent messengers ahead to his brother Esau in the land of Seir," (Beresheit 32:4, from the Torah of Judaism).

After cheating his brother of an inheritance blessing, and fleeing from his brother, Yaakov prepares to return to his farland and re-encounter his brother, Esau. And in preparing for this reunion, Yaakov sends servants and gifts ahead of himself, to Esau, to soften up Esau. Do you ever have a dispute with a family member or friend and then later, to become reconciled again, ask another loved one to intercede or even provide a gift as a gesture of Peace-making?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 3; Islam; Sura 8:21

"And be not like those who say, We hear; and they hear not." (Sura 8:21, from the Koran of Islam).

Do you ever encounter someone who is duplicitous? Do you ever observe yourself being duplicitous? How do you proceed in unraveling that duplicity?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 3; Christianity; Matthew 15:1 - 2

"Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from (Yerushalayim) and said, 'Why do your disciples transgress the traditions of the elders?' " (Matthew 15:1 - 2, from the Gospels of Christianity).

After being challenged regarding his abstinence from washing hands before eating (per Jewish custom), Jesus responds by commenting that his critics honour some customs of the ancestors that abrogate other religious doctrines of the ancestors. Do you ever experience a contradiction within the religious doctrine or rituals of your parents? How do you proceed in reconciling that contradiction?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 3; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 8:5 - 6

"Those who remember (Me) at the time of death will come to (Me). Do not doubt this. Whatever occupies the mind at the time of death determines the destination of the dying; always they will tend toward that state of being." (Chapter 8:5 - 6, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Do you ever think of how you might pass from life? Do you think of how you might prepare for your passing from life? And how does this affect your living?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 3; Buddhism; Kutadanta Sutta 10

"Now when King Wide-(Realm) was once sitting alone in meditation he became anxious at the thought: 'I have in abundance all the (benevolent) things a mortal can enjoy. The whole wide circle of the earth is mine by conquest to possess. 'Twere well if I were to offer a great sacrifice that should ensure me weal and welfare for many days." (Kutadanta Sutta 10, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

When we are experiencing a windfall of material wealth, what is it that compels us to provide a portion of that material wealth as an offering (usually in a manner that is contrary to how we amass the material wealth)?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 2; Islam; Sura 8:61

"And if they incline to peace, incline thou also to it, and trust in Allah. Surely (Allah) is the Hearer, the Knower." (Sura 8:61, from the Koran of Islam).

The Koran teaches to stand against aggression, but to also become peaceful when an aggressor ceases from an aggression. When is the most recent occasion that you transform into "Peace Mode," after an adversary backs away from aggression?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 2; Christianity; Matthew 15:32

"Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days, and have nothing to eat; and I am unwilling to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way.' " (Matthew 15:32, from the Gospels of Christianity).

When is the recent occasion that you have a spiritual experience and then ground that experience by breaking bread afterwards?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 2; Buddhism; Kutadanta Sutta

" 'But perchance his majesty might think: 'I'll soon put a stop to these scoundrels' game by degradation and banishment, and fines and bonds and death!' But their license cannot be satisfactorily put a stop to so. The remnant left unpunished would still go on harassing the (Realm).' " (Kutadanta Sutta, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

It can be easy to immediately respond to a transgression with a reactionary transgression; but it is increasingly favourable to respond to a transgression with intelligence, understanding, and resolve for resolution and reconciliation. How do you progress beyond the immediate instinct to respond with hostility, and instead, respond with intelligence and even compassion?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 2; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 8:22

"This supreme Lord (Who) pervades all existence, the (True) Self of all creatures, may be (Realized) through undivided love." (Chapter 8:22, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Is there ever a period in your life when you feel a harmonious union with (perhaps even a love for) all that surrounds you?

Love And Peace.

Week 8 Day 2; Judaism; Beresheit 32:29

"Said he, 'Your name shall no longer be (Yaakov), but Israel, for you have striven with beings divine and human, and have prevailed." (Beresheit 32:29, from the Torah of Judaism).

After liberating himself from his far-in-law's house and preparing to be reconciled with this brother, Yaakov experiences a spiritual transformation when he wrestles with the Angel; and he receives a new name based upon this transformation. Is there a period in your life where you experience a fundamental transformation and are forever changed for the rest of your life?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 day 6; Christianity; Matthew 14:14

"As he went ashore he saw a great throng; and he had compassion on them, and he healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Is there any recent occasion where you see a crowd of people who are in a desperate situation and you have compassion for those individuals? How do you respond to the situation?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 6; Islam; Sura 7:205

"And remember thy Lord within thyself humbly and fearing, and in a voice not loud, in the morning and the evening, and be not of the heedless." (Sura 7:205, from the Koran of Islam).

