God's Will.

"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal. I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood".  One of America’s most influential civil-rights activists quoted this - Martin Luther King Jr. His heartfelt protests, although they were non-violent, helped to raise awareness of racial inequalities in America, resulting in a crucial political change. Martin Luther King Jr. was a powerful orator who grasped the hearts of many people, whether they were black or white and spoke with passion towards what he was trying to point out. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke out for justice to African Americans, for an end to racial discrimination, and against the laws that incorporated it and the unconscious behaviors and beliefs that were supported by those laws. Martin Luther King Jr. has not only caused a change towards African-Americans, but also to the way people think in today’s world. He has encouraged equality in all forms - “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”(Brainyquote) He did have a dream, and today that dream has come true - we now have many examples of people from backgrounds of all races and religions and both sexes who have achieved the highest levels in our society and it is no longer a rarity. When people needed someone to stand up for them, he was there, for the better.
  

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia on 15th January, 1929. His father and grandfather were both baptist preachers and were active in the civil-rights movement. While studying in a college in Atlanta, Martin Luther King Jr. became engaged in the teaching of Mahatma Gandhi, and thoroughly influenced by Gandhi’s success with non-violent activism. Martin experienced racism in his early life, and came to a conclusion to assist the world in becoming a more developed place, where people were judged by the quality of their character instead of the color of their skin. Gandhi’s teachings urge people not to fight physically, but to protest peacefully. Martin Luther King Jr. viewed this system as the answer to unjust treatments that blacks experienced in America. He engaged through the path of order to search for actual freedom for the blacks and he proceeded until he acquired what he had dreamed for. “Discrimination is a hellhound that gnaws at Negroes in every waking moment of their lives to remind them that the lie of their inferiority is accepted as truth in the society dominating them.”(Brainyquote) Blacks and whites were segregated in Montgomery, attending different schools and sitting in separate sections on buses. On some occasions blacks would be required to stand on a bus even though there were vacant seats in the "white" section at the front of the bus. On December 1, 1955 Mrs. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus; the police were called and she was arrested. This occurrence led to a rebel all over America. 

  E.D Nixon, who was a train porter, bailed Rosa Parks out of jail and started contacting people for a boycott of the buses. Blacks would refuse to ride the buses until they received equal treatment, regardless of their skin color. Black leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr. asked for courteous treatment from bus drivers as well as seating on a first-come, first-serve foundation. No one was to be requested to give up a seat for someone else, even if they were white. The boycott lasted for more than a year and blacks either started walking, riding bicycles or rode in car pools to get to work. In 1956 the supreme court ordered that segregation in buses was prohibited. That’s when the freedom riders began riding buses from state to state and doing sit-ins at lunch counters and white waiting rooms. The laws that said blacks were to be denied unquestionable rights began to be protested against in many cities in America. Tranquil marches took place and individuals were being taken into custody only because they were participating in them. On August 28th, 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. and other prominent leaders led one of the most memorable marches in history, where the black leaders led over 200,000 people from the Washington monument to the Lincoln memorial, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I have a dream” speech.

It was during this March that King gave his awe-inspiring "I Have a Dream" speech while speaking from the Lincoln Memorial. He and the other leaders then met with President John F. Kennedy. They asked for numerous things incorporating an end to segregation in public schools, greater protection for African-Americans, and more effective civil rights legislation amongst specific things. In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. was titled times magazines man of the year. He had met Pope Paul VI in 1964 and then was honored as the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. He was awarded this on December 10, 1964 at the age of thirty-five. He gave all of his prize money to assist the Civil Rights movement. “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”(Brainyquote)

  It’s this man that altered peoples viewpoints, it was this man that sent a message to the world that inequalities cannot be accepted in today’s world, if peace is to remain. He is saying that violence can’t be the answer to our problems, and if we take the time to cherish everyone instead of isolating different people because of their imperfections and inferiority's then this world will become a place where people can be who they are without fear, instead of what others need them to be in order to be accepted. “”Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”(Brainyquote) Martin Luther king Jr. devoted his whole life into aiding his people, the people that loved him and supported him, and the people that wouldn’t dare to do what he did. He sacrificed his life in order to create a better world for the next generation of blacks. Commemorating the life of a tremendously significant leader, we celebrate Martin Luther King Day each year in January, the month in which he was born. August 28, the anniversary of Dr. King's 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, is called "Dream Day”, the day people show their gratitude to the man who allowed them to be recognized, even though he never got there with them. 

