Senin, 13 Januari 2025

NEW – Moving Forward to a New Chapter

 “Nil novi sub sole,” the words of Ecclesiastes, meaning “there is nothing new under the sun”. These words, however, might cast a shadow over our spirits as we approach the New Year 2025. Despite this, many of us have likely resolved to embrace new beginnings, renewed enthusiasm, and have made numerous preparations to face the coming year with optimism.

Anything new is undoubtedly captivating. If we observe the “entertainment” on the news, we see shows brimming with admiration and praise for couples in love or newlyweds. However, when divorce looms, insults come not one by one like spies but as an overwhelming battalion. “L’histoire répète!” History repeats itself.

The saga of human life, from the dawn of civilization to the present day, has been marked by greed for wealth, the pursuit of romantic entanglements, and relentless power struggles. Consider the love stories that have captured the world’s imagination. Many writers have immortalized the beauty of Cleopatra (69–30 BC), whose romances with Julius Caesar (100–44 BC) and later with Mark Antony (82–30 BC) remain legendary. The film “Cleopatra,” starring Elizabeth Taylor (1932–2011), is a testament to this timeless story.

Further, the tale of Theodora, the central figure in Paul Willman’s novel “Woman,” continues to captivate readers. And we must not forget the epic biblical narrative of “Samson and Delilah,” which stands as a powerful symbol of love and betrayal.

Power struggles are pervasive. Every nation and culture has tales of succession that often send shivers down our spines. In politics, there is a Latin adage, “Hostis aut amicus non est in aeternum; commode sua sunt in aeternum,” which means: there are no eternal friends or enemies; only interests are eternal. Even the Vatican, a sacred city, is not exempt from these power struggles. Brenda Ralph Lewis, in “The Dark History of the Popes: Vice, Murder, and Corruption in the Vatican,” illustrates how intrigue and conspiracy pervade each narrative.

In contrast, “Throne for the People,” a biography of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX (1912–1988), inspires us with optimism by highlighting that the Sultan never used his privileges for personal gain.

Robert Harris, in “Imperium,” illustrates that wealth was a central point of competition among Senators. Cicero (106–43 BC) famously remarked, “Fish begins to rot from the head,” suggesting that corrupt leaders must be the first to be removed. The pervasive influence of money has been evident since ancient Roman times, playing a crucial role in societal dynamics. This led to the coining of the phrase “Pecunia non olet,” meaning “money does not stink” – essentially highlighting that everyone has an affinity for money. Even humor reflects this sentiment: “Money is Almighty.”

“Nil novi sub sole,” nothing new under the sun. Greed, lust, and power struggles remain the mainstay of our society today. Opinions in print and electronic media, filled with political clowns elected by the people, flood us incessantly. The common folk are weary and tend to be apathetic. “Vox populi vox Dei,” the voice of the people is the voice of God. Let’s hope God does not choose the wrong representatives of the people.

Watching these political clowns, we echo Cicero’s cry, “O tempora! O mores!” Oh, what times! What morals! This expression is a quote from Cicero’s speech against Catiline (109–63 BC), a Roman politician, on November 8, 63 BC. Those accused feel no shame. Bravely, they “sing” and hold press conferences. O tempora! O mores! But we need not be pessimistic or apathetic. In the midst of adversity, there is still hope.

Ancient Greek mythology tells an interesting story about “Pandora’s Box.” It was said that a box contained all kinds of calamities in the form of small brown-winged creatures, decorated with mesmerizing ornaments, naturally making everyone want to open it. Pandora, the woman, was intensely curious about its contents. Despite being warned not to open it, she did. When the box was opened, calamity ensued – all sorts of diseases, bad habits, and evils were unleashed upon humanity. Regret always comes too late. Pandora was devastated. The joyous shouts turned into tragic cries. Complaints of pain and fear of death echoed everywhere.

However, compassion arose in the hearts of the gods (cf. Prometheus, the god who loved humans by giving them fire). The gods “sent” a benevolent being, Hope, to heal the wounds inflicted by the unleashed calamities. Hope then flew out the window and extended the same healing to other victims, reviving their spirits. Despite its small and seemingly insignificant presence, Hope has a tremendous influence on the survival of humanity.

The experiences of the Ingalls family invite us to reflect on how we handle new situations with optimism. The ten novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957), including “Little House in the Big Woods” and “Little House on the Prairie,” are filled with challenges, yet they are approached with a resilient and hopeful spirit.