The Koran often teaches the principles of humility and modesty, including within 1's own religious practice. What is your general approach in expressing your spirituality?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 6; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 7:16

"(Benevolent) people come to worship (Me) for different reasons. Some come to the spiritual life because of suffering, some in order to understand life; some come through a desire to achieve life's purpose, and some come who are men and women of wisdom." (Chapter 7:16, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

What motivates you to be a better individual?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 6; Judaism; Beresheit 31:2

"(Yaakov) also saw that Laban's manner toward him was not as it had been in the past." (Beresheit 31:2, from the Torah of Judaism).

Yaakov works for Laban for almost 2 decades and marries 2 of his daughters; yet, Yaakov feels that Laban's favour towards him gradually turns into resentment as Yaakov seeks to venture out on his own. Do you ever have an experience where you have a family member or a friend for a number of years who seems to resent your progression in life? How do you become reconciled with this?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 6; Buddhism; Sonadanda Sutta 8

"Now the following hesitation arose in Sonadanda's mind as he passed through the wood: 'Were I to ask the Samana Gotama a question, if he were to say: 'The question ought not to be asked so, thus ought the question to be framed;' the company might there upon speak of me with disrespect,' " (Sonadanda Sutta 8, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Brahmin Priest, Sonadanda, worries about being embarrassed by saying the wrong words around the Buddha. Is there ever an occasion in your school, or work, or social environment, where you feel a high amount of pressure to always say and do the right thing? How do you progress through this? And do you ever consider that others may feel the same in talking and acting around you? How might you allay those concerns?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 5; Christianity; Matthew 13:20 - 21

" 'As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.' " (Matthew 13:20 - 21, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Jesus teaches the parable of the sowing of seeds. Do you ever experience a dissonance between your spiritual aspirations and your temporal striving? How do you reconcile any such dissonance?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 5; Judaism; Beresheit 28:13

"I am the LORD, the God of your father (Avraham) and the God of (Yitzak);" (Beresheit 28:13, from the Torah of Judaism).

When communicating to Yaakov, God makes the inter-generational reference of also being the God that Yaakov's forebears worship: Yitzak and Avraham. This establishes a continuity amidst the generations. What is the nature of the continuity between the spiritual practice of your forebears and yourself?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 5; Islam; Sura 7:81

"Surely you come to males with lust instead of females. Nay, you are a people exceeding bounds." (Sura 7:81, from the Koran of Islam).

What do you consider to be sexual propriety?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 5; Buddhism; Sonadanda 6

"Truly, Sirs, the Samana Gotama has no passion of lust left in him, and has put away all fickleness of mind--" (Sonadanda 6, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

Do you ever experience an extended period of celibacy? If so, what observations do you notice about yourself?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 5; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 7:21 - 22

"When a person is devoted to something with complete faith, I unify his faith in that. Then, when his faith is completely unified, he gains the object of his devotion. In this way, every desire is fulfilled by (Me)." (Chapter 7:21 - 22, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Is there something towards which you are significantly dedicated? What is your experience amidst that dedication and the fruits of that dedication?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 4; Islam; Sura 7:42

"And as for those who believe and do (benevolence)-- We impose not on any soul a duty beyond its scope-- they are the owners of the Garden; therein they abide." (Sura 7:42, from the Koran of Islam).

Is there ever an occasion in life when you feel overwhelmed? How do you proceed through it?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 4; Buddhism; Sonadanda Sutta 20

" 'If Angaka, Sirs, should kill living things, and take what has not been given, and go the way of the adulterer, and speaks lies, and drink strong drink, what then, Sirs, would his colour avail him? What the verses? What his birth?' " (Sonadanda Sutta 20, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

After proclaiming the prerequisites of fair skin complexion, knowledge of scripture, and reputable birth lineage, the Brahmin Priest, Sonadanda, explains to his colleagues that such are unnecessary to be considered a True Brahmin; that instead a Brahmin need only have righteousness and wisdom. What prerequisites do you consider to exist in order to classify an individual as authoritative?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 4; Judaism; Beresheit 29:10

"And when (Yaakov) saw Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban, and the flock of his uncle Laban, (Yaakov) went up and rolled the stone off the mouth off the well, and watered the flock of his uncle Laban." (Beresheit 29:10, from the Torah of Judaism).

Inspired by love for another, do you ever experience an instance of superhuman ability or feat? Do you ever experience a superhuman feat conducted by someone else out of that individual's love for you?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 4; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 7:18

"All those who follow the spiritual path are blessed. But the wise who are always established in union, for whom there is no higher goal than (Me), may be regarded as my very Self." (Chapter 7:18, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Do you ever have an experience in life when you feel "in the zone"? What are you doing during that period? And how does this shape you?

