“(Here is) a parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised: in it are rivers of water incorruptible; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes (they never spoil); rivers of wine, a joy to those who drink; and rivers of honey pure and clear. In it, there are for them all kinds of fruits; and Grace from their Lord.” (Noble Qur’an 47:15)
“Those who reject God and hinder (men) from the Path of God- for them We will add penalty to penalty…” (Noble Qur’an 16:88)
“The righteous (will be) amid Gardens and fountains (of clear-flowing water).” (Noble Qur’an 15:45)
“And if they be evil they are consigned to an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which does cause them to shrink away from the presence of the Lord into a state of misery and endless torment, from where they can no more return; therefore, they have drunk damnation to their own souls. Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God, which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam should fall because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore, mercy could have claim on them no more forever. And their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascends up forever and ever. Thus has the Lord commanded me. Amen.” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3:25-27)
“You take my soul (at death) as one submitting to Your Will (as a Muslim) and unite me with the righteous.” -- (Noble Qur’an 12:101)
“For those who believe and work righteousness, is (every) blessedness, and a beautiful place of (final) return.” (Noble Qur’an 13:29)
“The wrong-doers will have a grievous penalty.” (Noble Qur’an 42:21)
“…you will see a bliss and a realm magnificent. Upon them will be garments of fine silk… and they will be adorned with bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink a drink pure and whole.” (Noble Qur’an 77:20-21)
“As to the Righteous, they shall be amid (cool) shades and springs (of water). And they shall have fruits – all they desire.” (Noble Qur’an 77:41-42)
“Verily, for the righteous there will be a fulfillment of (the heart’s) desires; Gardens and grapevines.” (Noble Qur’an 78:31-32)
“He that does good shall have ten times as much to his credit.” (Noble Qur’an 6:160)
“One Day every soul will come up struggling for itself, and every soul will be rewarded (fully) for all of its actions…” (Noble Qur’an 16:111)
“…verily, over you (are appointed angels) to protect you – Kind and honorable – writing down (your deeds): they know (and understand) all that you do. As for the Righteous, they will be in Bliss; And the wicked – they will be in hell, Which they will enter on the day of judgment.” (Noble Qur’an 83:10-15)
“God has prepared for them Gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein: that is the supreme happiness.” (Noble Qur’an 9:89)
“For them with whom God is well-pleased, … He has prepared Gardens underneath which rivers flow, to dwell therein forever: that is the supreme happiness.” (Noble Qur’an 9:100)
“For Muslim men and women – for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in God’s praise – for them God has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Noble Qur’an 33:35)
“The parable of the Garden which the righteous are promised! – beneath it flow rivers: perpetual is the enjoyment thereof and the shade therein: such is the End of the Righteous; and the end of unbelievers is the fire.” (Noble Qur’an 13:35)
“Those who reject faith will suffer from that rejection: and those who work righteousness will spread their couch (of rest) for themselves in Heaven.” (Noble Qur’an 30:44)
“That He (God) may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds, out of His bounty: for He does not love those who reject faith.” (Noble Qur’an 30:45)
“People pass away, and their fate after death will be according to their intents and deeds [in this life on Earth].” (whether good or bad) (“The Gospel of Buddha” LXXXIV.24)
“They shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil.” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 3:24)
“Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 24:16)
“…be judged according to their works (and intents).” (Book of Mormon, Alma 40:21)
“We will appear before Christ and get what’s coming to us as a result of our actions, either good or bad.” (Holy Bible - 2nd Corinthians 5:10)
“But such as come to Him as Believers who have worked righteous deeds – for them are ranks exalted – Gardens of Eternity, beneath which flow rivers: they will dwell therein forever: such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil).” (Noble Qur’an 20:75-76)
“…you shall certainly be called to account for all your actions.” (Noble Qur’an 16:93)
“Hell will encompass the rejecters of faith!” (Noble Qur’an 29:54)
“…those who believe and work deeds of righteousness – to them We shall give a Home in Heaven – lofty mansions beneath which rivers flow – to dwell therein for ever – an excellent reward for those who do (good)!” (Noble Qur’an 29:58)
“…for verily, God is with those who do right.” (Noble Qur’an 29:69)
“Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has Faith, verily, to him(or her) We will give a new life, a life that is good and pure, and We will bestow on such their reward according to the best of their actions.” (Noble Qur’an 16:97)
“God has promised to Believers, men and women, Gardens under which rivers flow, to dwell therein, and beautiful mansions in Gardens of everlasting bliss. But the greatest bliss is the Good Pleasure of God: that is the supreme happiness.” (Noble Qur’an 9:72)
“As to those who believe and work righteousness, God will pay them (in full) their reward; but, God does not love those who do wrong.” (Noble Qur’an 3:57)
“Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a mercy from Himself, of His good pleasure, and of Gardens for them, wherein are delights that endure.” (Noble Qur’an 9:21)
“They will dwell therein forever. For verily, in God’s presence is a reward, the greatest (of all).” (Noble Qur’an 9:22)
“Those who have died after the complete destruction of the three bonds: of lust, of covetousness, and of the egotistical cleaving (clinging/desiring/attaching) to existence, need not fear the state after death. They will not be reborn in a state of suffering; their minds will not continue as a karma of evil deeds or sin, but are assured of final salvation.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XCI.3)
“When they die, their good thoughts, their righteous acts, and the bliss that proceeds from truth and righteousness will remain.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XCI.4) “Happiness starts with love and sadness ends with Love. Love is Heaven. Fear is Hell.”