As God says, “There is no use in recalling the past, no point in remembering the old things. See, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up, do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

As we enter the New Year 2025, we prepare to start a new chapter, much like Pandora’s box being opened, unleashing both challenges and opportunities. I am committed to setting good intentions and plans for the year ahead. I will strive to improve and be better than before. However, if mistakes and errors occur, I will remind myself, “Mistakes have existed since the time of Adam and Eve.” And I would add, “Nil novi sub sole,” nothing new under the sun.



Rabu, 14 Februari 2018

10 Ways to Get More of Everything Good in Life



Decades in the personal development industry and I’ve never once met someone who didn’t want more …
More love.
More health.
More money.
More freedom.
More.

If you’d like more of the good things in your life,friend …
Here are 10 easy ways to make that happen:

1. Gratitude: be grateful for what you have. Gratitude truly is the attitude that connects us to the source. Sound too easy? For one week, consciously give thanks for every good thing in your life. Look around; appreciate every meal, friendship, sunshine, health, and freedoms you have.

2. Perspective: try a new perspective. Sometimes the ceilings we’re up against are merely a problem with perception. When we choose a different perspective, opportunities suddenly present themselves.

3. Risk: get outside your comfort zone. Take a new route on your daily commute. Talk to someone new. Try a new food. Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand.  To get more out of life we must venture outside of our daily routines – when we do this, we often spark creativity.

4. Focus: set a clear goal. We’ve established that everyone wants more. What exactly is ‘more’ to you? If you allow yourself to dream without any limitations, what do you want? When you allow yourself to consider the possibility of 'more' and set a clear goal to achieve it, your mind will automatically come into harmony with solutions.

5. Action: don’t settle. In the pursuit of more, it’s important that we never become complacent or rest on 'just enough.'  Appreciate what you have, but know that you deserve more - think of the good you can do and the lives you can enrich with  - - more.

6. Service: help others. Every single chance you get to help someone else – take it. Big or small.  Actively look for ways to be of service … it can be as simple as a smile and eye contact.

7. Acceptance: be good to yourself.  We’re all guilty of being hard on ourselves. In the pursuit of more, appreciate yourself. Encourage yourself.

8. Awareness: do a little more.  Each day, do a little more. When you give life just 1-2% more, you will be amazed at what a difference it will make. Love a little more. Do one more thing at work before calling it quits for the day. Be a little nicer. Give life, just a little more.

9. Persistence: do a little better. Take a second glance over each daily task. Look for areas you can be of more excellence. Do better than average. Do better than you thought you could do. It’s so easy to let ourselves be lazy, doing just good enough – do better.

10. Enjoy: take time to truly enjoy and appreciate your life.

To your success,
Bob Proctor
Chairman & Co-Founder
Proctor Gallagher Institute

Minggu, 31 Desember 2017

RIP Romo Paulus Suradibrata, SJ




Telah dipanggil Tuhan pada hari Senin, 1 Januari 2018 Pk 06.45.
Pk 12.00 jenasah akan dibawa ke Gereja Santo Antonius Purbayan, misa Requiem di Gereja St. Antonius Purbayan pk 18.00, Misa pemakaman 2 Januari pkl 10.00 Gereja Girisonta dilanjutkan pemakaman di Ratu Damai Girisonta. 
Selamat jalan Rm. Sura, mohon doa bagi kami yang masih berziarah di dunia ini.

Nama Lengkap : Rama Paulus Suradibrata,SJ
Tanggal Lahir : 8 Oktober 1932
Putra keempat dari pasangan Bapak
Constansius Suradibrata dan Ibu Bernarda
Sukisni.

Riwayat singkat perjalanan Imamat Romo Paulus Suradibrata, SJ

1949 : Masuk Seminari Menengah di Jl.Code 2 Yogyakarta
7 September 1954 : Masuk Novisiat SJ
di Girisonta

1956 : Mengucapkan Kaul Serikat Jesus, lalu melanjutkan Juniorat dengan memperdalam Ilmu Humaniora selama 2 tahun.

1959 – 1962 : Melanjutkan Studi Filsafat di Puma,India dan merupakan angkatan pertama Frater Yesuit yang dikirim belajar di sana.

1962 : Selama 3 bulan memasuki Tahun Orientasi Kerasulan di Girisonta.

