Everything that has a beginning, has an enD
Hope is what keeps us running,
and keeps us sane.
Believe in a better future.
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
seeing the end
Everything that has a beginning, has an enD
Hope is what keeps us running,
and keeps us sane.
Believe in a better future.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Go Clinton!
World today more interdependent than ever, says Clinton
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5, 2008): Former United States President Bill Clinton said the world today is more interdependent than ever and because of that, the definition of success must be changed.
Interdependence, he said, is an interesting idea and may be good or bad, or both.
“It simply means that divorce is not an option. We cannot get away from each other whether we like it or not,” he said, adding it has certain consequences, both positive and negative.
Speaking to a packed hall in the inaugural BC Sekhar memorial lecture here this evening, Clinton said among the negative aspects of global interdependence are the terrorist attacks and financial crisis.
Clinton said the world cannot play a zero-sum game and success must no “longer be measured in terms of being winners or losers”.
“Most of us were raised to believe we become successful by doing better than someone else - we run faster, we jump higher, we win contest or we know more. To see ourselves as winners, we must have someone to identify as a loser.
“But an interdependent world, we must change the definition of success. We must define success not in win-lose term but in win-win term. We must build a world in which we share the opportunities and responsibilities,” he said.
While acknowledging that it easier said than done, Clinton said an interdependent world requires people to embrace anyone whom they shared common values with.
The 42nd US president who came to Malaysia for the first time said he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi earlier in the day and visited the KL Bird Park.
Clinton said he has visited some 100 countries in his life and was anxious to come to Malaysia as the country represents the hopes of the people as it has people of various ethnic and religion.
In the 40-minute talk titled “Embracing our Common Humanity”, he touched on various issues ranging from climate change, health matters, global interdependence and empowering people to take control of their lives.
He said sharing meant that conflicts would arise but conflict is good whereby disagreements or discussions only promote thinking.
“I know there are political conflicts here. That is a good thing. You cannot be right all the time,” Clinton said in reference to the current political situation in Malaysia.
"If you are thinking, then there will be disagreements. Hillary and I have disagreements all the time but this is healthy," he said, referring to his wife, who will become US Secretary of State in January.
He also said his wife has a personal assistant who is half Saudi and half Pakistani, a devoted Muslim, but her best friend is a Jewish and they constantly exchange views with each other.
In the US, he added, it is projected that by 2050, there will be no single ethnic majority.
He was later presented with the BC Sekhar Medal for Transformational Leadership by the late Tan Sri BC Sekhar’s widow Puan Sri Sukumari and his son Datuk Vinod Sekhar, president and group chief executive of The Petra Group and chairman of Sekhar Foundation.
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 5, 2008): Former United States President Bill Clinton said the world today is more interdependent than ever and because of that, the definition of success must be changed.
Interdependence, he said, is an interesting idea and may be good or bad, or both.
“It simply means that divorce is not an option. We cannot get away from each other whether we like it or not,” he said, adding it has certain consequences, both positive and negative.
Speaking to a packed hall in the inaugural BC Sekhar memorial lecture here this evening, Clinton said among the negative aspects of global interdependence are the terrorist attacks and financial crisis.
Clinton said the world cannot play a zero-sum game and success must no “longer be measured in terms of being winners or losers”.
“Most of us were raised to believe we become successful by doing better than someone else - we run faster, we jump higher, we win contest or we know more. To see ourselves as winners, we must have someone to identify as a loser.
“But an interdependent world, we must change the definition of success. We must define success not in win-lose term but in win-win term. We must build a world in which we share the opportunities and responsibilities,” he said.
While acknowledging that it easier said than done, Clinton said an interdependent world requires people to embrace anyone whom they shared common values with.
The 42nd US president who came to Malaysia for the first time said he paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi earlier in the day and visited the KL Bird Park.
Clinton said he has visited some 100 countries in his life and was anxious to come to Malaysia as the country represents the hopes of the people as it has people of various ethnic and religion.
In the 40-minute talk titled “Embracing our Common Humanity”, he touched on various issues ranging from climate change, health matters, global interdependence and empowering people to take control of their lives.
He said sharing meant that conflicts would arise but conflict is good whereby disagreements or discussions only promote thinking.
“I know there are political conflicts here. That is a good thing. You cannot be right all the time,” Clinton said in reference to the current political situation in Malaysia.
"If you are thinking, then there will be disagreements. Hillary and I have disagreements all the time but this is healthy," he said, referring to his wife, who will become US Secretary of State in January.
He also said his wife has a personal assistant who is half Saudi and half Pakistani, a devoted Muslim, but her best friend is a Jewish and they constantly exchange views with each other.
In the US, he added, it is projected that by 2050, there will be no single ethnic majority.
He was later presented with the BC Sekhar Medal for Transformational Leadership by the late Tan Sri BC Sekhar’s widow Puan Sri Sukumari and his son Datuk Vinod Sekhar, president and group chief executive of The Petra Group and chairman of Sekhar Foundation.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
aha...
Je pense donc je suis.
It took me two years to understand what my first french lect meant. hey, better late than never <-- also taken from one of my french lect.
The point is;
Im an engineer. Damn it, start acting like one!
It took me two years to understand what my first french lect meant. hey, better late than never <-- also taken from one of my french lect.
The point is;
Im an engineer. Damn it, start acting like one!
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
speech by Raja Nazrin Shah
Full text of speech by Raja Muda of Perak Raja Nazrin Shah at the Diversity Matters Forum on Diasporas in the Commonwealth at Monash University, Sunway Campus on Nov 19, 2008.