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” (Holy Bible - Psalm 34:19) “God will not have mercy upon a person who has no mercy upon others.” – The Prophet Mohammad
‘O People! Save yourself from the chastisement of the Hereafter (the afterlife), even if it be by a piece of date(fruit).’ (The Prophet of Peace) Everyone will be judged “according to their works.” – (Holy Bible - Revelation 20:12)
“For the Son of man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and, then, He will reward each according to his works.” (Jesus, Holy Bible - Matthew 16:27)
“I will come down among my people, with equity and justice in my hands.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 10:21)
“…it is for God to reward (for good or ill) each people according to what they have earned.” (Noble Qur’an 45:14)
“And fear the day when you shall be brought back to God. Then shall every soul be paid what it has earned.” (Noble Qur’an 2:281)
“Every matter, small or great, is on record.” (Noble Qur’an 55:53)
Instead of asking “What’s new?”, ask “What’s best?” (Robert Pirsig, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”).
“…fear the fire whose fuel is Men and stones – which is prepared for those who reject Faith and goodness/the right path.” (Noble Qur’an 2:24)
“This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath – their eternal home…” (Noble Qur’an 5:119)
“But those who reject faith and lie about Our Signs, they shall be companions of the Fire; they shall abide therein.” (Noble Qur’an 2:39) “But those who disobey God and His Messenger and transgress His limits will be admitted to a fire, to abide therein: and they shall have a humiliating punishment.” – (Noble Qur’an 4:14)
“Go; and whosoever transgresses against Me, him shall you judge according to the sins which he has committed; and if he confesses his sins before you and me, and repents in the sincerity of his heart, him shall you forgive, and I will forgive him also.” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 26:29) “But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to the Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath - their eternal home.” – (Noble Qur’an 4:57) “…to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He [God] will give their due rewards… but those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will punish with a grievous penalty.” – (Noble Qur’an 4:173)
“Is there any reward for good – other than good?” (Noble Qur’an 55:60)
“…the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 41:13)
“…never shall we suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.” (Noble Qur’an 7:170) “…verily the reward of the Hereafter (the afterlife) is the best, for those who believe, and are constant in righteousness.” (Noble Qur’an 12:57)
“The reward of God (in the hereafter, the afterlife – in the next life) is best for those who believe and work righteousness: but this none shall attain, save those who steadfastly persevere (in good).” (Noble Qur’an 28:80)
“Whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and to enter paradise should treat other people as they wish to be treated themselves.” (Reported by Sahih Muslim)
The Zoroastrian Legend of Life After Death
The story I am about to tell is a myth (a legend). That is, it’s untrue, but it illustrates an important truth. The Prophet Zoroaster said that after a good man dies, his soul remains with his body for 3 days. At the end of the three days, he sees a beautiful, beautiful woman coming toward him- one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. He asks her, “Who are you?” And she replies, “I am your own good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.” She takes him by the hand and they start walking together and come to a cliff. There is another cliff with paradise on it on the other side of a ravine below. In the ravine below, there is a flow of lava (a “river of fire”). There is a giant sword in between the two cliffs lying down on its flat side. It goes from one cliff to the other (the other side is paradise). The beautiful woman and the man cross across the sword safely to the other side (to paradise – the Elysian fields – The Elysian fields were said to be the paradisiacal realm under the Earth that saints/good people went down to after their death (also known as “Abraham’s Bosom”) before Jesus died. After Jesus died on the cross, he spent three days down in the Elysian fields and took the saints and good people there up to Heaven (he had received/gotten the keys to Heaven)). The man arrives in paradise safely where he is happy for eternity. On the other hand, when a bad man dies, his soul stays with its body for 3 days. After 3 days, he sees an ugly, repugnant woman walking toward him. He asks her, “Who are you?” She replies, “I am your own bad thoughts, evil words, and wicked deeds.” He starts walking and gets to the same cliff. He begins to walk across the gigantic sword to the other side (the other cliff - paradise). As he walks across the giant sword, the sword turns onto its sharp edge and he falls down below into the river of lava (the “river of fire”) below. The Mountain Analogy
The different religions are like different paths up the same mountain. Initially, they appear different. However, as one nears the top, they converge, and those who make it up high can see the other paths of the other religions and their similarities. There are also other analogies such as God being a diamond and the different religions representing different sides of that diamond. There is also the analogy of the different religions being like different flavors of ice-cream.
The Diamond Analogy
The different religions of the world can be thought of as different sides of one beautiful diamond. Each religion is like a different side of that diamond. God is the diamond.