“I just want to do God's will. And he's allowed me to go to the mountain. And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land! I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.” (Brainyquote) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Give, No Matter How Big Your Impact.

Links for pictures (In order):
Picture 1
Picture 2
Picture 3

“He who opens a school door, closes a prison”.- Victor Hugo (Brainyquote)

Talk on TED: Learning from a Barefoot movement


One man. One man, with everything laid out for him in life, the life of comfort and success. That’s what we all dream about isn’t it? the education, the riches, the luxuries, and the dreams. What we create out of our education allows for the path we take in life. He had everything, and now his simplistic idea of venturing out into a village brought about a change in the people who revolved around this community, poor people. Never had he seen poverty in such state before, he had gone to one of the most poor villages in India, and a visualization of change in his mind provoked him to alter the lives of these people. One idea, one community, one man. An idea doesn’t have to be imposing to be influential, what pressures it to become influential is the fact that you did it, you made a change, no matter how big or how small your impact. This mans idea was to utilize traditional expertise rather than ‘technology’ or modern knowledge to help uplift neglected societies. Making a promise to yourself and fulfilling may well be the best feeling in the entire world, this man with an idea of providing societies all over India with education and profession, his name was Bunker Roy.

The fundamental approach of this college is to supply rural children with an overall development, instead of providing children with formal ‘classroom’ education, The Barefoot College commits itself to a learning by doing form of education. Most sessions are prioritized by encouraging the society about environmental awareness, general economics and political significance that influences today’s society. The teachings are based on skills that guarantees a sustainable establishment in villages, literacy is taught on a balanced scale so that children as individuals choose to stay in the rural areas and form a decision to work for its progress instead of contemplating to move out from the community. These schools were constructed to give, instead of disregarding people with nothing but hope, they enable people with no education, no knowledge of the outside world, and no understanding of technology to become proficient in various activities. The investments were distributed more towards the people, rather than the projects and the development of the area, they were created so that villagers as individuals could construct a worthier lifestyle for the community, and for themselves. Today’s world requires people who take action in assisting this world to become a more sustainable place, instead of people with ideas who take no action, and wait for someone else to execute the change for them, I believe it is important for us and for this world to develop in areas like these, to display to the people of this world that caring does make an impact, no matter how small you present people with. “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” - Barrack Obama.

Bunker Roy is a tremendous example of an idea from a single person that brought about a change, all over India. He had the most elitist and superior education any Indian, or anyone who was less fortunate, would dream to have. One day a sudden conception hit him, he had never seen the likes of misfortune or difficulty and he wanted to examine what was beyond ‘his high society’, what was beyond his world of luxury. What altered his direction in life was when he had gone to Bihar, where one of the poorest villages was located, he had seen too much until it came to an extent which made him grieve for his naivety, people dying of hunger, and death, and he had no realization of the surrounding world. This was the turning point, his mother was infuriated because of the fact that he had spent his whole life groomed for a career in civil or diplomatic service, yet he chose the path that wasn’t sure to be a successful one, the one that was noble and virtuous. “How is it possible that some people live in such penury – and we go through the best of education but don’t give anything back?” This was quoted by Bunker Roy, his awareness of the unfortunate people that lived in this world provoked a variation for the world and a change for India. In elementary school we were constantly reminded of the ‘golden rule’, “treat people the way you want to be treated”. The fact that Bunker Roy provided a life of contentment for people who were suffering, for people whose lives were considered a pain, he gave them, because of the fact that he knew he could help, no matter how big the effect. I as a Hindu believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived. God will be happy with you, if you believe yourself that you are happy with your achievements in life, this is exactly how Bunker Roy lives his life.