The serious study of diversity and multiculturalism is precisely what the world needs at this critical juncture. I do not believe that we will ever approach the goal of human security until we are able to come to terms with our feelings of hatred, fear and apathy of our differences. If we were to spend but a tiny fraction of the resources poured into waging wars to promoting and appreciating how our differences work in our favour, rather than against it, the world would be an infinitely safer and more prosperous place.
Diversity is not only to be cherished; it is essential. I know this as an educationist for the store of knowledge does not increase until and unless there are differences in thinking. It is when there is stultifying uniformity that stagnation occurs. I know this as a Muslim for Islam recognises other religions. Islam itself is built on a history of myriad traditions. I know this as a Malaysian for what has built this country and made it strong are the contributions of its different communities. Malaysians of different races and religions have come together to put their shoulders to the collective plough despite their differences, something that many countries have not been so fortunate enough to share.
Large-scale migration of people, or in the language of this conference, diasporas, has been a constant feature in human history. As Ramesh Thakur, former Vice-Rector of the United Nations University and a noted scholar on human security, has written:
If human beings were not genetically programmed to travel vast distances, we would still be living in Africa. Whether our restlessness is rooted in curiosity about lands on the other side of the land or ocean, whether we seek to escape destitution and persecution “at home” or even whether we simply go astray, large-scale movements of peoples have been intrinsic to human nature and are an integral part of the human story.
From a purely economic perspective, theory would seem to support the presumption that international migration expands global output and increases global welfare. Moving labour from low productivity to high productivity countries improves allocative efficiency in the world economy. The persistence of large differences in average income between countries is prima facie evidence that allowing greater international labour mobility would raise world welfare. Thus, allowing labour to move across borders more freely would be a simple way to help narrow global income gaps.
But this, of course, is not the whole story. In receiving countries, public debate about immigration drives national politics, with recent electoral campaigns in Australia and the US each devoting substantial attention to the topic. Immigrants are often blamed for disrupting civil society, draining public coffers and lowering wages. At the same time, skilled immigrants receive credit for spurring innovation and the growth of technology sectors. To the extent that immigrants pay taxes and have the right to benefit from public services, they change the net tax burden on native residents. Once they become citizens, immigrants generally obtain the right to vote, altering domestic politics.
There are also sizeable effects on the sending country. Whilst emigration has brought a welcome financial windfall in the form of remittances, it has also drained poor economies of their most educated workers.
Among OECD countries, those with the largest immigrant presence in 2005 include Australia (24%), New Zealand (19%), Canada (19%) and the UK (10%). Australia, New Zealand and Canada are unique among receiving countries in using a point system (rather than quotas) for admission, in which individuals with higher levels of skill are favoured for entry. European countries take into account an individual’s refugee or asylee status in making immigrant admission decisions.
Among Commonwealth countries, India is the largest example of a diaspora-enriched, as well as enriching, country. There are estimated to be some 23 million non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin. They represent significant minorities of the population of the United Kingdom, the United States, the Gulf States and countries on the African continent. Their combined wealth is estimated to be over US$1 trillion dollars in 2007, a figure roughly equivalent to India’s GDP. The World Bank has estimated that remittances by overseas Indians in 2006 were in the order of US$27 billion dollars, a little more than 10 percent of total global remittances in that year.
Significant as these numbers are, they still do not describe the full contribution. Successful migrants often return to their homeland and create new businesses, thereby acting as growth catalysts. Overseas Indians have been a vital conduit for multinational companies seeking to do business in the country. The Indian government has astutely sought to tap the Indian diaspora network by offering tax and other benefits. The latter are therefore being engaged and integrated into the country’s economic growth and development strategies.
For the receiving countries, the economic gains can be enormous. They gain a willing and energetic workforce, a thriving pool of taxpayers, and a growing domestic market for goods and services. Migrants often also take an active part in the social life and governance of their adopted countries. Many emerge as top government officials, brilliant academics and business personalities. Malaysia is a prime example of how a diaspora of Chinese, Indians and other races have led to the creation of a more heterogeneous and prosperous state. Today, all are integral to the Malaysian landscape; all belong. At the same time, Malaysians from all walks of life can be found all over the world and many have distinguished themselves in various fields.
I mention all these things with the full knowledge that there is already a long and rich discourse on these issues. I understand that among the important issues that will be discussed at this forum are how to ensure that the many diasporas are included, engaged and integrated in their adopted countries. In the remaining time available, allow me to share with you three perspectives on this issue.
First, diasporas can only be consistent with pluralistic societies. A pluralistic society is one that not only tolerates but appreciates and encourages the active participation of those of different races, cultures and lifestyles. Fundamental to the creation of truly pluralistic societies are two fundamental principles, that of equality and fairness. Of course, to ensure that these two principles are more than just nice thoughts and are vigorously enforced, the rule of law is required. And for the rule of law to be operational, there must be the most meticulous observation of the doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. In the UK in 1981, the Scarman report pointed out how minorities often had difficulty in getting good behaviour from the police and felt that they were discriminated. I have spoken long and often about these matters and do not wish to do so here. I also do not wish to appear to reduce the entire problem of managing diversity to a matter of the law. I do think, however, that it is a most basic building block underpinning pluralism.
Second, the principles of equality and fairness suggest a preferred policy of integration rather than assimilation. Integration accepts and enlists; it does not coerce. It respects and values differences as legitimate. Integration seeks a confederation of peoples and cultures unified by common values and voluntarily cooperating towards the common good.