The Ice-cream Analogy
The different religions can also be thought of as assorted flavors of ice cream. Each is “delicious” in its own way, and they are all sweet.
The Bouquet (or Vase) of Flowers Analogy
Each religion is like its own flower. Each has its own unique fragrance and beauty. Together, they form a beautiful bouquet (or Vase) of flowers.
The Mosaic Analogy
Each religion is also like a beautiful piece of glass in a beautiful mosaic.
The Quilt of Many Colors Analogy
Each religion is like a beautiful piece of cloth in a beautiful quilt of many colors.
The Stamp Analogy
The major religions are like stamps. Each has a distinct size, shape, and look, but they can all get you where you need to be: Amiable, kind to all others, compassionate, and loving.
Life as a Short Test
Christians, Zoroastrians, and Muslims all see life as a test. “The Noble Qur’an tells us, moreover, that the present world is intended to be a testing ground, specially designed for the trial of mankind, for God wants to see whether people are capable of leading their lives in accordance with His will. It is their conduct on Earth that will determine whether or not they are deserving of Paradise in the next, eternal stage of life after death.” (The Prophet of Peace) In the Apocrypha, Jesus said, “compared to how long the world has been around and how long it will be around, your life lasts one day and your suffering lasts one hour”. “Short is the enjoyment of this world: the hereafter (the afterlife) is the best for those who do right.” – (Noble Qur’an 4:77) During this “one day”, you are tested to see if you are good or evil and your place in eternity is determined based upon you, your intents, and your thoughts, words, and actions. (Whether good/kind or bad/evil.) Jesus came to teach bad/evil men to become good.
“We were to be tested under challenging conditions to see how we would live the most important commandment of all – to love one another.” (Embraced By The Light, Betty Eadie)
“Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knows not good from evil is blameless; but he that knows good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desires good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 29:5)
“For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 34:32)
The Parable of the Net
47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them (the wicked) into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Holy Bible - Matthew 13:47-50)
Good Words The Buddha said, "Words have the power to hurt and heal. When your words are both true and kind, they can change your world(for the better)." The Hebrew Bible says that life and death come from words(Holy Bible - Proverbs 18:21). It is important to always speak the truth and to say kind (and true) things to other people. According to the book of Proverbs, a kind word is like honey to a man- it is good for his bones. (Holy Bible - Proverbs 16:24) “Words of praise, appreciation, encouragement, and understanding can penetrate one’s mind and heal one’s very soul.” (Steve K. Scott – “The Richest Man Who Ever Lived”)
Speak words of affirmation.
“It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person but what comes out of the mouth.” (Jesus, Holy Bible, Matthew 15:11)
“A gentle answer turns away wrath.” – (Holy Bible, Proverbs 15:1)
“Be slow to speak, be quick to listen.” (Holy Bible, James 1:19)
“The Holy Bible does not condone bitterness and abusive speech.” (Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life – Jehovah’s Witnesses)
Generally, you want to speak positive(good) words and not negative(bad) ones.
“Convert spiritual reading into information, information into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into transformation into goodness, good behavior, and love in thought, word, and deed.” -- Hadar
“Choose good thoughts, good words, and good deeds instead of bad thoughts, bad words, and bad deeds.” – The Prophet Zoroaster
“We are drowning in information, we are starving for wisdom.” – Tony Robbins
The Importance of Prayer/Meditation
Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, Moses, Manicheaus (Mani), Zoroaster, and many of the prophets and saints all prayed and/or meditated regularly. “Prayer is talking to God and meditation is listening to God.” (from “Lessons from the Light” by Sandra Rogers) It is important to note that they didn’t just pray and meditate for just a few seconds like many people do today, but often for hours at a time. They viewed this activity as very important to their spiritual wellbeing. Praying in secret is important to God, so make sure you pray alone in secret every day, and God will reward you for it openly (Holy Bible, Matthew 6:6). The quieting of the mind and communion with God are extremely important aspects to meditation. It is great for one’s health, centeredness, peacefulness, joy, and happiness. Muslims are called upon to pray 5 times a day. The Prophet Daniel (an example for us) prayed 3 times a day. Jesus recommended praying in secret so that God will reward you for it openly (Holy Bible – Matthew 6:6), so make an effort to pray in secret (For example, alone in your own room or alone in your own closet with the door closed – Jesus, Holy Bible - Matthew 6:5-6). And, also, praying in public is fine as well. Two of the most popular prayers are “Help!” and “Thanks!” (From Eugene Peterson) One of my favorite prayers is, “God, grant me and my loved ones happiness, peace, joy, love, and true success.”
“Pray to God morning and evening, and employ the day in your avocations.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #260)
“Have an R.P.M. plan.” – “Read, Pray, Meditate.”