The Barefoot College has developed solar electrification in surrounding villages all over India, neglected societies don’t possess advantages like us, electricity is an effortless thing to us, whenever we need it, all we have to do is switch a button on. This college expresses that education degrees are not necessary to be able to become accomplished in skills that will assist in further development of your community. Mohandas Gandhi’s viewpoint was that poor communities should be their own authority so that they aren’t dependent on others to bring to them, instead they could place faith in their own people so that they would learn to be self-reliant. The college critically trains a few members of a community to become solar engineers, they work as people who install, retain and operate the solar lighting divisions for a period of at least 4-5 years. Each month the villagers must pay a fee to be able to retain lights in their houses, they are affordable as they are low priced. This regulation was created so that poor people could feel a sense of possession and be able to control something and take good care of it, for themselves. This is an appreciable way of placing regulations so that poor people are able to be able to feel a sensation of 'owning' something, as well as experiencing something that people like us (more fortunate) don't value, light.


An image in someones mind created a change for people who are less fortunate than us, no matter how much we try to deny it, we do take advantage of the things in life, the easy things. People who do good things in life get somewhere, it doesn't matter if it brings them fame or glory, if it pleasures you and you believe life is worth it and the deeds you have done throughout your life make you happy then who is there to question you? Bunker Roy believed that people who were less fortunate needed more than us, we have everything laid out in front of us so if we do then why can't we give a little bit of time just to assist in creating a more superior and better world around us? Curiosity and ambition drove him throughout his life to create a world of happiness for people in his everyday lives, Therefore I believe rural education (Education in villages) is worth fighting for.

Our life dreams the Utopia. Our death achieves the Ideal.

Link for Picture: http://blog.felinemusings.com/2008/11/04/a-spiritual-perspective-in-support-of-euthanasia/

"Just as I shall select my ship when I am about to go on a voyage, or my house when I propose to take a residence, so I shall choose my death when I am about to depart from life." Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Euthanasia. Yes, it is a devaluation of human life, and nobody should be directly responsible for holding a responsibility over someones, anyones death. But does the fact that assisting someone who is clutching on their lives for whatever dignity they can have left, demoralize your reputation? Even if it does, will the comprehension that you just did a service to someone by allowing them to become a preferable and jovial person in life give you knowledge that you did a devoted deed as an understanding human being? Death is a fear for all of us, and if a person believes that they have had enough of the intolerable pain in this world, and they have enough dignity to declare with conviction that they believe the time is right for them, what could you say against it? I am fully persuaded by the fact that Euthanasia necessitates legality, and if it cannot, and various people have different viewpoints of it, then what do you think would change the fact that through the pain they are suffering at the moment, they will not pass away anyways? The comprehension of the torment they are facing will only come to you when you see and perceive it through your own eyes.

There are innumerable disputations over the legality of euthanasia, legalizing euthanasia would assist in diminishing the adversity of incurable patients. In a strive to contribute medical and psychological caution to the patient, a doctor can and should advise medicines that will relieve torment even if the medications provoke gross side effects towards the patient. This connotes that coping with affliction and anguish should be the prime concern even if it impacts the life expectancy of the patient. Euthanasia imitates the same process, but it allows the patient to die with tranquility and whatever the consequence, at the end of the line, only happiness is the outcome. Any human being has the right to quote that they want to discontinue they’re treatment in a hospital, so if they have the entitlement to do that then why don’t they have the authority over themselves to be able to shorten their existence and release the insufferable distress. A person should be allowed to resolve the value of life for him/her self, and not bear in mind the opinions that differ from your own.