Love And Peace.

Week 7; Day 4; Christianity; Matthew 14:28

"And Peter answered him, '(Master), if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." (Matthew 14:28, from the Gospels of Christianity).

After seeing Jesus walk on the water towards his boat, Peter seeks to also walk on the water towards him. When is the most recent occasion that you take a leap of Faith?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 3; Buddhism; Sonadanda Sutta 6

" 'But all Samanas and (Brahmins) who come into our village borders are our guests. And guests we ought to esteem and honour, to venerate and revere. And as he is now so come, he ought to be so treated, as a guest.' " (Sonadanda Sutta 6, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

Sonadanda, the Brahmin Priest, explains the protocols for why he should call upon the Buddha. What is a recent experience that you have in welcoming a guest?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 3; Judaism; Beresheit 28:10 - 11

"(Yaakov) left Beer-sheba, and set out for Haran. He came upon a certain place and stopped there for the night, for the sun had set." (Beresheit 28:10 - 11, from the Torah of Judaism).

What is the most recent road trip that you take?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 3; Islam; Sura 7:184

"Do they not reflect that there is no madness in their companion? He is only a plain warner." (Sura 7:184, from the Koran of Islam).

Is there ever a point when someone else fundamentally questions your thinking because of a belief that you have? How do you respond?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 3; Christianity; Matthew 13:1 - 2

"That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat there;" (Matthew 13:1 - 2, from the Gospels of Christianity).

When is the most recent occasion where you experience the need to "get away" from the crowd?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 3; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 7:11

"In those who are strong, I am strength, free from passion and selfish attachment. I am desire itself, if that desire is in harmony with the purpose of life." (Chapter 7:11, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

What do you consider to be your purpose in life?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 2; Judaism; Beresheit 28:12

"He had a dream; a stairway was set on the ground and its top reached to the sky, and angels of God were going up and down on it." (Beresheit 28:12, from the Torah of Judaism).

During a rest from his travels, Yaakov experiences a cosmic vision. Do you ever have a dream experience or some other form of vision or cosmic experience that provides you with a celestial insight?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 2; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 7:9

"I am the sweet fragrance in the earth and the radiance of fire; I am the life in every creature and the striving of the spiritual aspirant." (Chapter 7:9, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Is there ever a moment when you are mesmerised by a temporal phenomenon (something you see or hear or feel or smell or taste)? If so, do you ever consider what exists deeper within the nature of that phenomenon?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 2; Christianity; Matthew 14:19 - 20

"Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass; and taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied." (Matthew 14:19 - 20, from the Gospels of Christianity).

When is the most recent occasion that you break bread in the company of over 100 people?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 2; Islam; Sura 7:199

"Take to forgiveness and enjoin (benevolence) and turn away from the ignorant." (Sura 7:199, from the Koran of Islam).
When is the most recent occasion that you forgive someone else or seek forgiveness from someone else?
Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 2; Buddhism; Sonadanda 6

"Truly, Sirs, the Samana Gotama bids all men welcome, is congenial, conciliatory, not supercilious, accessible to all, not backward in conversation--" (Sonadanda 6, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Brahmin Priest, Sonadanda, describes how the Buddha is kind in greeting all people, and argues that this is a reason why the Buddha should be approached for conversation. How do you greet the people that you encounter throughout your day (even the strangers)?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 1; Islam; Sura 7:123

"Pharaoh said: You believe in (Allah) before I give you permission! Surely this is a plot which you have plotted in the city, to turn out of it its people, but you shall know!'" (Sura 7:123, from the Koran of Islam).

Pharaoh rebukes his Priests for acquiescing to God, as proclaimed by Moshe. Do you ever experience an occasion when an authority figure attempt unduly regulating your beliefs? If so, how do you proceed towards reconciliation?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 1; Christianity; Matthew 13:57

"But Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.'" (Matthew 13:57, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Is there ever an occasion where you feel under-appreciated, dismissed, or even disrespected by those who know you the best: your family or friends?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 1; Buddhism; Sonadanda Sutta 4

"Let not the venerable Sonadanda do that. It is not fitting for him to do so. If it were the venerable Sonadanda who went to call upon him, then the venerable Sonadanda's reputation would decrease and the Samana Gotama's would increase." (Sonadanda Sutta 4, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The colleagues of a Priestly Brahmin rebuke him for intending to visit the Buddha, out of a concern for the depreciating politics of protocol that may result. Do you ever experience an occasion where you are criticised for engaging with another person, other than because any lack of merit by that person but because of the appearances? If so, how do you proceed?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 1; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 7:1

"With you mind intent on (Me), Arjuna, discipline yourself with the practice of yoga. Depend on (Me) completely. Listen, and I will dispel all your doubts; you will come to know (Me) fully and be united with (Me)." (Chapter 7:1, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

In what do you trust the most in life?

