Corona, food, conserve and clean

Mike Ghouse March 28, 2020 Comments Off

WATCH YOURSELVES | CONSERVE | CLEAN YOUR SLATE

Getting locked up in your home makes you eat, avoid it, and check your scale daily. If you have the supplies, eat celery, carrots, berries, peppers, veggies, and fruits. Eat the minimum you can eat.

Conserve your provisions, don’t know how long you’ve to stretch with existing supplies or when you have to share with others the right thing to do.

Jews, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Bahais, and all others have been observing fasting during their holy days. I urge my Muslim friends to consider this as Ramadan, where you don’t touch food and water for the entire day and share what you have with those who don’t have.

Spend time with your family and friends knowing each other, listening to each other, respecting their feelings and thoughts. Let the differences not cause tensions; please learn to appreciate the otherness of the other and accept their uniqueness.

Forgive each other’s shortcomings and clean your slates from tensions and apprehensions.

May God free us all from ill will, anger, hate, and prejudices. May we free ourselves from Anti-Semitism, islamophobia, Hinduphobia, homophobia, xenophobia, misogyny, and other phobias. Please watch the following video and do the needful = that is forgiving, seek forgiveness, and clean your slate, should your time comes abruptly. I humbly ask you to forgive me if I have ever hurt you intentionally or unintentionally. Thank you.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qldPryh0Xvo

GOD BLESS FREEDOM!

Dr. Ghouse is a community consultant, thinker, author, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is a speaker on religious freedom, Pluralism in religion, politics, society and the workplace, and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. More at www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Defying Corona Precautions

Mike Ghouse March 25, 2020 Comments Off

A strong unquestionable faith drives a small segment of people within every religious group. Facts don’t matter to them, and now, they are challenging the ban on gatherings to minimize the spread of Corona.

Is there a religious group out there that is devoid of defiant people?

A few examples are listed here below; please note that a majority of all religious people have chosen to stay home and not gather in large numbers or gather to pray in their places of worship.

A small group of Orthodox Jews has challenged the government of Israel for their ban on gathering at the western wall.

Muslim rightists are ignoring the safety precautions and have chosen to pray in congregations. In contrast, almost all mosques in the world have been shut down, including the holiest of the Mosques in Mecca, Medina, Najaf, Karbala, and other ‘sacred’ places of worship. The Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya, and Sufi Muslim leaders have offered the right guidance to their congregations.

Pictures below: Defiant Christians, Hindus, Jews, and Muslims

The fundamentalists among Hindus have organized Cow Urine drinking gatherings with the belief that it is a cure for all ailments, including Corona, while a majority has chosen otherwise.

A few Christian conservatives Pastors and Governors in the United States have defied the ban on gatherings and holding prayers in the churches and urging people to go to the beaches.

The Sikh community has taken their belief to their heart, risking their lives and serving humankind by feeding the hungry, disinfecting passing cars, bicycles, and other modes of transportation. The Sikhs have become a model community to emulate.

What is common to all of them is blind faith in God, but that is their belief, just as we all have our own convictions.

Their behavior is purely human; during difficult times, when we don’t understand the complexities of nature, some among us choose to have faith in God, and that is their choice, as it comforts them.

Religion by itself is common sense – created to build cohesive societies where every human feels secure about his/her faith, ethnicity, culture, race, and other uniqueness. The idea of religion was to bring peace and harmony to society in general. A majority of people get that right, and a few don’t. We need to find a way for the few to see their religion. I am sure there is a book on all religions that highlights the common sense approach of the respective faiths. In the case of Islam, there is a book out on Amazon called the American Muslim Agenda.

Humans are the only species who have the capability of surviving the calamities, fires, floods, Tsunamis, Katrina’s, meteorites, drought, famine, and other deadly diseases. The causer (God) of all creation has uploaded intelligence into humans to survive. Indeed, humans are also known as the honored species for their brains.

If we can learn to respect the otherness of the others and accept the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, then conflicts fade and solutions emerge.

No group is free from blind faith. If blind faith brings solace to some, let them have it, don’t denigrate it.

However, stay away from them and don’t catch what they have. Take your precautions, wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose, and be careful what you touch. Most certainly keep a distance from other humans for the time being.