Assimilation, on the other hand, seeks to change language, customs, religions and even worldviews. Nation-building was once thought to be impossible unless differences were subsumed into the dominant norm. Most of the time this has been achieved through relentless and merciless force. In the name of unity, immigrants have been forced to change their names, banned from using their mother tongue and prevented from holding certain jobs.
The integrationist path to nation building is a difficult one to pursue. In many ways more difficult than attempts at forced assimilation. In all of human history, wars have been waged over attempts to compel dissimilar communities either to fit into a uniform mould or else forcibly exclude them. Sadly, even today, there are those whose primary response to diversity is to pound those who are dissimilar into submission. They often react to diversity by insisting on socio-cultural uniformity rather than adaptability.
Integrationist approaches, it must be admitted, are beset by their own problems. Some countries that practice multiculturalism end up having significant enclaves of isolated and alienated communities. Each community stays in its own little box without contact with other communities. These communities are not bound by common ties or interests with mainstream society. Rather, they regard their adopted country in a purely utilitarian way, as places to eke out a living rather than a cherished homeland.
Which brings me to my third point. Integration is a gradual process consisting of many acts over many generations. By and large, immigrants everywhere have common needs and wants. They want food on the table, money to spend, their children educated and to be able to lead useful lives. They desire good homes, a physically secure environment, good healthcare and protection in their golden years. But many, especially those of subsequent generations, will also yearn for a deep sense of belonging and identity. To be incorporated into the wider community and not to be treated as strangers.
In this regard, the effort of some Commonwealth governments to introduce deliberate diversity policies in their public services is therefore a timely and responsive measure that can have manifold consequences down the line. Diversity needs to be promoted at every level, down to local governments and communities.
The idea behind multiculturalism is that countries with people of different cultural backgrounds should allow them to live a free life without being forced to do things they don’t want to do. What characterizes democratic life is that it is the person who decides ? whether he or she wants to adjust more and be absorbed, or remain aloof. At the same time, the need to forge a community of people with shared values and interests remains paramount. The French riots in 2005 served as a reminder about what can happen if a country allows its immigrant communities to drift in the fringes of society without meaningful integration.
Where do we draw the line between the individual’s right to live the life he or she chooses and the need to forge a cohesive society? The notion that the burden of responsibility rests solely with receiving countries is perhaps misplaced. On the part of immigrant communities, the spirit of respecting ands accepting local traditions, local history and system of government is equally important. A spirit reflected in the Malay saying ? “di mana bumi di pijak – di situ langit di junjung”.
Multicultural societies are fast becoming the rule rather than the exception. Contrary to the rhetoric, however, it is not becoming a source of strength. Mankind is failing - and failing badly – at creating a sense of community. Instead race, culture and religion have become the dominant discourse.
We must avoid falling into a new and destructive form of modern day tribalism. Nothing is inevitable. Cultures can co-operate as much as clash.
We need to reclaim religion from those who would distort its truths. We must reject radicalism and extremism of all types. If there is someone in my society who is hungry, or unemployed or sick and cannot afford treatment, then it diminishes me even if he is of a different race or religion.
The serious study of diversity and multiculturalism is precisely what the world needs at this critical juncture. I do not believe that we will ever approach the goal of human security until we are able to come to terms with our feelings of hatred, fear and apathy of our differences. If we were to spend but a tiny fraction of the resources poured into waging wars to promoting and appreciating how our differences work in our favour, rather than against it, the world would be an infinitely safer and more prosperous place.
Diversity is not only to be cherished; it is essential. I know this as an educationist for the store of knowledge does not increase until and unless there are differences in thinking. It is when there is stultifying uniformity that stagnation occurs. I know this as a Muslim for Islam recognises other religions. Islam itself is built on a history of myriad traditions. I know this as a Malaysian for what has built this country and made it strong are the contributions of its different communities. Malaysians of different races and religions have come together to put their shoulders to the collective plough despite their differences, something that many countries have not been so fortunate enough to share.
Large-scale migration of people, or in the language of this conference, diasporas, has been a constant feature in human history. As Ramesh Thakur, former Vice-Rector of the United Nations University and a noted scholar on human security, has written:
If human beings were not genetically programmed to travel vast distances, we would still be living in Africa. Whether our restlessness is rooted in curiosity about lands on the other side of the land or ocean, whether we seek to escape destitution and persecution “at home” or even whether we simply go astray, large-scale movements of peoples have been intrinsic to human nature and are an integral part of the human story.
From a purely economic perspective, theory would seem to support the presumption that international migration expands global output and increases global welfare. Moving labour from low productivity to high productivity countries improves allocative efficiency in the world economy. The persistence of large differences in average income between countries is prima facie evidence that allowing greater international labour mobility would raise world welfare. Thus, allowing labour to move across borders more freely would be a simple way to help narrow global income gaps.
But this, of course, is not the whole story. In receiving countries, public debate about immigration drives national politics, with recent electoral campaigns in Australia and the US each devoting substantial attention to the topic. Immigrants are often blamed for disrupting civil society, draining public coffers and lowering wages. At the same time, skilled immigrants receive credit for spurring innovation and the growth of technology sectors. To the extent that immigrants pay taxes and have the right to benefit from public services, they change the net tax burden on native residents. Once they become citizens, immigrants generally obtain the right to vote, altering domestic politics.
There are also sizeable effects on the sending country. Whilst emigration has brought a welcome financial windfall in the form of remittances, it has also drained poor economies of their most educated workers.