I watched a movie called “Guuzarish”, it was a Hindi movie and the philosophy of the movie was concerning Euthanasia. The man was a magician and he got paralyzed whilst executing a magic trick in one of his shows, nothing would ever alter his fate anymore. He lived and6 stayed as he was for many years, but he could not handle the fact that his body wasn’t allowed to do the things that he told them to do. His rage towards himself was unbearable and the suffering he was going through was intolerable, so he filed a petition in court seeking permission to end his life. The court rejected his petition and he was immensely astonished by the fact that their understanding of his pain was so unfavourable, he filed another petition and the judges themselves came to his home. Everyone was gathered in his hall, and he placed a box in front of them, and told one of the judges to get inside the box. The judge was startled with this statement and stared blankly at him, again he quoted “get in the box” and without any further negotiation the judge climbed into the box and he locked it. After 10 seconds the judge started shouting and banging to let him out, and the other judges started yelling to let him out, 5 seconds later the box was opened by one of the magicians assistants. The magician simply recited, “You could not bare 10 seconds of my life and you expect me to go on with mine”. The judges were silenced and speechless towards this and walked out the door with unsupportable resolutions.
What can you say that is unsympathetic towards this? Does the fact that you indicate that euthanasia is a deficient deed vary the patients understanding or despair?

The only places in the world where euthanasia is legal is in Oregon, Washington, Montana, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg. The conditions of voluntary euthanasia include:

1. is suffering from a terminal illness;
2. is unlikely to benefit from the discovery of a cure for that illness during what remains of her life expectancy;
3. is, as a direct result of the illness, either suffering intolerable pain, or only has available a life that is unacceptably burdensome (because the illness has to be treated in ways that lead to her being unacceptably dependent on others or on technological means of life support);
4. has an enduring, voluntary and competent wish to die (or has, prior to losing the competence to do so, expressed a wish to die in the event that conditions (a)-(c) are satisfied); and
5. is unable without assistance to commit suicide.

If these were the guidelines that were constructed for euthanasia then why is it in denial in most countries?
In the 1970’s the Netherlands concluded with an agreement that as long as there were legal and medical authorization to guarantee that the patient was secure, there would be no disputes over a physician prosecution for helping a patient die as long as unquestionable guidelines were placed in order. If this country is able to collaborate with a decision that will allow things to only become more superior, then why can’t we come together as ‘one’ world and allow this world to become better?

The debatable opinions you can have about euthanasia is dependent upon the fact of what you believe the worth of human life is. Euthanasia today is a topic that is based on values rather than facts, and this is the reason the arguments about legalization for it will only ever go on and on. For almost anything there are always different viewpoints and in this case, there is the one that allows you to think it is a disheartening factor, but what I am trying to prove is that the human themselves should be allowed to assess the possession of having a human life. A simple essay won’t change the way the world sees it, it depends on you to spread the message, without having different viewpoints of euthanasia people could see that it is delightful to see someone else happy, and if you could do it by simply killing them, why not?


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/euthanasia-voluntary/

http://www.euthanasia.com/

FIGHT. Only for the better of the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Efblggixy1A&feature=fvwrel = Dalai Lama Video.

“There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is kindness.” A very wise man once quoted this, he was born with the name Tenzin Gyatso, but he is recognized worldwide as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama. Tenzin Gyatso was born on July 6th 1935, and born in a poor family in Tibet. Moral actions do positively contribute to a society. As he was growing up he did numerous ethical deeds. Tenzin Gyatso stood up to promote peace while others promoted violence, his ethical deeds utterly played a part not only to one but to various communities around the world. If people go ahead and do something with a positive purpose, we appreciate it but we cannot demand an action like that as we demand peace and fairness. We cannot feel others emotions as powerful as they do, but Dalai Lama did, he found what was being done is incorrect and as the leader of his country he assisted them when they needed him and he did what he thought was right. Even though Tibet hasn’t recovered full power over their country yet, Tenzin Gyatso promised his people that he will help them, and this is a moral action.