Love And Peace.

Week 7 Day 1; Judaism; Beresheit 28:14

"Your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All the families of the earth shall bless themselves by you and your descendants." (Beresheit/Genesis 28:14, from the Torah of Judaism).

God confers upon Yaakov this blessing for the prospect of his progeny. Do you ever consider the details of the prospects of your progeny for the next 7 generations and beyond?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 6; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 6:1

"It is not those who lack energy or refrain from action, but those who work without expectation of reward who attain the goal of meditation." (Chapter 6:1, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Is there a recent occasion when you do something honestly without thinking of receiving something back in return?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 6; Islam; Sura 6:38

"And there is no animal in the earth, nor a bird that flies on its two wings, but they are communities like yourselves. We have not neglected anything in the Book. Then to their Lord will they be gathered." (Sura 6:38, from the Koran of Islam).

Can you think of a recent experience you have of animal husbandry?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 6; Christianity; Matthew 11:4 - 6

"And Jesus answered them, 'Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have (benevolent) new preached to them. And blessed is he who takes no offense at me.'" (Matthew 11:4 - 6, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Do you have a standing relationship with someone else where you may have little affection, little animosity, yet simply an absence of offense towards each other?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 6; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 2:3

"I will henceforth be one of those who live only on fruits that have fallen of themselves." (Ambattha Sutta 2:3, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Buddha describes a proclamation of discipline made by spiritual aspirants who are unable to lead the austere life of full asceticism. Do you ever make a proclamation of righteousness/Holiness that restricts or compels your actions?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 6; Judaism; Beresheit 26:31

"Early in the morning, they exchanged oaths, (Yitzak) then bade them farewell, and they departed from him in peace." (Beresheit/Genesis 26:31, from the Torah of Judaism).

After a dispute regarding wells of water, the local king recognises the righteousness within Yitzak and a peace resolution is drafted. Can you think of an occasion when you are reconciled with a former adversary?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 5; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 6:25

"Little by little, through patience and repeated effort, the mind will become stilled in the Self." (Chapter 6:25, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

"Petit a petit, l'oiseau fait son nid." ("Little by little, the bird builds his nest."). Do you ever have a task or a project that seems daunting but towards which you dedicate yourself; and through continued, repeated effort, you are able to achieve?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 5; Islam; Sura 6:3

"And (Allah) is Allah in the heavens and in the earth. (Allah) knows your secret thoughts and your open words, and (Allah) knows what you earn." (Sura 6:3, from the Koran of Islam).

It can be comforting to think that we are known and understood beyond what we are able to explicitly communicate. Do you ever experience a personal relationship (with a spouse, a family member, and/or friend) where that person "gets" you: where that person understands exactly what you are experiencing without you saying anything to that person?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 5; Christianity; Matthew 11:18 - 19

"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon'; the Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds." (Matthew 11:18 - 19, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Jesus explains that is essentially impossible to appease everyone; that rather than placating to the whims and criticisms of the public, it is beneficial for 1 to do what 1 knows to be proper. Is there ever an occasion where you take a position that is unpopular and you stand your ground because you are right?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 5; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 2:1

"But what, Gotama, is the righteousness, and what the wisdom spoken of in that verse?" (Ambattha Sutta 2:1, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

Essentially all Prophets and sages urge us to lead a righteous life. But what exactly does that righteousness look like in practice? What are some specific actions that you consider righteous (and perhaps less obvious)?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 5; Judaism; Beresheit 27:43 - 44

"Flee at once to Haran, to my brother Laban. Stay with him a while, until your brother's fury subsides-" (Beresheit/Genesis 27:43 - 44, from the Torah of Judaism).

After he dupes his brother, Esau, Yaakov is advised by his mor, Rivkah, to leave the area because of Esau's plot to kill him. Sometimes in life, we experience challenges that seem to surpass our immediate skills of negotiation. Do you ever experience a situation when you feel it necessary to distance yourself from the challenge until there is an increased opportunity (and perhaps receptivity) for resolution?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 4; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 2:22

"And then the (Brahmin) Pokkharasadi, as one who had seen the Truth, had mastered it, understood it, dived deep down into it, who had passed beyond doubt and put away perplexity and gained full confidence, who had become dependent on no other man for his knowledge of the teaching of the Master, addressed the Blessed One," (Ambattha Sutta 2:22, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

When is the most recent occasion that you experience an epiphany, an "a-ha" moment?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 4; Judaism; Beresheit 27:25

"...he said, 'Serve me and let me eat of my son's game that I may give you my innermost blessing." (Beresheit/Genesis 27:25, from the Torah of Judaism).