“And for this their prayer, God has rewarded them with Gardens, with rivers flowing underneath – their eternal home. Such is the reward of those who do good.” – (Noble Qur’an 5:85)
“Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if you do all these things then shall you receive your reward; yea, you shall have mercy restored unto you again; you shall have justice restored unto you again; you shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and you shall have good rewarded unto you again.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 41:14)
“The first meditation is the meditation of love in which you must so adjust your heart so that you seek the welfare of all beings, including the happiness of your enemies.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” LX.21) “The Third meditation is of joy in which you think of the prosperity of others and rejoice with their rejoicings.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” LX.23)
Soul Age
Some people, because of reincarnation and other factors, are born older than others. In the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the main protagonist’s father says to him, “You were born older than your brother.” Some middle-aged people are really teenagers or younger, and that is why some have mid-life crises where they act like teens. On the other hand, some young children speak like adults. “Mature people … have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Holy Bible, Hebrews 5:14) Those of us who are adults, it is up to us to take care of those who are “children”.
Immortality of the Soul The doctrine of the immortality of the soul is one that exists in Judaism, Christianity, Platonism, Hinduism, Zoroasterianism, Mormonism, Manicheism, and Islam. It has been taught that our soul existed before birth and exists after death. And that during those states, before birth and after death, we had much more knowledge. About the world, about ourselves, and about God. Birth, it has been said, is a veil of forgetting (from Betty Eadie, Socrates, John Rawls among others)—during our conception and birth, we forget the things we knew before we were born. After birth, as we meet new people and new situations, and obtain new knowledge, we sometimes recall things from before our birth (from Plato’s Socrates). “Sometimes, Learning is remembering”. At death, our souls leave our bodies.
“Death does not mean the end of life. The grave is not the goal of men.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 155:16) “Man lives on” [in the higher heavenly realms]. (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 155:18)
Holy Bible - 1st John 4:7: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God because God is love. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. If we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. We know that we live in Him and He in us because He has given us of His spirit. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.”
“God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God in him(or her). In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear (casts out fear) because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (Holy Bible - 1st John 4:16 – 18) “We love because He(God) first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," and yet hates his brother(his fellow man), he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother(his fellow man).” (Holy Bible - 1st John 4:19 – 21)
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and you shall love your neighbor [your fellow man – that is, everyone] as yourself.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 142:24 and Holy Bible - Luke 10:27)
Where love is, God is. And where God and love are, happiness is.
God is happy when we are happy.
“Where there is love, pain stops, tears still, hurt softens, guilt loses its edge, judgment forgets to judge, fear is no longer afraid, separation is over. Where love is, you are happy.” (Robert Holden, PhD., author of “Happiness Now”)
“I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart; I have declared your faithfulness and grace. I have not kept your loving-kindness and your truth away from men; I have declared them to the multitudes. The sacrifices I would bring to you, O God, are purity in life, a contrite heart, a spirit full of faith and love, and these you will receive.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 121:12-13,15)
“Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (Holy Bible - John 1:17)
When asked, “What is one of the most excellent virtues of Iman (Faith)?”, Mohammad replied “An amiable disposition.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #242)
“Be like unto brothers- one in love.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XVII:3)
“The People wander here and there like sheep without a fold. They need a shepherd’s care; they want a loving hand to lead them to the light.” [Jesus is one such shepherd (Holy Bible - John 10:11,14) – “The Good Shepherd”] (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 122:2-3)
“God is not merciful to him who is not merciful to mankind.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #215)
“Instead of being selfish, dishonest, and mean, be honest, generous, and kind.” – Good Question, Good Answer, S. Dhammika
“In the teachings of the Buddha, it is honesty, kindness, understanding, forgiveness, graciousness, generosity, loyalty, and other good qualities that give you true prosperity.” [Strive to live these values in your own life yourself.] – Good Question, Good Answer, S. Dhammika
According to Buddhism, it is best to be generous, just, helping your relatives, and being blameless and harmless. Live and have a gentle way of life; the idea of using force or pressure to induce belief is repugnant to Buddhists. Be considerate, kind, tolerant, upright, and honest. – Buddhism
Do not wish pain on another out of anger or rivalry. – Buddhism
Cease to do evil, learn to do good, purify the mind. This is the teaching (the advice) of the Buddha. – Dhammapada 183, Buddhism “Conquer hate with love, evil with good, meanness with benevolence, stinginess/miserliness with generosity, and lies with honesty and the truth.” – Dhammapada 223, Buddhism
Those whose thoughts, speech, and actions are good are their own best friend. – Buddhism
Compassion Compassion is the key in Islam and Buddhism and Judaism and Christianity. They are profoundly similar. -- Karen Armstrong
“Our sorrows and wounds are healed only when we touch them with compassion.” – Buddhism
“A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” – Steve Maraboli
Holy Bible - Romans 12:15: “ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
“A deep compassion seized his [the Buddha’s] heart.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” VII.3)
“…being filled with compassion towards the children of men.” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 15:9)
“Compassion comes from having the thought: ‘I don’t want to hurt anyone’.” (Dalai Lama 14th)
One of his holiness’ (Dalai Lama 14th) main commitments is to promote human values such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline. Another is to promote religious harmony and understanding among the world’s major religious traditions.
