As we are all well aware, today is the tenth anniversary of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Centre towers in New York. At the time of the attack, I was working for an American company and vividly remember the shock and outrage at the devastation and loss caused on that fateful day.
The most serious act of terrorism on American soil had a huge effect on the American psyche and the realisation that they were not immune to such attacks made them sit up and think about their role in world affairs. But were the lessons of the day really learned?
Listening and watching the plethora of media reports about the attack appear to have concentrated on the mistakes made leading up to the event itself. How the CIA and FBI failed to communicate the known terrorist threat to each other effectively. How the terrorists themselves were identified, but still allowed to board the planes, and how the allies of the Northern Alliance on the Afghanistan / Pakistan border were let down after promises of cooperation had been made.
I’m sure those lessons have, to some extent, been learned, and that anti-terrorist measures, particularly focussed around aviation, have been increased. But have the reasons identified about why the attacks were perpetrated even been acknowledged? It is clear, that in the middle East and in many parts of Asia, the Americans are hated, and are seen as a country of militaristic empire builders, using brute force to manipulate the political and economic situations within countries thousands of miles from their shores.
If we, the human race, are ever to reach a state of peace and understanding, to be able to live together on this amazing planet in harmony, we have to embrace the differences between our nations, our societies and our religions. We have to nurture the wisdom, the courage and the compassion with which we interact. We must change our way of thinking on both sides, from what can we gain from them, to what can we do to help them.
The ultimate success, in this whole process, would be when we reach the point where the very concept of we and them is no longer perceived. We are all human, we are all us, and the sooner we see this basic fact, the sooner we can start creating a world of harmony. Let us all hope, that in the next tens years, there is real progress and that the people lost to their families and friends on September 11th 2001 did not die in vain.
A society that has sacrificed so much to material wealth that is has forgotten the human heart and the best of human aspirations, degenerates into something compassionless, doctrinaire, ignorant and ultra-conservative. When this happens, fundamental solutions to the issues of that society become impossible. If we protect the truth and are resolute, we are capable of creating peace and prosperity, and the truth that we should be protecting has to be high and great.
Surely the ultimate measure of a civilised society is the way it considers the sanctity of life itself. As civilised human beings we believe that the right to life of another person is beyond question, or do we? Two back to back news items, on the BBC tonight, tend to suggest that we do not, that the value of any two lives can be measured against each other, and ultimately be found to be different.
A great work of art is one that truly moves and inspires you. The test is when you yourself are moved. Don’t look at art with anyone else’s eyes. Don’t listen to music with others’ ears. You should view art with your own feelings, your own heart and mind.
We all have to find our own path to enlightenment. One person’s way may not be that of another, but we all have a path, if we take the time, and have the courage to find it.
Two of the closest people in my life are struggling with almost impossible situations. They are in positions where it seems that whichever way they choose, they will lose. Whilst I am in no position to influence either of them directly, I would like to help them if I can.
It is important to remember that our prayers reflect our state of life. In that respect, prayer is a solemn means to raise our life-state or condition. To receive exactly the results for which we are praying, it is crucial to make a determined, single minded effort toward that goal.
When we find ourselves in stressful situations, we often find ourselves acting in ways which are both damaging and unhelpful. When relationships hit problems our hearts may rule our heads and we may find we do not recognise ourselves in the way we react.
What a brilliant day! The beautiful drive to Bristol, first thing in the morning, with amazing views made green and pleasant by the recent rains was quick and easy.
Yesterday we spoke of responsibility, individual responsibility, and how taking responsibility for your actions is a major part of moving your life forward towards your chosen goals. But responsibility is a gift, whether you realise it or not, and having responsibility for the actions you take is very precious.
The Search For Enlightenment 
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