Yitzak requires Yaakov to provide him with a meal before Yitzak confers upon Yaakov an enduring blessing. Yaakov must perform a service to his far before receiving the blessing. In what way do you serve your elders?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 4; Christianity; Matthew 12:33

"Either make the tree (benevolent), and its fruit (benevolent); or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit." (Matthew 12:33, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Based upon your fruit, how would you describe your tree: compassionate? searching? varied?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 4; Islam; Sura 6:50

"Say: I say not to you, I have with me the treasures of Allah, nor do I know the unseen, nor do I say to you that I am an angel; I follow only that which is revealed to me." (Sura 6:50, from the Koran of Islam).

Is there ever an occasion where someone tries to place upon you greater authority than that with which you are comfortable?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 4; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 6:13

"Hold your body, head, and neck firmly in a straight line, and keep your eyes from wandering." (Chapter 6:13, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

The Bhagavad Gita provides guidance in the physical position of practising meditation. How would you judge your posture?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 3; Judaism; Beresheit 26:19 - 20

"But when (Yitzak's) servants, digging in the wadi, found there a well of spring water, the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with (Yitzak's) herdsmen, saying, 'The water is ours.'" (Beresheit/Genesis 26:19 - 20, from the Torah of Judaism).

Yitzak is compelled to reconcile with the local tribesmen concerning the issue of water. And water is a quintessential example of the struggle of a perceived 0 sum gain. How can contention over material phenomena be better expanded to find solutions that satisfy all interests? How do we pragmatically and continually learn from the infinity of a seed kernel?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 3; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 6:7

"The supreme Reality stands revealed in the consciousness of those who have conquered themselves. They live in peace, alike in cold and heat, pleasure and pain, praise and blame." (Chapter 6:7, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Is there ever an occasion where you are able to "conquer yourself": where you are able to overcome a bad habit or persevere through a substantial doubt to achieve success?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 3; Islam; Sura 6:25

"And of them is he who hearkens to thee and We have cast veils over their hearts so that they understand it not and a deafness into their ears. And even if they see every sign they will not believe in it. So much so that when they come to thee they only dispute with thee-" (Sura 6:25, from the Koran of Islam).

Do you ever have an argument with someone who is very obstinate and/or narrow-minded? How do you respond? How do you improve communication and reconciliation in such a situation?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 3; Christianity; Matthew 12:49

"And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers!'" (Matthew 12:49, from the Gospels of Christianity).

How do you define the construct of family? What distinctions do you draw between your biological family, your spiritual community, and the whole of humanity?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 3; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 2:9

"Or did they live, as their food, on boiled rice of the best sorts, from which all the black specks had been sought out and removed, and flavoured with sauces and curries of various kinds, as you, and your teacher too, do now?" (Ambattha Sutta 2:9, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Buddha demonstrates to a contemporary critic the eventual divide that emerges between the austere lifestyle of the ancient Rishis (the writers of the Vedas) and the then contemporary comfortable lifestyle of the religious inheritors of the Rishis, the Brahmin householders. In what ways does your contemporary lifestyle coincide with the lifestyle of your ancient ancestors?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 2; Christianity; Matthew 11:4 - 6

"Behold, those who wear soft raiment are in kings' houses." (Matthew 11:4 - 6, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Jesus states that a crowd searches for holiness but is looking at the spectacle of material affluence and decadence. What type of apparel and lifestyle are your leaders wearing?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 2; Islam; Sura 6:103

"Vision comprehends (Allah) not, and (Allah) comprehends all vision; and (Allah) is the Subtile, the Aware." (Sura 6:103, from the Koran of Islam).

Can you think of anything that you experience, in any way, that exists beyond your vision (your ability to tangibly witness it)?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 2; Judaism; Beresheit 26:5 - 6

"When Esau had gone out into the open to hunt game to bring home, (Rivkah) said to her son (Yaakov), 'I overheard your father speaking to your brother Esau," (Beresheit/Genesis 26:5 - 6, from the Torah of Judaism).

Within the narrative of the inheritance of Yitzak being decided between the brothers, Esau and Yaakov, it is the mor, Rivkah, who plays a pivotal role. Can you think of another experience in history or in your personal life where a woman acts in a subtle manner to have a profound and enduring impact?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 2; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 2:21

"Whatsoever has a beginning in that is inherent also the necessity of dissolution." (Ambattha Sutta 2:21, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Buddha references his teaching regarding the concept of Dependent Origination. How does it feel to think that a negative experience will soon dissipate? How does it feel to think that a positive experience will soon dissipate? What phenomena or abstraction exists or transcends this inevitability of dissipation?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 2; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 6:13

"Those who aspire to the state of yoga should seek the Self in inner solitude through meditation. With body and mind controlled they should constantly practice one-pointedness, free from expectations and attachment to material possessions." (Chapter 6:13, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

What is your experience with meditation?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 1; Islam; Sura 6:32

"And this world's life is naught but a play and an idle sport. And certainly the abode of the Hereafter is better for those who keep their duty. Do you not then understand?" (Sura 6:32, from the Koran of Islam).