Among OECD countries, those with the largest immigrant presence in 2005 include Australia (24%), New Zealand (19%), Canada (19%) and the UK (10%). Australia, New Zealand and Canada are unique among receiving countries in using a point system (rather than quotas) for admission, in which individuals with higher levels of skill are favoured for entry. European countries take into account an individual’s refugee or asylee status in making immigrant admission decisions.
Among Commonwealth countries, India is the largest example of a diaspora-enriched, as well as enriching, country. There are estimated to be some 23 million non-resident Indians and persons of Indian origin. They represent significant minorities of the population of the United Kingdom, the United States, the Gulf States and countries on the African continent. Their combined wealth is estimated to be over US$1 trillion dollars in 2007, a figure roughly equivalent to India’s GDP. The World Bank has estimated that remittances by overseas Indians in 2006 were in the order of US$27 billion dollars, a little more than 10 percent of total global remittances in that year.
Significant as these numbers are, they still do not describe the full contribution. Successful migrants often return to their homeland and create new businesses, thereby acting as growth catalysts. Overseas Indians have been a vital conduit for multinational companies seeking to do business in the country. The Indian government has astutely sought to tap the Indian diaspora network by offering tax and other benefits. The latter are therefore being engaged and integrated into the country’s economic growth and development strategies.
For the receiving countries, the economic gains can be enormous. They gain a willing and energetic workforce, a thriving pool of taxpayers, and a growing domestic market for goods and services. Migrants often also take an active part in the social life and governance of their adopted countries. Many emerge as top government officials, brilliant academics and business personalities. Malaysia is a prime example of how a diaspora of Chinese, Indians and other races have led to the creation of a more heterogeneous and prosperous state. Today, all are integral to the Malaysian landscape; all belong. At the same time, Malaysians from all walks of life can be found all over the world and many have distinguished themselves in various fields.
I mention all these things with the full knowledge that there is already a long and rich discourse on these issues. I understand that among the important issues that will be discussed at this forum are how to ensure that the many diasporas are included, engaged and integrated in their adopted countries. In the remaining time available, allow me to share with you three perspectives on this issue.
First, diasporas can only be consistent with pluralistic societies. A pluralistic society is one that not only tolerates but appreciates and encourages the active participation of those of different races, cultures and lifestyles. Fundamental to the creation of truly pluralistic societies are two fundamental principles, that of equality and fairness. Of course, to ensure that these two principles are more than just nice thoughts and are vigorously enforced, the rule of law is required. And for the rule of law to be operational, there must be the most meticulous observation of the doctrine of separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary. In the UK in 1981, the Scarman report pointed out how minorities often had difficulty in getting good behaviour from the police and felt that they were discriminated. I have spoken long and often about these matters and do not wish to do so here. I also do not wish to appear to reduce the entire problem of managing diversity to a matter of the law. I do think, however, that it is a most basic building block underpinning pluralism.
Second, the principles of equality and fairness suggest a preferred policy of integration rather than assimilation. Integration accepts and enlists; it does not coerce. It respects and values differences as legitimate. Integration seeks a confederation of peoples and cultures unified by common values and voluntarily cooperating towards the common good.
Assimilation, on the other hand, seeks to change language, customs, religions and even worldviews. Nation-building was once thought to be impossible unless differences were subsumed into the dominant norm. Most of the time this has been achieved through relentless and merciless force. In the name of unity, immigrants have been forced to change their names, banned from using their mother tongue and prevented from holding certain jobs.
The integrationist path to nation building is a difficult one to pursue. In many ways more difficult than attempts at forced assimilation. In all of human history, wars have been waged over attempts to compel dissimilar communities either to fit into a uniform mould or else forcibly exclude them. Sadly, even today, there are those whose primary response to diversity is to pound those who are dissimilar into submission. They often react to diversity by insisting on socio-cultural uniformity rather than adaptability.
Integrationist approaches, it must be admitted, are beset by their own problems. Some countries that practice multiculturalism end up having significant enclaves of isolated and alienated communities. Each community stays in its own little box without contact with other communities. These communities are not bound by common ties or interests with mainstream society. Rather, they regard their adopted country in a purely utilitarian way, as places to eke out a living rather than a cherished homeland.
Which brings me to my third point. Integration is a gradual process consisting of many acts over many generations. By and large, immigrants everywhere have common needs and wants. They want food on the table, money to spend, their children educated and to be able to lead useful lives. They desire good homes, a physically secure environment, good healthcare and protection in their golden years. But many, especially those of subsequent generations, will also yearn for a deep sense of belonging and identity. To be incorporated into the wider community and not to be treated as strangers.
In this regard, the effort of some Commonwealth governments to introduce deliberate diversity policies in their public services is therefore a timely and responsive measure that can have manifold consequences down the line. Diversity needs to be promoted at every level, down to local governments and communities.
The idea behind multiculturalism is that countries with people of different cultural backgrounds should allow them to live a free life without being forced to do things they don’t want to do. What characterizes democratic life is that it is the person who decides ? whether he or she wants to adjust more and be absorbed, or remain aloof. At the same time, the need to forge a community of people with shared values and interests remains paramount. The French riots in 2005 served as a reminder about what can happen if a country allows its immigrant communities to drift in the fringes of society without meaningful integration.
Where do we draw the line between the individual’s right to live the life he or she chooses and the need to forge a cohesive society? The notion that the burden of responsibility rests solely with receiving countries is perhaps misplaced. On the part of immigrant communities, the spirit of respecting ands accepting local traditions, local history and system of government is equally important. A spirit reflected in the Malay saying ? “di mana bumi di pijak – di situ langit di junjung”.