Tenzin Gyatso is an exceedingly warmhearted human being. The Dalai Lama is one of the greatest spiritual leaders of our time in the encouragement of peace, balance and modesty. The Dalai Lama, as a Buddhist is committed to these values. He is the instrument of Tibet, he speaks for Tibet when Tibetans cannot express for themselves. He engages through the path of order to search for actual freedom for the people of Tibet and he will proceed until his last breath. “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them” (brainy quote). Tibetans have suffered thoroughly since the occupation of China in their country. Since the occupation almost over “1.2 million Tibetans have died, and greatly suffered” (wikipedia). forced abortions, birth control and patriotic re-education took place whilst the Tibetans were suffering by the Chinese. Dalai Lama now lives in exile in Dharamshala, India, he was forced to go there by the Chinese after he led a failed rebellion trying to defend his country and people. Through his education of his prioritized religion, the dalai lama takes caution when it comes to the emotions and harm of other people.

Dalai Lama is a man with ambition towards peace. On September 1987 Dalai Lama submitted a five point peace plan for Tibet as a step towards a peaceful answer to the deteriorating circumstance in Tibet. He imagined that Tibet would become a region of tranquility at the heart of Asia, where all living beings can live in balance and the exquisite habitat can be protected. China failed to agree positively to the peace plan which was put forward by Dalai Lama. Dalai Lama proposed the five point peace plan to the United States congress in Washington D.C on September 21, 1987. The Dalai Lama wanted his people to live in harmony and he had to do it in a serene process, so this five point peace plan which had been proposed to the United States Congress contained 5 straightforward elements.

1. Transformation of the whole of Tibet into a zone of peace.
2. Abandonment of China's population transfer policy that threatens the very existence of the Tibetans as a people.
3. Respect for the Tibetan people's fundamental human rights and democratic freedom.
4. Restoration and protection of Tibet's natural environment and the abandonment of China's use of Tibet for the production of nuclear weapons and dumping of nuclear waste.
5. Commencement of earnest negotiations on the future status of Tibet and of relations between the Tibetan and Chinese peoples(dalai lama).
“With science and technology, in the future we may be able to reach other galaxies, as we see in science fiction stories where people travel into outer space, visit other planets and meet the beings who live on them. One day this may actually be possible. Yet if we look around us, the whole world is full of problems. If we solve these problems, then it is worth our while going to another planet, but if we have not solved such problems, then instead of helping other planets we may simply end up bringing them extra problems to add to their own. First, it is up
to us to become good human beings.”(wisdomportal). There are certain states of mind which brings us difficulty, and they can be detached; people need to make an effort in that route. Similarly, there are certain states of mind that bring people harmony and pleasure, and we need to develop and magnify them. But to do that we need to learn the value of ourselves, and grow kindheartedness inside us.

The Dalai Lama is one of the most influential people of our time, he has affected millions of people worldwide through his teachings of non-violence and tranquility. He lives by two commitments in life, firstly, the encouragement of human values such as pity, forgiveness, and acceptance. He believes all human beings are equal. Secondly, it is important for all religious traditions to regard everyone and to recognize the worth of others religions. He has developed love and sympathy in many peoples everyday lives. The Dalai Lama is convinced that each human being plays a part in constructing the world to make it a better place. "Human beings by nature want happiness and do not want suffering. With that feeling everyone tries to achieve happiness and tries to get rid of suffering, and everyone has the basic right to do this. In this way, all here are the same, whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, Easterner or Westerner, believer or non-believer, and within believers whether Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and so on. Basically, from the viewpoint of real human value we are all the same”(bringthehope).

After over 50 years of fighting for his country and his religious beliefs, it is secure to presume that Tibetans and millions of people worldwide will support him through his journey. “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness"(all-famous-quotes). His, simple quotes develop many amazing character traits in people. His subtle words and teachings change lives, and he assists not only Tibet but various countries worldwide. The main device that he is trying to get through to people is to expand his teachings of peace and kindness, and that those qualities can bring you considerable happiness and satisfaction. As of today, the Dalai Lama considers himself as a simple Buddhist monk - no more, no less.