What if life is like a Divine "Truman Show," where all your actions are made known to a watching audience? And what if you are judged by some authority regarding the whole of these actions? How would you adjust your daily behaviour, and how would you adjust your long-term aspirations?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 1; Christianity; Matthew 12:15 - 16

"And many followed him, and he healed them all, and ordered them not to make him known." (Matthew 12:15 - 16, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Do you ever provide an act of kindness to someone else with the strong urge that this act remains unpublicised?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 1; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 2:1

"In the supreme perfection in wisdom and righteousness, Ambattha, there is no reference to the question either of birth or of lineage, or of the pride which says: 'You are held as worthy as I,' or 'You are not held as worthy as I.' It is where the talk is of marrying, or giving in marriage, that reference is made to such things as that." (Ambattha Sutta 2:1, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

When we reduce all the endeavours of our temporal Universe to its primordial essence, it seems that the motivation is the perpetuation of our experience (our beliefs, our familial lineage, our material possessions, etc). And 1 of the most significant factors that facilitates this perpetuation is marriage and procreation; which is 1 large reason why it is such a significant arrangement within peoples' lives, and why so much valuation is placed within it. Amidst your experience of the process of marriage arrangement, how do you feel yourself "valuated," and how do you "valuate" your marriage prospect?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 1; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 6:6

"To those who have conquered themselves, the will is a friend. But it is the enemy of those who have not found the Self within them." (Chapter 6:6, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

When we are enveloped within selfish motivations, our plans and actions can actually work towards our long-term detriment. Do you ever have an experience where you are doing something to your own detriment? How are you able to acknowledge this and transition into positive plans and actions?

Love And Peace.

Week 6 Day 1; Judaism; Beresheit 25:22

"But the children struggled in her womb, and she said, 'If so, why do I exist?'" (Beresheit/Genesis 25:22, from the Torah of Judaism).

As she experiences severe travails whilst delivering Esau and Yaakov, Rivkah asks the profound question about the purpose of existence amidst such suffering. Do you ever experience a challenge in life where you question the purpose of your existence? What are some reaffirming answers that you receive?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 6; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 5:2

"Both renunciation of action and the selfless performance of action lead to the supreme goal. But the path of action is better than renunciation." (Chapter 5:2, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that righteous action is better than withdrawal from society. Is there ever a period you want to completely withdraw from convention of your life? What keeps you engaged?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 6; Judaism; Beresheit 25:9

"His sons (Yitzak) and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah," (Beresheit/Genesis 25:9, from the Torah of Judaism).

Upon Avraham's passing, the 2 brothers are reconciled enough with each other to together bury Avraham. Are you ever reconciled with someone in the past, and if so, what does it take to facilitate that reconciliation?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 4; Islam; Sura 5:6

"O you who believe, when you rise up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads, and wash your feet up to the ankles." (Sura 5:6, from the Koran of Islam).

Do you have a ritual that you perform before prayer or meditation or doing anything that involves increased concentration?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 5; Islam; Sura 5:99

"The duty of the Messenger is only to deliver the message. And Allah knows what you do openly and what you hide." (Sura 5:99, from the Koran of Islam).

The Koran teaches that an individual who receives Divine Wisdom (the message) has the responsibility of sharing that Divine Wisdom with others. But that individual is other than responsible for arguing or convincing or coercing others to accept the Divine Wisdom. Each individual is only responsible for each individual's own actions. How do you tend to proceed when you experience a perceived impasse or disagreement with another person? How does that change your understanding or integrity of your position?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 5; Christianity; Matthew 9:28 - 30

"... Jesus said to them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' They said to him, 'Yes, (Master).' Then he touched their eyes, say, 'According to your faith be it done to you.' And their eyes were opened." (Matthew 9:28 - 30, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Jesus heals, but Jesus also requires participation and volition from the individuals being healed. Has there ever been an occasion where you trust in something happening, and it happens as you trust (or it abstains from happening as you trust)? What are your actions from the point that you place your trust through to, and after, the immediate outcome?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 5; Buddhism; Ambattha 1:2

"...and having known it, he makes his knowledge known to others." (Ambattha Sutta 1:2, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Buddha teaches that a wise or learned person has a responsibility for sharing that wisdom or knowledge with others. What is a lesson that you previously learn that you readily share with others?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 5; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 5:25

"They find their joy, their rest, and their light completely within themselves. United with the Lord, they attain (Nirvana) in Brahman." (Chapter 5:25, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Sri Krishna teaches that the ultimate essence of Divine existence is present within every 1 of us; that the secrets to our individual Liberation respectively exist within ourselves. Is there ever an instance where you ask yourself a question or think about a situation and find a solution to a dilemma that previously confronts you? What is the extent that you rely upon that ability?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 5; Judaism; Beresheit 24:64

"Raising her eyes, (Rivkah) saw (Yitzak)." (Beresheit/Genesis 24:64, from the Torah of Judaism).