Multicultural societies are fast becoming the rule rather than the exception. Contrary to the rhetoric, however, it is not becoming a source of strength. Mankind is failing - and failing badly – at creating a sense of community. Instead race, culture and religion have become the dominant discourse.
We must avoid falling into a new and destructive form of modern day tribalism. Nothing is inevitable. Cultures can co-operate as much as clash.
We need to reclaim religion from those who would distort its truths. We must reject radicalism and extremism of all types. If there is someone in my society who is hungry, or unemployed or sick and cannot afford treatment, then it diminishes me even if he is of a different race or religion.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Calm damn it!
am i expecting too much from myself?
i dont care.
i just know that,
i was supposed to be calmer,
wiser,
and thoughtful.
i was neither.
i have to always be calm.
Calm is the only way to access the human part of your brain.
And you have to learn to be human!
Man have to learn to be human.
I got that during my trip to Cordoba.
i have to be in control.
am i asking too much?
well, im expecting a better 'me'.
i learn from my mistakes..
im calmer now.
and can think straight.
i dont care.
i just know that,
i was supposed to be calmer,
wiser,
and thoughtful.
i was neither.
i have to always be calm.
Calm is the only way to access the human part of your brain.
And you have to learn to be human!
Man have to learn to be human.
I got that during my trip to Cordoba.
i have to be in control.
am i asking too much?
well, im expecting a better 'me'.
i learn from my mistakes..
im calmer now.
and can think straight.
Friday, October 17, 2008
how true it is...
If a person doesnt have a sense of achievement in their real life, it's easy to loose themselves in a virtual world where they can get a false sense of accomplishment
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
I-liberal???
i would like to add more to my previous entry.
for some would misunderstood it, and maybe think of me as 'a bad guy'.
i dont want to add on the same entry as it would contribute to its length thus making it look more boring than it already is.
first of all,
what i've written, comes from what i see around me.
So to lay out the whole story to you, would means, a very very long entry.
tht's y, that entry, was just a summarize.
infact, it is the same case as for most of my entries,
i thought u would see them positively and understood every word of it,
i hate elaborating, i expect ppl to understand what i write, and if they dont, someday they will.
when i've come to learn something from life experience, sometimes, i put it in my blog
without mentioning how i got it, what happened or anything else. it's much easier.
but... how can u understand the whole thing just by reading the summary right?
through your own life experience i guess.
but my last entry is a particular entry,
as it is about religion.
and this topic is sensitive, (even in my own blog!)
a person already commented it in facebook telling me what he knows of Christianity and how misleed they can be.
i see no connection with what i've wrote and he obviously didnt get what ive written.
i will elaborate on one point here.
which is, "fear, love and reward."
i'll give a simple example;
Your parents went out one night, and told you to stay home. but your friend called and asked you to join him to go to a concert.
Now, you can refuse him, because you're afraid that your parents would find out and scold you, or because u love them, and u dont want to break their heart.
u can choose any of those reason, or both, the result is the same, which is u dont go out that night.
im not saying any reason is better,
its up to u.
u can obey somebody, do his biding,
because u're afraid or love him.
same goes for reward.
u choose what reason u want to do it for.
yes, for me, love is the best, but seriously, it's totally up to u.
i'll give u another example,
this i got from a book, titled lord of light, a good book, it makes u realize how beautiful God is.
Beautiful here does NOT mean physically. (i think i should be more careful on my words now, so tht people wont misunderstood it)
One day, the people of Prophet Musa a.s asked him, "Oh Musa, is there anyone wiser than you?" Musa answered. "I think not for the Lord has sent me to be your prophet in this time and He has given me all the wisdom there is to dispense."
The Lord was displeased with these words and He sent him to His servant whose wisdom is greater.
This servant's name was Khidr, and in the end, it was proven that this person is wiser.
What Khidr did which failed Musa was that he broke a boat which belongs to good people, built a wall without being paid, and killed a boy.
Musa was impatient as to why this person did this things while on their journey together.
Khidr did all this thing, just for the sake of the Lord. He was revealed that the boy would turn out mean and cause great pain to his parents but they would get another child who would be the ancestor of seventy prophets.
the other occasions were also done, solely, for the sake of Allah s.w.t. and have their own greater reason. (im tired to type them all...)
Here we see how a person is doing something that is not for his own sake, and does him no good in this life.
he could ask for money to build the wall, but he didnt.
why is tht? what's wrong with asking some money to get some food? he's doing something beneficial and asking money for a good cause too. (eating...)
It's because it wasn't for his sake that he's building the wall.
is he looking for a reward?
or tht he's afraid tht he would be shot with lightning if he didnt do it?
What God gave him, he accepts it,
but what he's done, was not for these gifts.
God can promise him nothing, but he wouldn't care less.
I hope, things would become clearer now.
u can do your bid, because you are afraid of Him, or wanting his prize, or just for the mere sake of Himself. its up to u.
the are more than one way to get things done.
generally,
u can do anything for any reason.
its up to you and im in no position to say that you are wrong.
the way i see it,
God has given a lot to you, why cant u give him a gift once in awhile?
and u know the rules of giving gift, expect nothing in return!
this has got nothing to do with "I-liberal" or a new way for Christians to attack us...
for some would misunderstood it, and maybe think of me as 'a bad guy'.
i dont want to add on the same entry as it would contribute to its length thus making it look more boring than it already is.
first of all,
what i've written, comes from what i see around me.