1962 – 1966 : Studi Teologi di Kolese Santo Ignatius (Kolsani) Yogyakarta

31 Juli 1965 : Menerima Tahbisan Imamat dari Justinus Kardinal Darmoyuwono

1966 – 1967 : Tugas perutusan di Paroki Sumber, Muntilan

1967 – 1968 : Menjalani masa Tersiat di Amerika Serikat

1968 – 1969 : Bertugas di Paroki Gedangan, Semarang

1969 – 1974 : Bertugas di Seminari Mertoyudan

1969 – 1972 : sebagai pamong guru

1972 – 1974 : sebagai Rektor Seminari Mertoyudan

1974 – 1981 : Menjadi Romo Provinsial Serikat Yesus

1981 – 1987 : Menjadi Rektor Kolese Santo Ignatius (Kolsani) Yogyakarta

1987 – 1993 : Dipanggil ke Roma untuk menjadi Asisten Pater Jenderal untuk kawasan Asia Timur dan Oceania

1993 – 2009 : Bertugas di Paroki Gedangan, Semarang

Oktober 2009 – Jan 2018: Menjalani masa purna Tugas di Paroki St. Antonius Purbayan Solo

Sumber : Buletin Pelegrina Purbayan edisi
Tahun ke-2 No.1 November 2010



- pernikahan adik... Om Hengky & Tante Prisan





Jumat, 15 Desember 2017

Yerusalem dan Abraham/Ibrahim

Memang seperti yang telah Difirmankan empat millenia yang lalu, bahwa Bapa Abraham/Nabi Ibrahim akan menjadi bapa bangsa-bangsa sungguh terjadi, buktinya saat keturunannya secara biologis berebut Yerusalem, semua bangsa-bangsa besar ikut terlibat.

Kej 17:1
Ketika Abram berumur sembilan puluh sembilan tahun, maka TUHAN menampakkan diri kepada Abram dan berfirman kepadanya: "Akulah Allah Yang Mahakuasa, hiduplah di hadapan-Ku dengan tidak bercela.
Kej 17:2
Aku akan mengadakan perjanjian antara Aku dan engkau, dan Aku akan membuat engkau sangat banyak."
Kej 17:3
Lalu sujudlah Abram, dan Allah berfirman kepadanya:
Kej 17:4
"Dari pihak-Ku, inilah perjanjian-Ku dengan engkau: Engkau akan menjadi bapa sejumlah besar bangsa.
Kej 17:5
Karena itu namamu bukan lagi Abram, melainkan Abraham, karena engkau telah Kutetapkan menjadi bapa sejumlah besar bangsa.
Kej 17:6
Aku akan membuat engkau beranak cucu sangat banyak; engkau akan Kubuat menjadi bangsa-bangsa, dan dari padamu akan berasal raja-raja.
Kej 17:7
Aku akan mengadakan perjanjian antara Aku dan engkau serta keturunanmu turun-temurun menjadi perjanjian yang kekal, supaya Aku menjadi Allahmu dan Allah keturunanmu.
Kej 17:8
Kepadamu dan kepada keturunanmu akan Kuberikan negeri ini yang kaudiami sebagai orang asing, yakni seluruh tanah Kanaan akan Kuberikan menjadi milikmu untuk selama-lamanya; dan Aku akan menjadi Allah mereka."
Kej 17:9
Lagi firman Allah kepada Abraham: "Dari pihakmu, engkau harus memegang perjanjian-Ku, engkau dan keturunanmu turun-temurun.
Kej 17:10
Inilah perjanjian-Ku, yang harus kamu pegang, perjanjian antara Aku dan kamu serta keturunanmu, yaitu setiap laki-laki di antara kamu harus disunat;
Kej 17:11
haruslah dikerat kulit khatanmu dan itulah akan menjadi tanda perjanjian antara Aku dan kamu.



Sebelum tinggal di Kanaan, yang sekarang adalah daerah Palestina dan Israel, Abraham tinggal di daerah Ur Kasdim, atau utara Mesopotamia yang sekarang Irak.


Bapa Abraham/Nabi Ibrahim memiliki tiga istri, Sara, Hagar dan Ketura. Dari tiga istri ia mendapatkan delapan anak, Ismael, Ishak, Zimran, Yoksan, Medan, Midian, Isybak dan Suah. Ismael memiliki dua belas anak, Nebayot, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsan, Misyma, Duma, Masa, Hadad, Tema, Yetur, Nafisy dan Kedma, yang adalah nenek moyang Bani Ismael dan kemudian menjadi bangsa-bangsa Arab. Ishak memiliki dua anak, Esau dan Yakub yang kemudian disebut Israel. Esau adalah nenek moyang Bani Edom, dan Yakub adalah nenek moyang Bani Israel. Keturunan Abraham/Ibrahim dari Ketura menjadi nenek moyang bangsa-bangsa Arab yang tinggal di Selatan dan Timur Palestina juga bangsa-bangsa di Afrika. 