“When I refrain from thoughts of harm directed toward others, I accumulate all the benefits of life.” (Living the Wisdom of the Tao, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer)
“…their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 19:33) “There is help for him who has compassion on others… Hard times teach [men] righteousness and charity.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XLII.5) “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” -- Buddha When you do good, you are storing for yourself treasures in heaven [through good deeds]. Your body can be killed but your soul can’t, you will live forever. “You will live forever.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” LIII.13)
“Man’s true self is eternal, yet he thinks, I am this body and will soon die.” (Living the Wisdom of the Tao, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer)
The only sin is seeing yourself as separate from God and others. All other sins come from making the mistake of seeing self as separate from others and God. It’s never too late during this lifetime for anyone to repent (repent = turn and change your ways from immoral/unethical behavior to ethical/moral behavior). But don’t wait and chance it – you may die at any time – so repent as soon as possible. “For seeking religious life, no time can be inopportune. Now is the time to seek religion- now is the time to seek enlightenment. ” (“The Gospel of Buddha” VII.9, 10) We are one with God and all others. You are never alone, your angel(s), spirit guide, and God are always with you. You are one with all humanity. Sometimes, the illusion disappears, and we realize we are not alone. When a soul returns to God, it becomes aware of itself not only as a part of God, but as a part of every other soul and everything. – (Law of One / Unified Field Theory / Grand Unified Theory / Theory of Everything) Controlling your life
You only have limited control over what other people do. But you have 100% control over what you do. You can choose to be 100% good (or try to be, at least) all the time – and, therefore, achieve happiness. “Is there someone you would like to change, regulate, and/or improve? I am all in favor of it - that is fine, but why not start with yourself? From a purely selfish perspective, it makes sense to do that first (and it’s a lot less dangerous).” (Dale Carnegie, How to Win Friends and Influence People)
Mold and remake yourself into a person of kindness.
Become a kind, good, compassionate person. Work on yourself like clay. Remake yourself in God’s/Jesus’s image. “I’m looking at the man in the mirror. I’m asking him to change his ways. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and make a change.” (The musician Michael Jackson – the song “Man in the Mirror”).
“Be the change that you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
“How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment to start to improve the world.” – Anne Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank / The Diary of a Young Girl
You control whether one man/person (you) is a saint or a bad person.
Minorities
Minorities are to be treated with all the respect and love that others are to be treated with. They are to be loved. God commanded us to love everyone, not just people of a certain race, ethnicity, or skin color. Racism (prejudice, discrimination, and bigotry), therefore, is wrong.
The Extent of God’s Love God loves you more than can possibly be measured, imagined, or described. If you spent 7 thousand lifetimes being a Hitler in each one, God would still love you more than you can love yourself. “God … forgives again and again.” – (Noble Qur’an 4:99). And He would still give you more chances to make it to heaven. God is the God of second chances. Of course, neither Hitler nor anyone else could ever kill a soul. The only thing that we can kill (the only thing that can be killed) is the body. All souls are immortal.
Usually, God doesn’t immediately punish every sin. He gives you a chance to change (repent) to good behavior replacing the old, bad behavior before any punishment. (e.gg. forgiving Nineveh in the book of the prophet Jonah)
Mohammad asked, “Do you think this woman will cast out her own child into the fire?” Those present said “No.” Mohammad said, “Verily, God is more compassionate to His creatures, than this woman is to her own child.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #65)
“…everything that Jesus wanted us to know: the loving, beautiful, forgiving, omnipotent, constant God.” (Sylvia Browne, The Nature of Good and Evil)
“O Lord, grant to me the love of You; grant that I love those that love You; grant that I may do the deeds that win Your love; and make Your love dearer to me than self, family, and wealth.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #328)
“…grant us mercy from Your own presence; for You are the grantor of bounties without measure.” (Noble Qur’an 3:8)
“God is to all people most surely full of kindness, Most Merciful.” (Noble Qur’an 2:143)
Formula for Heaven on Earth
The ideas and values taught by the great religions (and here in this book) are the ideas necessary to create a heaven on Earth. They are the ideas we need to completely transform our society into a utopia where everyone is loved and everyone is happy. This state is what Jesus called the "kingdom of God". It is a society, like heaven, where everyone is free, good, and equally valuable and loved as a soul. “As above, so below.” – as in Heaven, so on Earth.
“As within, so without.” – as in the inner being, so in the outward behavior. “Righteousness, good-will, and peace will reign among mankind.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XVI:38)
“He who seeks peace should draw out the arrow of complaint, lamentation, and grief.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” LXXXIV.26)
This Utopia may not be possible on Earth, but you can at least change and improve yourself.