So to lay out the whole story to you, would means, a very very long entry.
tht's y, that entry, was just a summarize.
infact, it is the same case as for most of my entries,
i thought u would see them positively and understood every word of it,
i hate elaborating, i expect ppl to understand what i write, and if they dont, someday they will.
when i've come to learn something from life experience, sometimes, i put it in my blog
without mentioning how i got it, what happened or anything else. it's much easier.
but... how can u understand the whole thing just by reading the summary right?
through your own life experience i guess.
but my last entry is a particular entry,
as it is about religion.
and this topic is sensitive, (even in my own blog!)
a person already commented it in facebook telling me what he knows of Christianity and how misleed they can be.
i see no connection with what i've wrote and he obviously didnt get what ive written.
i will elaborate on one point here.
which is, "fear, love and reward."
i'll give a simple example;
Your parents went out one night, and told you to stay home. but your friend called and asked you to join him to go to a concert.
Now, you can refuse him, because you're afraid that your parents would find out and scold you, or because u love them, and u dont want to break their heart.
u can choose any of those reason, or both, the result is the same, which is u dont go out that night.
im not saying any reason is better,
its up to u.
u can obey somebody, do his biding,
because u're afraid or love him.
same goes for reward.
u choose what reason u want to do it for.
yes, for me, love is the best, but seriously, it's totally up to u.
i'll give u another example,
this i got from a book, titled lord of light, a good book, it makes u realize how beautiful God is.
Beautiful here does NOT mean physically. (i think i should be more careful on my words now, so tht people wont misunderstood it)
One day, the people of Prophet Musa a.s asked him, "Oh Musa, is there anyone wiser than you?" Musa answered. "I think not for the Lord has sent me to be your prophet in this time and He has given me all the wisdom there is to dispense."
The Lord was displeased with these words and He sent him to His servant whose wisdom is greater.
This servant's name was Khidr, and in the end, it was proven that this person is wiser.
What Khidr did which failed Musa was that he broke a boat which belongs to good people, built a wall without being paid, and killed a boy.
Musa was impatient as to why this person did this things while on their journey together.
Khidr did all this thing, just for the sake of the Lord. He was revealed that the boy would turn out mean and cause great pain to his parents but they would get another child who would be the ancestor of seventy prophets.
the other occasions were also done, solely, for the sake of Allah s.w.t. and have their own greater reason. (im tired to type them all...)
Here we see how a person is doing something that is not for his own sake, and does him no good in this life.
he could ask for money to build the wall, but he didnt.
why is tht? what's wrong with asking some money to get some food? he's doing something beneficial and asking money for a good cause too. (eating...)
It's because it wasn't for his sake that he's building the wall.
is he looking for a reward?
or tht he's afraid tht he would be shot with lightning if he didnt do it?
What God gave him, he accepts it,
but what he's done, was not for these gifts.
God can promise him nothing, but he wouldn't care less.
I hope, things would become clearer now.
u can do your bid, because you are afraid of Him, or wanting his prize, or just for the mere sake of Himself. its up to u.
the are more than one way to get things done.
generally,
u can do anything for any reason.
its up to you and im in no position to say that you are wrong.
the way i see it,
God has given a lot to you, why cant u give him a gift once in awhile?
and u know the rules of giving gift, expect nothing in return!
this has got nothing to do with "I-liberal" or a new way for Christians to attack us...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Love, Fear, Reward
"Takutlah kamu akan neraka-Nya, akan bala-Nya, tp, jgnlah kamu takut akan Tuhan mu, tp sayangilah Dia, spt mana Dia menyayangi kamu"
"Afraid of his damnation, of his wrath, but not be afraid of Him, instead, love Him as He has loved you."
"Afraid of his damnation, of his wrath, but not be afraid of Him, instead, love Him as He has loved you."
Which means that the phrase, "Jangan takut kpd apa2 shj kecuali Tuhan." (not be afraid of anything except God) is incorrect.
The right phrase should be, "Janganlah takut kpd kuasa lain selain kuasa Tuhan."
("Be afraid not of other power accept the ones of His Almighty")
i think, being afraid is normal. u're afraid of dark, afraid of walking alone in a lonely alleyway, etc. Those feelings are normal. infact, it could be usefull, for God would not give us that feeling for no reason.
So, we can be afraid, other than of God, im afraid of a lot of things. that doesnt make me an unbeliever, tht just makes me normal. those who says he's not afraid of anything except God, i dare say is a hypocrite.
Why i say, be afraid of God's damnation but not God, is for the simple reason, which is,
how can we love something/someone which/whom we're afraid of?
there are three ways to make us do something, through love, fear or rewarding.
u choose the path.
When u 've done a good deed, are u expecting a prize from God(pahala)?
why are we molding ourselves as somebody who always expect something in return even if it is for a good cause?
do things,
be a good person,
be good to other ppl,
just for the sake of love to your God.
Thts all,
nothing more and nothing less.
purify our heart with willingness.
Fear will put us in a cage,
makes us harder to think by ourselves
always having bad thought will darken our heart
Gosh, this world will turn in a much beautiful way if love is always the reason.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
im back
sometimes, when im with other people, and i feel like they're expecting my reaction,
which then makes me worry of how to please them,
i imagine my time alone, then,
i am myself again.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
a story
i saw a bird today,
it had three wings.
i went near to take a closer look and i said, "Dude, u have a 3rd wing".
"Oh really? thanks for telling me that, all my life, since the day i was born, i never realize that attached to my body is a 3rd wing, gosh, u have changed my life."