Yerusalem merupakan kota suci bagi tiga agama monoteisme Abrahamik, yaitu Yahudi, Kristen dan Muslim. Selain menjadi nenek moyang bangsa-bangsa besar di daerah Timur Tengah, Bapa Abraham/Nabi Ibrahim menjadi bapak rohani bagi banyak orang. 


Jadi kalau penduduk dunia sekarang kira-kira 7 milyar, maka yang mempercayai Yerusalem sebagai kota suci ada 16,1 juta orang beragama Yahudi, 2,3 milyar orang beragama Kristen dan 1,4 milyar orang beragama Muslim.
Mengenai apakah Yerusalem menjadi ibukota Israel atau Palestina, saya mengusulkan agar dua-duanya diperbolehkan untuk menjadikannya ibukota, kalau tidak diperbolehkan, akan lebih baik agar dua-duanya juga tidak diperbolehkan. Melihat umat beragama di Israel dan Palestina pun beragam, tidak semua orang Israel beragama Yahudi dan tidak semua orang Palestina beragama Muslim, bahkan mungkin tidak semua keturunan dari Bani Ismael beragama Muslim. 



Rabu, 29 November 2017

Ancient Beehive Tombs


Ancient beehive tombs at the Al-Ayn archaeological site near Bat, Oman
Makam kuno berbentuk sarang lebah di situs arkeologi Al-Ayn dekat Bat, Oman

Jebel Misht, a towering limestone mountain in northern Oman makes an impressive backdrop for the beehive tombs of Al-Ayn. These necropolises are estimated to be roughly 5,000 years old. Their evocative name comes from the rings of stone that make the dome-like structures resemble a beehive. Although many of the Bronze Age tombs have been raided over the ages for building materials, their sheer isolation in such a far-flung part of the desert has protected them for millennia. UNESCO lent them even greater protection when it designated Al-Ayn (together with nearby Bat and Al-Khutm) as a World Heritage Site.
Jebel Misht, sebuah gunung batu kapur yang menjulang tinggi di utara Oman membuat latar belakang yang mengesankan untuk makam Al-Ayn yang berbentuk seperti sarang lebah. Pekuburan ini diperkirakan berumur 5.000 tahun. Nama yang menarik yang berasal dari bentuk struktur cincin batu seperti kubah menyerupai sarang lebah. Meskipun banyak makam Zaman Perunggu telah dijarah selama berabad-abad untuk bahan bangunan, karena lokasinya di gurun yang jauh, pekuburan itu terrlindungi selama ribuan tahun. UNESCO memberi mereka perlindungan yang lebih lagi saat situs Al-Ayn (bersama dengan Bat dan Al-Khutm di dekatnya) ditunjuk sebagai Situs Warisan Dunia.


The Pursuit of Virtue
“सर्वभूतेषु चात्मानं सर्वभूतानि चात्मनि। ईक्षते योगयुक्तात्मा सर्वत्र समदर्शनः॥ Do unto others as you would have them do unto you لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه ما يحب لنفسه 鄰國之利即我之利,鄰國之害即我之害 מאי דעלך סני לחברך לא תעביד” 


In our fast-paced, modern world, the pursuit of virtue can sometimes seem like a distant ideal. However, the principles of righteousness, nobility, justice, purity, sweetness, and pleasantness have been revered across cultures and eras. These virtues are not just lofty ideals but practical guides to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. This book aims to explore these virtues in depth, offering insights and practical advice on how to incorporate them into our daily lives.
The teachings of ancient philosophers and sages provide a rich source of guidance for those seeking to live a virtuous life. Despite the passage of centuries, the wisdom of these ancient thinkers remains remarkably relevant. Their insights into human nature, ethics, and the pursuit of a good life continue to resonate with us today.

Timeless Principles Ancient wisdom is rooted in timeless principles that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. Philosophers like Socrates, Confucius, and the Buddha taught that virtues such as righteousness, justice, and purity are essential for a harmonious and flourishing life. These principles are not confined to any particular era; they speak to the universal human experience and provide a foundation for ethical living.

Universal Human Experience The struggles, aspirations, and moral dilemmas faced by ancient peoples are strikingly similar to those we encounter today. By studying their teachings, we gain a deeper understanding of our own lives and the human condition. The lessons learned from ancient wisdom help us navigate contemporary challenges with greater clarity and perspective.

