Good Evening, Everyone!


I'm not discussing the Seattle, Washington rock band that was lead by the late Kurt Cobain.  Nirvana is an Eastern philosophical concept that essentially describes a peaceful state of mind in which the outer conflicts of existence aren't constantly robbing you of hope. Of course, this is how I have experienced it. More traditional schools of Eastern thought believe nirvana is as defined per the entry at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirvana:

                       The Buddha in the Dhammapada says of nirvana that it is "the highest happiness".
                       This happiness is rather an enduring, transcendental happiness integral to the
                       calmness attained through enlightenment or bodhi, than the happiness of blindful
                       entertainment. The knowledge accompanying nirvana is expressed through the
                       word bodhi.

Many practitioners of Eastern religions have reached this state by disciplining their minds and bodies to withdraw from the unceasing distractions of daily life.  This approach is not without its' merits. The physical and mental benefits derived from the consistent application of yoga practices are well known.  Many westerners have enthusiastically adopted these practices for the physical benefits, alone. 

Spiritual enlightenment can be obtained without yoga. Nirvana has been obtained by countless individuals who have had little or no knowledge of Eastern religious practices.  A balanced understanding of life is what many well known spiritual leaders have taught throughout the centuries.  Life as we know it is an interwoven web that affects us all.  What transpires in one part of the world does impact all of us regardless of how much we would like to ignore the truth. 

As long as I have hope, I have to have faith! These two States of Grace go hand in hand.  My personal nirvana rests in the knowledge that GOD LOVES ALL OF US.  We're his children and we do make mistakes.  He's constantly forgiving us and holding it all together for the Greater Good of All His Creation.  Compassion, Empathy, Charity and Forgiveness are his traits -- not ours.  What more can we ask for except another chance to make things rights. 


May Peace Be With All Of You,



SISTAH SELAH