The love between Yitzak and Rivkah is very understated compared to contemporary norms of romanticism. Yet, there is a powerful emotion and connexion in the few words that are utilised to describe this relationship (Yitzak finds comfort after the passing of his mor and Rivkah ventures into a new family based upon a prayer). What are some of the ways you tell someone else you love that person without actually telling that person?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 4; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 5:22

"Pleasures conceived in the world of the senses have a beginning and an end and give birth to misery, Arjuna. The wise do not look for happiness in them." (Chapter 5:22, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that all temporal phenomena are impermanent. Do you ever experience a pleasant feeling only to have it eventually dissipate? If so, what lesson do you glean from that experience? What are some experiences that you find to be constant and permanent?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 4; Judaism; Beresheit 24:27

" 'Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master (Avraham), who has not withheld (Adonai's) steadfast faithfulness from my master." (Beresheit/Genesis 24:27, from the Torah of Judaism).

Avraham's servant is awed that his prayer is expediently answered just in the manner that he asks. Has there ever been an occasion where you earnestly yearn for something and it happens just as you want?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 4; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 1:8

" 'This young (Brahmin) Ambattha is of distinguished family, and a pupil of the distinguished (Brahmin) Pokkharasadi. The Blessed One will not find it difficult to hold conversation with such.'" (Ambattha Sutta 1:8, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

The Buddha's disciples recognise the reputation of a contemporary Priest, qualifying him to be able to converse with the Buddha. Are there people with whom you find it easier to converse? What are some ways to better converse in comparatively difficult circumstances?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 4; Christianity; Matthew 10:16

"Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16, from the Gospels of Christianity).

What do you consider to be the political system of being "wise as serpents and innocent as doves"? How does that translate into the dynamics of inter-generational community building?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 3; Christianity; Matthew 9:13

"Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.'" (Matthew 9:13, from the Gospels of Christianity).

For many of us who perform puja, alms, tithes, sacrifices, charitable donations, and the like, it can almost seem like a pro forma quid pro quo for feeling better about ourselves and life. But rather than simply performing the act, we are guided to cultivate immediacy with others who are suffering and help to alleviate that suffering. Has there ever been an occasion where you delve deeper beyond the mechanics of a charitable act and feel genuine mercy for someone else?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 3; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 1:5

"And he dwells in complete ascendancy over the wide earth from sea to sea, ruling it in righteousness without the need of baton or of sword." (Ambattha Sutta 1:5, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

On numerous occasions, the Digha Nikaya describes the characteristics of a transcendent kingdom where there is an absence of violence or coercion on the part of the ruler. Costa Rica is 1 of the few examples of a contemporary nation that exists without a military. Can you even just imagine the existence of a society where even the threat of violence is a very rare occurrence?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 3; Judaism; Beresheit 23:3 - 4

"Then (Avraham) rose from beside his dead, and spoke to the Hittites, saying, 'I am a resident alien among you; sell me a burial site among you, that I may remove my dead for burial.'" (Beresheit/Genesis 23:3 - 4, from the Torah of Judaism).

When his wife, Sarah, passes from life, Avraham is required to negotiate a purchase of land for a proper burial. As a stranger amongst the locals, he proceeds in a very humble, forthright, and righteous manner, eventually providing the price that the steward of the land states. Have you ever been involved in a business negotiation where you righteously acquiesce to the demand of the other side, even when you can argue for increasingly favourable terms?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 3; Islam; Sura 5:48

"And if Allah had pleased (Allah) would have made you a single people, but that (Allah) might try you in what (Allah) gave you. So vie one with another in virtuous deeds. To Allah you will all return, so (Allah will inform you of that wherein you differed." (Sura 5:48, from the Koran of Islam).

It is an uplifting consideration to think that we are separated from each other for the purpose of vying with each other in the pursuit of benevolent deeds. Do you ever participate in a charitable competition between multiple groups who try to maximise the contributions given for the greater benefit of the community?

Love And Peace.