Practical Application Ancient wisdom is not merely theoretical; it offers practical advice for everyday living. For example, the Stoic philosopher Epictetus emphasized the importance of focusing on what is within our control and accepting what is not. This principle is as relevant in managing stress and anxiety today as it was in ancient times. Similarly, Confucius' teachings on the importance of kindness, respect, and social harmony are timeless guides for personal and community relationships.

Enduring Legacy The enduring legacy of ancient wisdom is evident in the continued reverence for these teachings across generations. Writings like Ptahhotep Maxim, the Tao Te Ching, Al-Qur'an and the Bhagavad Gita have been studied and cherished for millennia. Their teachings on virtue and ethical conduct have shaped cultures, inspired movements, and influenced countless individuals. By drawing on this rich heritage, we can find inspiration and guidance for our own lives.

As we embark on this journey through the virtues, let us embrace the wisdom of the ancients and apply their teachings to our contemporary lives. By reflecting on what is righteous, noble, just, pure, sweet, and pleasant, we can cultivate a life of virtue and make a positive impact on the world around us.

Many ancient teachings across different traditions emphasize similar principles, reflecting a shared understanding of what constitutes a virtuous life. Here is a compilation of some principles found in the Ptahhotep Maxim an ancient Egyptian vizier who lived around 2100 BC during the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt, Judaism the Book of Moses around 1000 BC, Tao Te Ching around 400 BC, Bhagavad Gita around 200 BC, Book of Bible 100 AD, Al-Qur'an around 600 AD and quite young culture the Javanese Wisdom around 1500 AD.

Enduring Legacy: Some Common Principles in Ancient Teachings

1. The Golden Rule

•    Bible: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." (Matthew 7:12)

•    Tao Te Ching: "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." (Chapter 49)

•    Bhagavad Gita: "He who sees the self in all beings and all beings in the self, remains focused and attains the supreme objective." (Bhagavad Gita 6:29)

•    Judaism: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow." (Talmud, Shabbat 31a)

•    Islam: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad)

•    Javanese: "Urip iku urup" (Life is to light up). This principle emphasizes living in a way that benefits others, bringing light and positivity to those around you.


2. Compassion and Kindness

•    Bible: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

•    Tao Te Ching: "The sage has no fixed heart. The hearts of the people are his heart." (Chapter 49)

•    Bhagavad Gita: "He who has no ill will to any being, who is friendly and compassionate, who has no thoughts of ‘I’ and ‘mine’... he is dear to me." (Bhagavad Gita 12:13-14)

•    Judaism: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Leviticus 19:18)

•    Islam: "The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you." (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad)

•    Javanese: "Luhuring budi" (Noble character). This concept encourages individuals to cultivate a noble character through acts of kindness and compassion towards others.


3. Justice and Fairness

•    Bible: "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed." (Isaiah 1:17)

•    Tao Te Ching: "The Tao does not judge, yet it always wins. It does not speak, yet it always responds. It does not summon, yet people come to it naturally." (Chapter 73)

•    Bhagavad Gita: "Treat all beings with equanimity, whether in pleasure or pain, gain or loss, victory or defeat." (Bhagavad Gita 2:38)

•    Judaism: "Justice, justice, shall you pursue." (Deuteronomy 16:20)

•    Islam: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness." (Quran 5:8)

•    Javanese: "Adil marang liyan" (Being fair towards others). Javanese wisdom places great importance on fairness and justice in all interactions.


4. Humility

•    Bible: "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10)

•    Tao Te Ching: "He who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty." (Chapter 33)

•    Bhagavad Gita: "Be free from pride, pretension, and hypocrisy, and also be free from over-attachment." (Bhagavad Gita 13:7-8)

•    Judaism: "The reward of humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4)

•    Islam: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly." (Quran 25:63)

•    Javanese: "Andhap asor" (Humility). This value emphasizes the importance of humility, modesty, and not boasting about oneself.


5. Gratitude

•    Bible: "Give thanks in all circumstances." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

•    Tao Te Ching: "A wise man is content with what he has, without the need for more. He is simple and free from desires." (Chapter 33)

•    Bhagavad Gita: "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give, whatever austerities you perform, do that as an offering to me." (Bhagavad Gita 9:27)

•    Judaism: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1)

•    Islam: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, my punishment is severe." (Quran 14:7)

   Javanese: "Nrimo ing pandum" (Accepting one's fate). This principle encourages gratitude and contentment with what one has, accepting life’s circumstances with grace.