There Is No Way To Peace, Peace Is The Way.

“There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is peace & kindness.” The 14th Dalai Lama

If I were to originate a new world, the one prominent quality that I would like for it to have is tranquility. I would plead for just and peace to all people that are part of a dominion, I believe that it is consequential for the world to have serenity. Why should innocent people die or be punished because of a complication that other people have? I desire for firm regulations stationed in place so that all beings of our planet have the authority to live a liberated life. I want the people to have a realization that they are allowed to do what they want and not be fearful.

Peace is a tremendously cruicial part of a society because only a peaceful mind can lead a family, society, a community, a nation and the world to better prospects and progress. In my society I want everyone's conjecture on their way of life, what they would like to change and what they want to keep so we don't have oppressive individuals. I want everyone to be regarded and considered equally whichever way they look or however way they act so there are no disputes and quarrels. I also want to place laws so that they are associated in an equitable manner, anyone that would like to object against our mandate should do so in a amicable manner. If they do not do so they could be entitled to death or to be taken into custody. It is of crucial importance that the people of our community are safe and are dwelling in a placid place, the benevolence and tranquility are the intentions that I am aiming for in this community.

Without tranquility our world would be not a world that people are safe to dwell. Why live when you cannot live in serenity? Wars and disputes will take over the world, our human race will be petrified to even live. Peace is everything, it is the freedom to pursue who you are, it is the ability to express yourself without being questioned and it is the foundation of goodwill and cooperation. As mentioned earlier the dalai lama recited “There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. My brain and my heart are my temples; my philosophy is peace & kindness.” This means that peace is not something that is distinguished by a formula it is up to our own minds to become a dutiful person first.

Moral actions do positively contribute to a society. As he was growing up he did numerous ethical deeds. Tenzin Gyatso stood up to promote peace while others promoted violence, his ethical deeds utterly played a part not only to one but to various communities around the world. If people go ahead and do something with a positive purpose, we appreciate it but we cannot demand an action like that as we demand peace and fairness. We cannot feel others emotions as powerful as they do, but Dalai Lama did, he found what was being done is incorrect and as the leader of his country he assisted them when they needed him and he did what he thought was right. Even though Tibet hasn’t recovered full power over their country yet, Tenzin Gyatso promised his people that he will help them, and this is a moral action.

Envisage a world as appreciable as this one.

Is it possible?

Luttrell Psalter

What is the Luttrell Psalter? What does it portray?

The Psalms are 150 ancient songs, categorized together to shape one of the Old Testament books of the Bible. In the Middle Ages (and down to the present day) they formed a basic part of Christian and Jewish worship, for ecclesiastics and lay-people alike; many people absorbed the skill to to read by being taught the Psalms. The Psalms were often composed out separately from the rest of the Bible, preceded by a calendar of the Church’s feast-days, and followed by various types of prayers. Such a volume is known as a Psalter. It portrays a modernized life in that era. It includes scenes of peasants, saints, and kings of the era.

What type of source is the Luttrell Psalter?

The Lutterral Psalter is a primary source because it has been composed by a person that was in the location.

Why is the Luttrell Psalter a unique document?

The Luttrell Psalter is unique because it is an acclaimed manuscript. It is one of the most evidential and impressive piece of art to have survived through the middle ages until now. The Luttrell Psalter includes images of lives of the poor people, the peasants, and also in astonishingly fabulous details.

Taking a Stand

The choice I would've made is to stand back and not throw those stones. If you have nothing against a person or people then why act in a harmful way? If people call you a shame to the country and your son has not thrown stones on jews, why would you have to leave the country? It's exactly like the saying "This is your life. Shape it or someone else will". So the point is, if you don't have anything against the person then why hurt them. Its your brain and body that chooses what it does even if it means life and death, and if you're a person that doesn't want to do it, yet has to by force then you don't really have a choice.