“It is not upon you to finish the work of perfecting the world, but neither are you free to ignore it.” – Mishna, Ethics of the Fathers, 2:16 “It is good to lead a righteous life.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XLIII.14) “The best person in God’s sight is the best among his friends, and the best of neighbors near God is the best person in his own neighborhood. (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #330)
Love Love is the most powerful force/emotion in the world. It is infinitely more powerful than hate. Love can transform anyone into a heavenly being. Love can solve all problems and cure all difficulties. There is no limit to what love can do. “Love one another. Love each other as I have loved you. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love each other.” (Jesus, Holy Bible - John 13:34-35) Everyone should love everyone. “I give you a new command: As I love you and give my life for you, so shall you love the world, and give your life to save the world.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 161:4) “Love one another as you love yourselves, and then the world will know that you are sons of God.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 161:5, and Holy Bible - John 13:34-35) “Because you are beloved in my eyes, you are precious, and I love you.” (Holy Bible - Isaiah 43:4)
“Love one another more than you love yourselves.” – Baha’i Faith
“Love is the only force capable of turning an enemy into a friend.” - Martin Luther King
Love covers over a multitude of sins (Holy Bible - 1st Peter 4:8).
“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” – Martin Luther King (civil rights leader)
“…Charity is love.”(Book of Mormon, 2nd Nephi 26:30)
“If you try to be kind and good, you will be blessed with life and goodness and honor.” (Holy Bible, Proverbs 21:21)
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” (Holy Bible, Proverbs 21:21)
Love improves life in many ways.
Tony (Robbins) says that above all else, love is what we all want and need most…
“So love everybody and make them your friend.” – The Moody Blues, Candle of Life
“Come on people, now. Smile on your brother. Everybody get together. Try to love one another right now.” – The Youngbloods, Get Together
“...love each other as if your life depended on it… love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless – cheerfully. Be generous with the things God gave you…” (The Message Bible - 1st Peter 4:8 – 10)
“…complement your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love…” (The Message Bible - 2nd Peter 1: 5 – 7)
“As our eyes are opened, and we grow in empathy, our ability to love unconditionally increases.” (Betty Eadie, The Ripple Effect: Our Harvest)
“Let your love be contagious.” – Pope Francis
It doesn’t matter what label the Catholic Church gives Pope Francis because he already is a saint – a living saint.
God is unstoppable. God is grand. God is love. (Holy Bible - 1st John 4:8) There is no limit to what God can do. "all is possible through God". “I can do all things through Christ who loves me / strengthens me.” (Holy Bible - Philippians 4:13) 2nd John 1:2: "…the truth lives in us and will be with us forever." All tyrants receive an ignoble end. Hurting others intentionally is always unnecessary and never called for. Some pain is educational, but violating the rights of others is a sign of one who is not in the truth. “Abuse nobody, and if a man abuses you, and lays open a vice which he knows in you, then don’t disclose one [vice] which you know in him.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #91)
Ultimately, we will all achieve a love beyond our imagination. Love is the whole universe; God created the world in love, and, ultimately, our goal is to return to that pure love.
“Love gives life to the lifeless. Love lights a flame in the heart that is cold. Love brings hope to the hopeless and gladdens the hearts of the sorrowful. In the world of existence, there is indeed no greater power than the power of love.” ― ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Baha’i Religion
“To gladden the heart of the weary, and to remove the suffering of the afflicted, has its own reward.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #247)
“It’s your unlimited power to care and to love that can make the biggest difference in the quality of your life and love.” – Tony Robbins
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” / “Have tender affection for one another.” (Holy Bible - Romans 12:10)
“Welcome one another.” / “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” (Holy Bible - Romans 15:7)
“Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate.” / “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as, in Christ, God forgave you.” (Holy Bible - Ephesians 4:32)
“Keep comforting one another and building one another up.” (Holy Bible - 1 Thessalonians 5:11)
“Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” (Holy Bible – 1 Thessalonians 5:13)
“Be Peaceable with one another.” / “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (Holy Bible - 1st Peter 4:8)
“And this is his command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.” (Holy Bible - 1st John 3:23)
“Have intense love for one another.”
“We are love.” – (Brian Weiss, MD, Messages From the Masters)
“The highest goal of human life is to become Christlike.” – Richard Wurmbrand, Tortured for Christ
“[Strive] to develop “the new personality” so as to become more like Christ.” (Holy Bible - Colossians 3:10 and Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life – Jehovah’s Witnesses)
“According to the word, Jesus came to suffer at the hands of men to give his life as a pattern for the sons of men.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 174:18)
“Jesus said in the Aquarian Gospel, ‘You know that my life is a pattern for the sons of men. I lived to show the possibilities of man.’” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 178:45)
“The Christ is glorified, that men may see the God as Christ and the Christ as life, as light, as love, and as truth and through the Christ become themselves the life, the light, the love, and the truth.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 162:26-27)
“Peace, peace on Earth. Good will to men.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 172:41)
“…nations will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears.” (Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life – Jehovah’s Witnesses & Holy Bible - Isaiah 2:4)
When you’re angry, retreat. Like a puddle, a restless mind given time to rest will settle. – Taoism
“Become a teacher. Teach those around you by example.” “All men are looking unto you for guidance in the ways of life; example is another name for priest; so what you would that people be, that you must be yourself. And the kinds of things you want to have them do, you should do yourself. A simple, godly life may win ten thousand souls to purity and right.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 84:10-11)
Teach others to do the right thing by example.