   
In Ptahhotep's wisdom provides timeless guidance on how to lead a virtuous and fulfilling life. His teachings emphasize humility, justice, self-control, kindness, and gratitude, values that resonate across different cultures and time periods. While on Ptahhotep Maxim scholars and hieroglyphic scientists provide the transliterations and translations of the maxims. Here's how we can get started.


Overview some of the specific hieroglyphs and how they were used in ancient Egyptian writing:

1. Reed Leaf, Symbol: 𓇋

Phonetic Value: "i" or "y" This hieroglyph is often used as a phonetic symbol for the sounds "i" or "y". It can appear at the beginning or within words and is common in various contexts.

2. Foot, Symbol: 𓂝

Phonetic Value: "b" This hieroglyph represents the phonetic sound "b". It can also symbolize movement or action, as the foot is associated with walking and movement.

3. Star, Symbol: 𓇼

Phonetic Value: "s" This hieroglyph often represents the sound "s". Stars were important symbols in ancient Egyptian culture, often associated with the gods and the afterlife.

4. Quail Chick, Symbol: 𓅂

Phonetic Value: "w" This hieroglyph represents the sound "w". The quail chick is commonly used in various words and can appear in different positions within a word.

5. Two Reed Leaves, Symbol: 𓏭

Phonetic Value: "y" or "ii" This hieroglyph is often used to represent the sound "y" or a long "ii". It can be used at the end of words or in the middle to indicate a prolonged sound.

6. Loaf of Bread, Symbol: 𓏏

Phonetic Value: "t" This hieroglyph represents the sound "t". It is one of the most common hieroglyphs and appears in various words. Bread was a staple in ancient Egypt, and the loaf symbol is frequently used.

In ancient Egyptian writing, hieroglyphs could function as:

•Phonetic symbols: Representing sounds or syllables.

•Logograms: Representing whole words or concepts.

•Determinatives: Providing context to the meaning of words. 

For example, the word "ms" (to give birth) can be written with a combination of the symbols for "m" and "s", followed by a determinative symbol of a seated woman indicating the action of giving birth.

"sbAiit”: written teachings

No one is born wise


Ptahhotep was an ancient Egyptian vizier who lived around 2400 BC during the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt. He served under King Djedkare Isesi and held several important positions, including overseer of the treasury, overseer of scribes of the king's documents, and overseer of all royal works. The Maxims of Ptahhotep, a collection of wisdom literature intended to instruct young men in appropriate behavior and social harmony. This text is considered one of the earliest pieces of Egyptian wisdom literature and offers advice on various topics, from table 
manners to maintaining self-control. His tomb is located in a mastaba at Saqqara, and it is famous for its outstanding depictions and reliefs. Ptahhotep's son, Akhethetep, and his grandson, Ptahhotep Tjefi, were also notable figures who continued his legacy.

Here are some of Ptahhotep's teachings from The Maxims of Ptahhotep:

1. On Humility and Wisdom (Maxim 1):

o Transliteration: m ḥr n(y) dḥs

o Translation: "Do not be proud because you are learned. Converse with the ignorant as freely as with the sage. The limits of art cannot be delivered; there is no artist whose talent is fulfilled."

o Interpretation: This maxim emphasizes the importance of humility and continuous learning. No matter how knowledgeable one is, there is always more to learn, and wisdom can come from anyone.

2. On Justice and Fairness (Maxim 5):

o Transliteration: ḥm r (ṯ)mtyw n(y) s(t)s pn n(y) (d)d ḥy ḥr

o Translation: "If you are a leader, be gracious when you listen to the plea of a petitioner. Let no one say to you, 'Judge! I am oppressed!' Be just o   and fair so that all may respect you."

o Interpretation: Ptahhotep advises leaders to be just and impartial, listening to the concerns of those they govern with compassion and fairness.

3. On Self-Control and Moderation (Maxim 14):

o Transliteration: nfrw n(y) ḥr w(y) nbw s(y) nq wḏ

o Translation: "If you are mighty and powerful, then gain respect through knowledge and kindness. Speak softly so that everyone can benefit from your wisdom."

o Interpretation: This maxim encourages those in positions of power to use their strength wisely and to practice self-control, gaining respect through their kindness and wisdom.


4. On Kindness and Generosity (Maxim 21):

o Transliteration: r nw(y) wṭt(y) (ṯ)ʿ ḫt r nb n(y) ḥr-ḫs(y) n ḥ(y)ṯ(y)

o Translation: "If you are among the people, gain friends through being gentle. Your heart is far more effective than a weapon."

o Interpretation: Ptahhotep emphasizes the importance of kindness and generosity in building relationships, o   suggesting that a gentle and kind heart is more powerful than any force or weapon.