"Are u being sarcastic?"
"Yes."
"Are u having a bad day?"
"Well, you've scored another yes."
"Why, what happened?"
"Well, i met this other female bird, she was so beautiful that she resembles a beautiful piece of art created by the famous Gaudi, and most importantly... she was sitting on that branch, all alone..."
"oh, so u're a male bird."
"Duh.."
"Sorry, im not so good in sexbirdiology-(his own made up word for the skill to determine the sex of birds. So, no need to Google it.)."
"U are one ignorant human."
"And u sound like my mom!"
"So its not her fault then.. Anyway, i flew to this beautiful bird, such beauty that reminds me of the arts by the famous Gaudi"
"You already said that..."
-ignoring the boy- "And i landed right next to her. I was being cautious not to frighten her. As she looked like she didnt mind the present of another bird on the same branch, i opened up my beak and asked her what happened that eventhough it was a beautiful day, she looked so sad..."
"i will just listen to your stories since u'll ignore me again."
-truly did ignore him- "She answered, saying, life is so complicated, that she cant decide her mind on what is right and what is wrong.
i felt intrigued, i never expected this as a response, i was waiting for the words "boyfriend - died", 'boyfriend - accident', 'boyfriend - coma' or 'boyfriend - left'.
i didnt know how to respond, all my life, i've never read a book, except for the thorn out news paper that wrapped the food i found on the street, so how can i gave an intelligent respond to that..
But she continued and said, -making a softer voice to mimic a female as if to make the boy to really feel the story-
'Life is funny, you want to be yourself, but u cant,
u dont even know how you should act, so u let other people to take over, u think about what they want, what will be good for them, that you forgot, to just live your own life.
i feel sad, to care so much about what others think,
what would please others,
that u can no longer hear your heart talking,
u got confused,
and sometimes when u thought u're listening to it,
u are actually thinking of other people.
Its sad isnt...' And she looked at me.
And i... i was trying to keep up with her words,
but as i watch her gaze, sadness overwhelmed me too,
and so u had two sad birds on a branch, from what started as a strong male bird trying to comfort his soon-to-be mate."
"Is that why u're sad then? but where is she now?"
"Boy, you shouldnt put your feet in other people's shoes too much, sometimes, u have to be in your own.
If your action doesn't include them, why you have to worry about what they think?
If its your true friends, then they will support you no matter what.
You cant please everybody, dont put too much thought in it, they wont be the ones to question u later.
You have only yourself to answer and soon to God.
Feel happy, just for the simple fact that you have followed what your heart wants."
At that time, a car passed by, stealing the boy's attention and the space where the bird stood, became just an empty space when the boy turned his head to look back at a talking-three-wings bird.
it had three wings.
i went near to take a closer look and i said, "Dude, u have a 3rd wing".
"Oh really? thanks for telling me that, all my life, since the day i was born, i never realize that attached to my body is a 3rd wing, gosh, u have changed my life."
"Are u being sarcastic?"
"Yes."
"Are u having a bad day?"
"Well, you've scored another yes."
"Why, what happened?"
"Well, i met this other female bird, she was so beautiful that she resembles a beautiful piece of art created by the famous Gaudi, and most importantly... she was sitting on that branch, all alone..."
"oh, so u're a male bird."
"Duh.."
"Sorry, im not so good in sexbirdiology-(his own made up word for the skill to determine the sex of birds. So, no need to Google it.)."
"U are one ignorant human."
"And u sound like my mom!"
"So its not her fault then.. Anyway, i flew to this beautiful bird, such beauty that reminds me of the arts by the famous Gaudi"
"You already said that..."
-ignoring the boy- "And i landed right next to her. I was being cautious not to frighten her. As she looked like she didnt mind the present of another bird on the same branch, i opened up my beak and asked her what happened that eventhough it was a beautiful day, she looked so sad..."
"i will just listen to your stories since u'll ignore me again."
-truly did ignore him- "She answered, saying, life is so complicated, that she cant decide her mind on what is right and what is wrong.
i felt intrigued, i never expected this as a response, i was waiting for the words "boyfriend - died", 'boyfriend - accident', 'boyfriend - coma' or 'boyfriend - left'.
i didnt know how to respond, all my life, i've never read a book, except for the thorn out news paper that wrapped the food i found on the street, so how can i gave an intelligent respond to that..
But she continued and said, -making a softer voice to mimic a female as if to make the boy to really feel the story-
'Life is funny, you want to be yourself, but u cant,
u dont even know how you should act, so u let other people to take over, u think about what they want, what will be good for them, that you forgot, to just live your own life.
i feel sad, to care so much about what others think,
what would please others,
that u can no longer hear your heart talking,
u got confused,
and sometimes when u thought u're listening to it,
u are actually thinking of other people.
Its sad isnt...' And she looked at me.
And i... i was trying to keep up with her words,
but as i watch her gaze, sadness overwhelmed me too,
and so u had two sad birds on a branch, from what started as a strong male bird trying to comfort his soon-to-be mate."
"Is that why u're sad then? but where is she now?"
"Boy, you shouldnt put your feet in other people's shoes too much, sometimes, u have to be in your own.
If your action doesn't include them, why you have to worry about what they think?
If its your true friends, then they will support you no matter what.
You cant please everybody, dont put too much thought in it, they wont be the ones to question u later.
You have only yourself to answer and soon to God.
Feel happy, just for the simple fact that you have followed what your heart wants."