“You, the one preaching, ‘Do not steal,’ do you steal?” (Holy Bible – Romans 2:21) The World-- Real and Unreal The Bhagavad Gita says "Nothing that is ‘real’ has an end, and nothing that is ‘unreal’ lasts forever." (also taught by Manicheaus (Mani) & the Buddha) Examples of things that are ‘real’ are your soul, God, true love, spirit, other people’s souls, and animals’ souls. Examples of things that are ‘unreal’ are the things of this world, our negative emotions, and our physical bodies. (Noumenon vs. Phenomenon) Buddhism teaches how to deal with the realm of the unreal. It says, "Do not attach yourself to things that are unreal". Attaching yourself to the things that are real brings much more happiness than chasing after things that are unreal. For an excellent understanding of what is real and what is unreal, see the excellent movie "The Matrix" (my rating: 10 out of a scale of 1 to 10). “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (Holy Bible, 2nd Corinthians 4:18) Philosophically, the Nounemon (the actual truth – being/existence) vs. the Phenomenon (the perception) – (Phenomenology). Any feeling you have of pain has a beginning and will have an end. But your soul, other people’s souls, God, and true love—these things will never have an end. “Jesus said that God has said ‘I am (not was) the Lord of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ He is the God of the living, not the dead." (from The Message Bible - Matthew 22:32 and Holy Bible - Mark 12:26) What Jesus meant by this is that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are alive today in heaven. Their souls have not died. There is a Jewish song that goes: “David, Melech Israel, Hai, Hai, ve Kayam.” It means, in English: “David, King of Israel, lives, lives, and exists.” This means that even though he lived thousands of years ago, He (David) is alive today. “O Brethren, the final extinction of the Buddha will take place before long. I now exhort you, saying: ‘All component things must grow old and be dissolved again. Seek you for that which is permanent, and work out your salvation with diligence.’” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XCIV.20) Buddha said ‘You must exert yourselves and strive with diligence. Walk as I have commanded you.’ (“The Gospel of Buddha” XCVII.3) “Decay is inherent in all component things, but the truth will remain forever!” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XCVII.26) “Heaven and Earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Jesus, Holy Bible – Matthew 24:35). “Everything that is born, or brought into being, and organized, contains within itself the inherent necessity of dissolution.” (“The Gospel of Buddha” XCIV.4)
The Buddha laughed as some of his disciples thought/said he would never die and would live forever. He said, “It doesn’t matter if you and I live to be 1000, we would still at some point be separated.”
Lao-Tsu, the founder of Taoism, once had a dream in which he was a butterfly flying from flower to flower. When he woke up, he asked himself, “Am I a man who dreamt he was a butterfly, or am I a butterfly dreaming that he is a man?”
Here is a story: A young fish who had never been outside of water once came to a wise old fish and asked him: What is water? The wise old fish replied: water is all around us, we swim in it, we exist in it, we live in it, it sustains us, and it exists within us. The same is true of us (people) and God/Spirit (instead of water).
You are one with God and every other soul. Nothing you or anyone else can say or do will ever change that. You will always be one with the rest of humanity. When you treat someone badly, you are treating God badly. Look within yourselves to find the true God—listen to his still silent voice. And treat all people as you would treat God. Do not attempt to use or bribe God (it won’t work). Rather, look to God within yourselves for the return to God and his love. For your destination is the return to Oneness with God. The truth is truth whether it comes from me or from other spiritual/religious writings or Betty Eadie or a drunk on the street. And there are homeless drunks who are closer to the truth than many corporate executives. “When a man takes one step toward Me (God), I (God) will go a mile toward him.” – God (quoted in Islam) “Whoever loves to meet God, God loves to meet him.” (“The Wisdom of Mohammad / The Sayings of Mohammad”, Saying #200)
Interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount (Holy Bible – Matthew Chapters 5 – 7)
The following is part of the Sermon on the Mount (in italics) spoken by Jesus and my interpretation of it (and commentary on it). (While I write that good things and goodness will happen to you in heaven if you obey and live the teachings written here (the Sermon on the Mount), it is also true that, if you live these values, you will have greater happiness, benefits, good things, joy, and goodness in your life here on Earth as well (from the introduction to the Noble Qur’an by Maulana Mohammad Ali and the blessings promised in the Torah – The “Books of Moses” (Holy Bible - Leviticus Chapter 26 and Holy Bible - Deuteronomy Chapter 28))) and “Joseph… We gave him power and knowledge: thus do we reward those who do right.” – (Noble Qur’an 12:22). “If you show obedience to God’s commandments, God will reward you for it with a goodly reward…” (Noble Qur’an 48:16) ‘Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!”’ (Holy Bible - Acts 5:29)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.: The poor in spirit could mean all men because all of us here have chosen to take on bodies and become "poor in spirit" compared with our original existence in heaven. Some interpret being “poor in spirit” as meaning being humble or realizing one’s need for God or one’s hopelessness. Another interpretation is reading this scripture as “Blessed in spirit are the poor.” Blessed are they that cry and mourn, for they shall be comforted.: Those who cry and mourn during this brief life on Earth will be comforted and loved in heaven for eternity. Blessed are the gentle, kind, and meek, for they will inherit the Earth.: The meek will inherit the new Earth after the triumph of the forces of good. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.: Those who hunger and thirst after goodness will be filled with righteousness in heaven. Blessed are the merciful, for they will obtain mercy. : The merciful will receive mercy from God and from others after they die(leave their bodies) and enter heaven as well as here on Earth. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. : Proximity to God, in this life and in the next, depends on the purity and goodness of our hearts. In heaven, those with pure hearts will be able to see God. “None but the pure in heart can come into the kingdom of the Holy One; but every son and daughter of the human race is called upon to turn from evil and become pure in heart.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 78:7) “To teach men to be pure in heart, you must be pure in heart and word and deed.” (The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ 15:11) In my father’s mansion there are many rooms and mansions: There are rooms for everyone in heaven. There are enough rooms in God’s mansion and mansions in God’s Kingdom for all of humanity. “For them will be a Home of Peace in the presence of their Lord: He will be their friend, because they practiced (righteousness).” (Noble Qur’an 6:127) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.: Those who are persecuted for righteousness will enter heaven—heaven belongs to them. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my (Jesus Christ’s) sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad: for great is your reward in heaven, for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you. : Not only do we get a reward in heaven for being good, we also get a huge reward for any time we were persecuted for righteousness or for defending the light of Jesus. You are the salt of the Earth: Men’s souls are among the greatest things on the Earth. They help determine the state and mood on the Earth, hence we are the salt of the Earth – giving it its “flavor” (or “atmosphere”). You are the light of the world: Men’s souls are the light of the world, potentially full of light and love. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, where it gives light on to all that are in the house. Give light unto all around you like a candle.: Brighten the house you live in and your surroundings with your love, good works, and light. Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your Heavenly Father (God) who is in heaven. Do good unto others and let people say things like "Thank God for you" and "Thank God for what you did." Or, “You’re an inspiration”.
Do good to others as you would like good to be done to you. – Islam - Ali ibn Abi Talib (4th Caliph in Sunni Islam, and first Imam in Shia Islam)
Whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men to, will be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does and teaches them, he will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.: Do good as these commandments tell you to and teach other men to do the same, and you will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
You have heard that it was said by the old teachers (Like Jesus, Moses, Mohammad, Buddha, and the Prophets), You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment. But I say to you, that whoever gets angry with his brother without a just, good, righteous cause will be in danger of the judgment(The Sanhedrin – the ruling council), and whoever says to his brother, “you fool”, will be in danger of the ...
To go to part 6 of this text, click here.
To buy the book from Amazon, click here.
The preceding is an excerpt from the book “Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, Socrates: The True Religion of Love”. The point of the book is to teach you the best way to live for happiness and success as described in the teachings of the world’s great religions/philosophies. You could spend years of your life going around in life not knowing what to do to become happy and successful or you could follow the teachings in this book. I have written this book to enlighten people, and the actual book contains much more stuff not available on this website. Do you want to have more happiness, peace, love, joy and success in your life? It’s possible – through the teachings of the great religions of the world – the greatest teachings of all time. This book teaches these teachings. It teaches the following:
· How to have more happiness, success, peace, love, and joy in your life through the “Golden Rule” and other teachings of the world’s great religions and their founders.
· How to have better relationships and friendships through love, kindness, and compassion.
· How to have more enthusiasm and zest in your life.
· The secret of happiness as taught by the great founders of the world’s great religions.
· How to attain success in life (and success in your endeavors).
· How to attain financial success and abundance through generosity and diligence.
· How to do what you love and pursue your calling / passion / mission / life’s purpose.
· How to treat people so that you will receive happiness and love, make good friends, and have goodness returned unto you.
· How to live so that you will go to heaven in the afterlife.
· What is the best diet and what to eat and what not to eat for health and energy.
· The Truth about Jesus, Mary Magdalene, and the Merovingian Bloodline.
· The Truth about where philosophy, spirituality, and religion intersect.
· How to live the examples of great men such as Jesus, Buddha, Mohammad, Socrates, Zoroaster, and others.
· Important distilled teachings of spiritual books like The Book of Mormon, The Holy Bible, and the Noble Qur’an (Koran) on how to attain happiness, success, and prosperity in life.
· The Truth about Jesus, Mohammad, Buddha and Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.
· The Secret of Happiness.
· The similarities of the world’s great religions – the greatest teachings in the world – teachings of such religions as Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and other religions on how to become happy and successful.
And much more.
This book is truly phenomenal! It is one of the best books you will ever read, because it is one of the best books of its kind to lead you to happiness, love, and success. It will take you inside the mind of God.
To go to the Main Home Page of this book/website, click here.