5. On Gratitude and Contentment (Maxim 28):

o Transliteration: nfr n(y) ḥr ḥ(y) w(y) nbw s(y) nq wḏ

o Translation: "Do not let your heart be puffed up because of your knowledge; do not let your power be a cause of offense against others. Be thankful for what you have and show gratitude to those who have helped you."

o Interpretation: This maxim highlights the importance of gratitude and contentment, reminding individuals to remain humble and thankful for what they have.

These common principles show that despite cultural and religious differences, there is a shared understanding of how to live a virtuous life. Each tradition teaches us to be kind, just, humble, and grateful, promoting harmony and goodwill among people and gives us unique shape of the letters in beautiful scripts. 

o Tao Te Ching: "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." 把鄰居的所得視為自己的所得,把鄰居的損失視為自己的損失

o Bhagavad Gita: "He who sees the self in all beings and all beings in the self, remains focused and attains the supreme objective." यः सर्वभूतेषु सर्वभूतेषु आत्मानं पश्यति, सः एकाग्रः स्थित्वा परमं लक्ष्यं प्राप्नोति

o Judaism: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow."              מה ששנוא עליך, אל תעשה לחברך 

o Islam: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."               لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى يحب لأخيه ما يحب لنفسه •

o Javanese: "Life is to light up." (Urip iku urup) ꦲꦸꦫꦶꦥ꧀ꦲꦶꦏꦸꦲꦸꦫꦸꦥ꧀

o Tao Te Ching: "The sage has no fixed heart. The hearts of the people are his heart." 聖人無常心,以百姓心為心。

o Bhagavad Gita: "He who has no ill will to any being, who is friendly and compassionate, who has no thoughts of ‘I’ and ‘mine’... he is dear to me." अद्वेष्टा सर्वभूतानां मैत्रः करुण एव च। निर्ममो निरहङ्कारः समदुःखसुखः क्षमी॥ 

o Judaism: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."            תאהב את רעך כמוך

o Islam: "The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you."  الرحماء يرحمهم الرحمن ارحموا من في الأرض يرحمكم من في السماء

o Javanese: "Noble character." (Luhuring budi) ꦭꦸꦲꦸꦫꦶꦁ ꦧꦸꦢꦶ

o Tao Te Ching: "The Tao does not judge, yet it always wins. It does not speak, yet it always responds. It does not summon, yet people come to it naturally." 道不論是非,卻無往不利;不言而應,不召而至. 

o Bhagavad Gita: "Treat all beings with equanimity, whether in pleasure or pain, gain or loss, victory or defeat." सुखदुःखे समे कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ। ततो युद्धाय युज्यस्व नैवं पापमवाप्स्यसि॥ 

o Judaism: "Justice, justice, shall you pursue." צדק, צדק, תרדוף 

o Islam: "O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness." يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ وَلَا يَجْرِمَنَّكُمْ شَنَآنُ قَوْمٍ عَلَى أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا ۚ اعْدِلُوا هُوَ أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ

o Javanese: "Being fair towards others." (Adil marang liyan) ꦲꦢꦶꦭ꧀ꦩꦫꦁꦭꦶꦪ

o Tao Te Ching: "He who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty."知人者智,自知者明。勝人者有力,自勝者強。

o Bhagavad Gita: "Be free from pride, pretension, and hypocrisy, and also be free from over-attachment." अमानित्वं अदम्भित्वं अहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम्। आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रहः॥ 

o Judaism: "The reward of humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." שכר הענווה ויראת ה' הוא עושר וכבוד וחיים

o Islam: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly." وَعِبَادُ الرَّحْمَٰنِ الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا 

o Javanese: "Humility.” (Andhap asor) ꦲꦤ꧀ꦝꦥ꧀ꦲꦱꦺꦴꦂ

o Tao Te Ching: "A wise man is content with what he has, without the need for more. He is simple and free from desires." 明智的人對自己擁有的一切感到滿足,不需要更多。他性格單純,沒有慾望。

o Bhagavad Gita: "Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer or give, whatever austerities you perform, do that as an offering to me." यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्। यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम्॥ 

o Judaism: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." הודו לה' כי טוב הוא; אהבתו נמשכת לנצח 

o Islam: "If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe." وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ

o Javanese: "Accepting one's fate." (Nrimo ing pandum) ꦤꦿꦶꦩꦺꦴꦲꦶꦁꦥꦤ꧀ꦢꦸꦩ꧀




Source: https://www.bing.com/search?q=Bat%2C+Al-Khutm%2C+and+Al-Ayn%2C+Oman&p1=[MustShow%20Service="BingQA"%20Scenario="Encyclopedia"%20Position="TOP"%20Slot="0"]&filters=IsConversation%3a%22True%22+BTEPKey:%22Encyclo_693%22+sid:%2247e2687a-a702-9b6f-a597-c50514d07923%22&FORM=EMSARS