At that time, a car passed by, stealing the boy's attention and the space where the bird stood, became just an empty space when the boy turned his head to look back at a talking-three-wings bird.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
the invisible bubble
Break the barrier between you and other people,
no matter how low u think u are compared to them.
Just no that, there are no barrier between humans.
God create us equal.
So, go ahead, live without fear but with respect.
no matter how low u think u are compared to them.
Just no that, there are no barrier between humans.
God create us equal.
So, go ahead, live without fear but with respect.
Monday, May 19, 2008
walking up the path.
the sky is smiling at me,
its waiting.
and i will be there,
well prepared,
as the torn and crook,
is shaping me.
through big and deepest jungle,
i will reach there.
that is,
the awaiting destiny,
the door,
that God has left for me.
The reason im here,
the path that has been laid.
Just wait for me,
as im walking up,
the path.
and i will be there,
well prepared,
as the torn and crook,
is shaping me.
through big and deepest jungle,
i will reach there.
that is,
the awaiting destiny,
the door,
that God has left for me.
The reason im here,
the path that has been laid.
Just wait for me,
as im walking up,
the path.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
it is OURS
the future is in our hand.
OUR.
this is our time.
this is where the future starts.
we shape the world of tomorrow.
remember well,
the triumph of evil,
is when good men do nothing.
if we see wrong action been taken in front of us,
and that we have the chance to change it,
then do something about it.
it is OUR responsibility,
because we are able to see its weakness or its mistake.
We have to march forward and be brave,
voice out all the misdeed and correct them,
if we want the future to be better than today.
we have to
because the future is in our hand,
OUR.
this is our time.
this is where the future starts.
we shape the world of tomorrow.
remember well,
the triumph of evil,
is when good men do nothing.
if we see wrong action been taken in front of us,
and that we have the chance to change it,
then do something about it.
it is OUR responsibility,
because we are able to see its weakness or its mistake.
We have to march forward and be brave,
voice out all the misdeed and correct them,
if we want the future to be better than today.
we have to
because the future is in our hand,
thus it is our fault if things turn out bad.
i hope God give me the strength to talk them out before it is too late and i sleep with regret.
i hope God give me the strength to talk them out before it is too late and i sleep with regret.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
acceptance & sacrifice.
i thought i was sacrificing.
like an investment or sumthin.
but as time pass by,
now,
its all about accepting.
accepting your condition right now.
who u r.
what u do.
this is your life.
its not about waiting for a greater gift of benefit later in life.
its about realizing,
that this is your 'road'.
this is your,
life.
u learn and u improve,
thats how life works,
and for me,
i've come to learn
to accept,
that this is my way of life.
its not about sacrificing anymore,
its way beyond that.
i do not expect to see a beautiful lady waiting for me when i got home,
infact,
there is a big chance,
that i will remain like this.
forever.
its funny,
just some time ago,
i wanted to go back,
so badly,
spreading my wings in my own motherland.
i guess time will tell for that.
right now,
its like u've been too long in a prison,
like in the film 'the redemption',
they said u have become 'institutionalized',
the prison becomes part of u.
at some point, its hard to leave it.
sounds crazy but its logic.
same as love,
things that are annoying,
will b the things that u'ld miss most when its gone.
this is my home,
this is my life.
i dont see the end of it.
do i feel sorry?
thats just the way it is,
and i accept it.
like an investment or sumthin.
but as time pass by,
now,
its all about accepting.
accepting your condition right now.
who u r.
what u do.
this is your life.
its not about waiting for a greater gift of benefit later in life.
its about realizing,
that this is your 'road'.
this is your,
life.
u learn and u improve,
thats how life works,
and for me,
i've come to learn
to accept,
that this is my way of life.
its not about sacrificing anymore,
its way beyond that.
i do not expect to see a beautiful lady waiting for me when i got home,
infact,
there is a big chance,
that i will remain like this.
forever.
its funny,
just some time ago,
i wanted to go back,
so badly,
spreading my wings in my own motherland.
i guess time will tell for that.
right now,
its like u've been too long in a prison,
like in the film 'the redemption',
they said u have become 'institutionalized',
the prison becomes part of u.
at some point, its hard to leave it.
sounds crazy but its logic.
same as love,
things that are annoying,
will b the things that u'ld miss most when its gone.
this is my home,
this is my life.
i dont see the end of it.
do i feel sorry?
thats just the way it is,
and i accept it.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Where i am.
where am i?
well, surely not in the reality world.
im in my own imagination,
where everything is perfect,
nothing to worry about,
just relax
and enjoy life in the net.
if my laptop could talk,
he would say that we have become a very good buddy,
best friends.
Its,
all about being slumber,
drifting away in this matrix,
this sea,
with breezy wind,
cozy boat,
and mind,
in a state of awake and sleep,
living and dreaming,
seeing and imagining.
im just afraid,
that i would only wake up if my head got knock with something.
and maybe,
at that time,
everything is too late.
i have 4hours before today ends.
now im going to make a best out of it.
see the glass half full ^_^
well, surely not in the reality world.
im in my own imagination,
where everything is perfect,
nothing to worry about,
just relax
and enjoy life in the net.
if my laptop could talk,
he would say that we have become a very good buddy,
best friends.
Its,
all about being slumber,
drifting away in this matrix,
this sea,
with breezy wind,
cozy boat,
and mind,
in a state of awake and sleep,
living and dreaming,
seeing and imagining.
im just afraid,
that i would only wake up if my head got knock with something.
and maybe,
at that time,
everything is too late.
i have 4hours before today ends.
now im going to make a best out of it.
see the glass half full ^_^
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