We have seen many epidemics in history, the great plague, Spanish flu, chicken flu, swine flu, HIV, Ebola and a whole lot. And now, Corona and this shall pass too.

Dr. Zia Shah of the Muslim Times writes about the immune system, “Looking for the answer to this question brings us to our immune system, which is a fantastic, wonderfully organized, a military machine that each of us possesses against thousands if not millions of bacteria and viruses. This system has helped us, and our ape ancestors survive for millions of years.”

Indeed, most of us will survive and live on, and some of us will not. How do we cope with it? How do we free ourselves, if we live on, or leave the world? Here is an inspiring video that offers solutions.

Video about life before and after Corona

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a Public Speaker, thinker, author, business consultant, organizer, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is deeply committed to Religious Freedom, Human Rights, and Pluralism in Religion, Politics, and Societies. His new book American Muslim Agenda is available on Amazon, and two more books on Human Rights and Pluralism will be released this year. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. www.TheGhousediary.com

The Book – American Muslim Agenda

Mike Ghouse March 22, 2020 Comments Off

This book – the American Muslim Agenda is a blueprint and a road map for American Muslims. It has a brand new chapter called Islamic values – never written before, a first in Islamic literature. 12 Islamic values that contribute to building a cohesive world, where all of God’s creation can live in harmony.

You will also learn about the essence of Islam – every one of the 17 chapters is fully backed up by the verses from the Quran.

The plan is to elect a Muslim woman president in 2036, how do we do that? What are the things we have to do in the next 16 years to achieve that?

Visit the site www.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com to learn more about it.

You can get the e-book right away for $6 on Kindle/Amazon and the soft copy is $20 – Google my name and American Muslim Agenda, you’ll get the information.

Corona will be healed by Cow Urine

Mike Ghouse March 16, 2020 Comments Off

In India, some Hindus believe that drinking cow urine and applying cow dung to the body will heal all ailments, including Corona.

A few people from other faiths think it is funny. As a pluralist, it is my sincere suggestion to look into their own faith for some of their beliefs and stop denigrating other’s religions. Every tradition has such beliefs, including yours. If you cannot find it, write to us, we will be happy to do the research and share such views in your faith.

Most everything in life is about a belief; we need to be respectful of others’ beliefs and resist the temptations to ridicule it. There is nothing wrong with one’s belief: As long as they practice their belief without imposing on others, what is your problem?

I believe almost everyone is fully aware of the precautions to take with Corona. Washing hands, cleaning your cell phone surface, and a whole lot more.

During 1916 and1918, millions died around the world with the influenza epidemic. A majority of my family members were laid to rest during that period. In my family, the individuals left were my grandma, my father (2 years old then), my aunt, great uncle and aunt, and their son and daughter. Now, Corona is swallowing lives; however, in 1918, we did not have medicine for many diseases. Thanks to the progress we have made, we are finding cures as soon as a new virus emerges. Our scientists will find a cure for it. Meanwhile, we will lose many loved ones among all of us.

May God help us. Who knows who goes when? My suggestion is for everyone to seek forgiveness and forgive others and be ready to go in peace with a clean slate and sans-anxieties. May we all have empathy for others.
# # #

Dr. Mike Ghouse is a Public Speaker, thinker, author, organizer, business consultant, newsmaker, and an interfaith wedding officiant. He is deeply committed to Pluralism in Religion, Politics, and Societies along with Human rights, and Religious freedom. His new book American Muslim Agenda is available on Amazon, and two more books on Human Rights and Pluralism will be released this year. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. His information is available at www.TheGhouseDiary.com

Modi will bring disaster to India, a big loss to America

Mike Ghouse March 16, 2020 Comments Off

Modi will bring disaster to India, a significant loss to America

Mr. Modi’s experimentations with the economy and the social structure have ruined India – with lower GDP, closure of businesses, the highest unemployment in 45 years, social unrest, and demonstrations are leading to political, social, and economic instability.