Week Day 3; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 5:3

"Those who have attained perfect renunciation are free from any sense of duality; they are unaffected by likes and dislikes, Arjuna, and are free from the bondage of self-will." (Chapter 5:3, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

Has you ever experienced an occasion where you are comparatively indifferent of the circumstances of your actions and simply conduct an action because it is the right action to do?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 1; Islam; Sura 5:8

"O you who believe, be upright for Allah, bearers of witness with justice; and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Be just; that is nearer to observance of duty. And keep your duty to Allah. Surely Allah is Aware of what you do." (Sura 5:8, from the Koran of Islam)

When we are previously harmed by a group, it can be easy to categorically condemn any subsequent action by any member of that group; but Truly righteous judgment considers the merit/demerit of an act as it stands. Do you have any stereotypes or biases against any group? How do you work to cultivate a genuine objectivity (and perhaps even empathy) with other groups?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 1; Christianity; Matthew 9:2

"...when Jesus saw their faith he said to the paralytic, 'Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.'" (Matthew 9:2, from the Gospels of Christianity)

Part of the healing that Jesus provides is lightening the burden of guilt that individuals experience from previous transgressions formerly committed. Is there anything from your past that is weighing you down and affecting your current disposition and/or even physical wellbeing? If so, what do you think might be a path towards reconciliation and the lightening of that burden?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 1; Buddhism; Ambattha Sutta 1:2

"The (Truth), lovely in its origin, lovely in its progress, lovely in its consummation, doth he proclaim, both in the spirit and in the letter, the higher life doth he make known, in all its fullness and in all its purity." (Ambattha Sutta 1:2, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

What is the Truth that you are thinking, saying, and enacting on a daily basis? What are the outside manifestations of the deeply held beliefs that you hold inside?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 1; Judaism; Beresheit 24:58

"They called (Rivkah) and said to her, 'Will you go with this man?' And she said, 'I will.'" (Beresheit/Genesis 24:58, from the Torah of Judaism)

Amidst the arrangement of marriage between Avraham's servant and Rivkah's (Rebecca's) family, it is ultimately necessary to affirm Rivkah's approval? What does this say about the nature of marriage during that period and how does this inform the institution of marriage today (favourably and/or unfavourably)?

Love And Peace.

Week 5 Day 1; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 5:18

"Those who possess this wisdom have equal regard for all. They see the same Self in a spiritual aspirant and an outcaste, in an elephant, a cow, and a dog." (Chapter 5:18, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism)

Is it Truly possible to look at all people and all creatures completely as the same? Or do we have some increased responsibility regarding those who are closer to us? Does "equal regard for all" include acknowledging our differences and love each other accordingly? What do you think?

Love And Peace.

Week 4 Day 5; Islam; Sura 4:19

"O you who believe, it is not lawful for you to take women as heritage against their will." (Sura 4:19, from the Koran of Islam).

What do you consider to be some of the characteristics or guidelines composing appropriate partnership between men and women?

Love And Peace.

Week 4 Day 5; Christianity; Matthew 7:1 - 2

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get." (Matthew 7:1 - 2, from the Gospels of Christianity).

Is there ever a specific incident where you find yourself experience a judgment (or compliment) that you previously pass unto someone else? How does this idea of symmetry effect the manner in which you approach others?

Love And Peace.

Week 4 Day 5; Buddhism; Samanna Phala Sutta 66

"In this matter, O king, the Bhikshu is satisfied with sufficient robes to cherish his body, with sufficient food to keep his stomach going." (Samanna Phala Sutta, Verse 66, from the Digha Nikaya of Buddhism).

How much is enough for you? Of what do you have too little, and of what do you have too much? How do our preparations for tomorrow's provisions effect our experience of today?

Love And Peace.

Week 4 Day 5; Hinduism; Bhagavad Gita 4:35

"Once you attain it, you will never again be deluded. You will see all creatures in the Self, and all in (Me)." (Chapter 4:35, from the Bhagavad Gita of Hinduism).

During the recent Parliament Of The World's Religions, I experience a Mystic connexion with everyone there. Where I previously experience a spiritual connexion with other beings, in this case I experience an ego connexion; a very palpable empathy. How do you perceive your connexion with those around you, from close loved ones to strangers on the street? How is this shaped by your connexion with the intangible Divine?

Love And Peace.

Week 4 Day 5; Judaism; Beresheit 18:2

Greetings, Family and Friends.

Every week, I study teachings and scriptures from different religious traditions. And I often find certain passages and renderings that are particularly insightful and thought-provoking. So, I share some of these with you for any benefit it may provide you.

Here is the 1st 1:

"As soon as he saw them, he ran from the entrance of the tent to greet them..." (Beresheit/Genesis 18:2, from the Torah of Judaism).

Avraham spends much of his life as a visitor within another people's land. Yet, he has enough presence and authority to readily offer hospitality to other travelers. He is renown for this. What is your policy and practice regarding hospitality?

Love And Peace,

Peter.