These are some of the stones that I carved while living in a spiritual community where all major religions of the world was represented. I carved hundreds of stones and gifted them to seekers who came from all over the world. I wish to share a life changing experience I had in 1984. I had been a devout christian for six years, but wanted nothing to do with organized religion. For me, my cathedral was in the woods and often, I would go there to pray. I remember the night well. There was a full moon over head and I was troubled. I was talking to God, I said, Lord...Who has you ? Tell me so I can go and know you better! In an instant, I was no longer standing in the woods, but was in space, yet...It wasn't space. There was this LIGHT that was like the sun, but nothing like the sun. It was so beautiful and pure Love. Out of this LIGHT, came a cable of light made up of fine threads of light, twisted around like a rope. Then I was transported to above the earth. The cable unraveled. This religion received 20 strands of LIGHT, that one 40 strands, another recieved 10 and on and on it went. Then a voice spoke to me, "IF YOU WANT TO KNOW ME, YOU MUST GATHER AS MANY STRANDS AS YOU CAN." I began to study and embrace all religions, but not limited by them. That cable of light only represented a tiney fraction of the LIGHT. That LIGHT can only be known when we can empty ourselves out and surrender to it through the heart. I do not judge when I see religions preaching their superiority, hate and racism. When we come to understand and embrace this, we will tear down the walls that separate us and there will no longer be a need for organized religion. We are all one people created by the One Divine Intelligence. It is within the hearts of each of us and doesn't need to be named, defined or put in a box or category. All we have to do, is listen to "That still voice inside."

. . . even if obstacles, hardships and pain are waiting all along the life way? one must work and dare if one really wants to live. pain and hardships are inevitable. no one can ever escape them. every single one of us, at some point in our life, will experience pain, suffering and hardships of some form or another. so be strong and realize that, it is your hardships that make you better to live life :) footnote : I took this photo during my visit to Pak Cik Zan's place - the running man in the photo. he is selling kites to support his family. life has been a bit harsh to him. but he still have the courage and he knows that the Lord is always there with him :) I like kites. and I like Pak Cik Zan's for his strength to run his very own life despite all of those hardships. may Allah always be with you Pak Cik Zan :) p/s : Happy Thursday love! :) kindly press L for lightbox's view.