Minggu, 26 November 2017

Beruang Kutub


A polar bear dives underwater
Beruang kutub menyelam di bawah air

This magnificent creature’s Latin name is spot-on: Ursus maritimus. ‘Ursus’ meaning bear, and ‘maritimus’ describing the bear’s habitat—maritime lands bordering the sea. And in this animal’s case, it’s a very cold neighborhood, indeed—the polar bear lives in the Arctic. A surprisingly agile swimmer for its bulk (males weigh more than 900 pounds on average), the polar bear’s massive paws provide strong propulsion through the frigid ocean. A polar bear will even dive for sea urchins and blue mussels when the tasty morsels are available.
Nama Latin yang diberikan untuk makhluk yang menakjubkan ini sangat tepat: Ursus maritimus. 'Ursus' berarti beruang, dan 'maritimus' menggambarkan habitat beruang - lahan maritim yang berbatasan dengan laut. Dan dalam kasus binatang ini, habitatnya adalah lingkungan yang sangat dingin, memang - beruang kutub tinggal di Arktik. Perenang yang ketangkasannya mengejutkan bagi sebuah makhluk yang berukuran besar (jantan rata-rata beratnya lebih dari 900pon/400kg), cakar beruang kutub yang besar memberikan dorongan yang kuat untuk menembus laut yang dingin. Beruang kutub bahkan akan menyelam demi landak laut dan kupang saat potongan makanan lezat itu tersedia.

Recent research shows that the huge white bear is an endurance swimmer as well. Long-distance swims upwards of 200 miles have been charted. Researchers theorize this may be due to the increasing distances between ice floes and land masses as the earth’s polar ice recedes.
Penelitian terbaru menunjukkan bahwa beruang putih besar ini adalah perenang yang memiliki ketahanan pula. Telah terpetakan jarak tempuhnya sejauh di atas 200mil/320km. Periset berteori ini mungkin disebabkan oleh meningkatnya jarak antara lapisan es dan massa tanah saat es kutub di bumi berkurang.

Sumber :
https://www.bing.com/search?q=polar+bear&p1=[MustShow%20Service="BingQA"%20Scenario="Encyclopedia"%20Position="TOP"%20Slot="0"]&filters=IsConversation%3a%22True%22+BTEPKey:%22Encyclo_593%22&FORM=EMSARS


Kamis, 23 November 2017

Advent

We have just released a short video inviting you to join us for Advent this year. Advent is a time to expectantly prepare for the coming of Christ into the world and to reflect on Emmanuel, God with us. 



However, we still lead very busy lives during this time. In fact, life often becomes more stressful. That's why we're hoping that our daily prayers and Advent Retreat can be a great way for you to stop and experience the joy of Christ's coming into our world. 




This video is also a great way to share us with friends around the world who might enjoy our resources. Whilst you're there, feel free to subscribe to our new Youtube channel too!



Mikołaj Cempla (Filmmaker)
We were blessed to have had up and coming filmmaker Mikołaj Cempla working with us on this project. Mikołaj creates stunning videos for non-profits, business, artists and more. See some more of his work and find out about him. 




Salt of the Sound
As long-time artists with Pray As You Go, Salt of the Sound are a familiar sound to our PAYG listeners. They are the beautiful music behind this video and have a wonderful album for Christmas called 'Waiting for the Dawn'. 



Luke 19:45-48

Jesus at the Temple

45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.”
47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.


Today is Friday the 24 November, the memorial of St Andrew Dung-Lac and companions, in the thirty-third week of ordinary time.

The community of Taizé sing: Tu/ amorist signer. Let me make these words my prayer, as I listen: 'Holy Spirit, come to us. Kindle in us the fire of your love.'



Today's reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Elsewhere in the Gospels, we see Jesus treat "sinners" with great compassion. But, here,there's no hiding the fact that Jesus vents his righteous anger - turning over tables and chasing people out of the Temple. 





In this very short passage we see a side to Jesus that is remarkably human: things really getting to him.

What is it, do you think, that makes Jesus so angry?


Sumber : https://www.pray-as-you-go.org/home/