A week before Delhi Massacre in February’20, members of BJP were hoisting saffron flags on their homes; those who did not fly the flag were identified as Muslim homes to be targeted. Within a week, several Muslim homes were burned down, women raped, and 40 plus people were murdered. The supremacists have also pulled down men’s pants – if they were circumcised, they were Muslims, and then they are lynched. Our Jewish friends can relate with it when Hitler separated Jews from fellow Germans by placing the Star of David patch on their arms to send them to Gas chambers. Mr. Modi has not spoken out against it or visited the site, shall we take it, that is what he wants? He has proved that time and again. Why so much hate?

The Christians and Muslims are given an ultimatum to convert to Hinduism, live as 2nd class citizens, or disappear. The deadline is 12/31/2021, and a Genocide is in the making.

The majority of Indians of all faith traditions are not with Modi, his support is based on 37% of all Indians, as Trump has 43% of support from all Americans. Neither of them represents all the population. Mr. Modi does not heed the opinion of a majority of Indians.

India will become a useless nation for the United States as a bulwark against Chinese influence, and even as an investment destination. Socially it will grow beyond repair – it is the same hatred the Supremacists have towards fellow Americans on a smaller number. Eventually, it will hurt all Indians with no exception.

There are many Indian Americans who foolishly label everyone who criticizes Modi’s policies as Anti-Indian. Criticism of Indian Government (and not Hinduism, Hindus or India) is necessary. Delhi Massacre took place, and Mr. Modi did not say a word or visit the site. Is that the way to run the government? It should be our patriotic duty to criticize the government and its heads. If we place them on the pedestal, they will never know what is right or wrong, and it is not an opinion, it is a fact. We have to speak up.

No Indian is anti-Indian, it is useless rhetoric from the men who want to feel privileged. As a Mother is dear to her offspring, so is the land that was a catalyst in forming each one of us.

India is a nation of a great heritage, and no Indian is anti-Indian, and all they want is people to respect the otherness of the others.

God bless the Indians.

Holocaust and Genocides event

Mike Ghouse March 16, 2020 Comments Off

The 15^th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides was held on January 26, 2020 – here is the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFLsSfYbPJc&feature=emb_logo

More about it at www.HolocaustandGenocides.blogspot.com

Jews | Biden | Holocaust | Corona | Cow Urine

Mike Ghouse March 15, 2020 Comments Off

Jews & Poem| Joe Biden | Holocaust Video | Corona and Cow Urine | 7 items

The following items for reading – Our Website www.CenterforPluralism.com is having issues, so it is posted at – https://theghousediary.com/jews-biden-holocaust-corona-cow-urine/

Postponed – workshop on the Quran’s troublesome verses
Poem and about Jews who will be turned Apes
Joe Biden for President
Video on 15^th Annual Holocaust and Genocides
Unchecked, India will be a major loss to America
Read the book “American Muslim Agenda” $5.99 on Kindle, $19.99 on Amazon
Corona 104 years ago, influenza killed millions including my family

Our mission at the Center for pluralism is to build cohesive societies where every American feels secure about his/her faith, race, ethnicity and culture. We have programs and workshops to achieve that goal. Please visit our homepage at website www.CenterforPluralism.com to see the range of work we produce. He is a list of accomplishments – http://centerforpluralism.com/mission-accomplished-at-the-center-for-pluralism/

POSTPONED – QURAN WORKSHOP ON 3/29

Who should attend? This seminar is for those who believe the Quran teaches violence and those Muslims who are skeptical about the Quran.

This workshop may release fellow Americans from the anxieties that come with misinformation and misrepresentation of the Quranic verses, and Muslims will benefit knowing that Quran is a book of guidance to create cohesive societies, particularly those Muslims who need a healthy dose of confidence in the book. It is also for Muslim women who are disgusted but rarely express it at the misogynistic mistranslated verses, I have heard them all. They will learn that the 4:34 sentence has been shamefully misinterpreted for ages. The Quran is a book of guidance to create cohesive societies where no one has to live in fear of the other.

RSVP and Details at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qurans-troublesome-verses-tickets-97458915239

JEWS WHO WILL BE TURNED APES

One of the three verses we will attend to in the Quran workshops is about Jews. “Jews will be turned into apes.” is in two of the 50 translations- rather mistranslations. The Arabic version does not have the Word Jews in it. What the verse says is, “Those who do not observe sabbath will act like apes.” It could be Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Christians, or anyone who does not rest once a week. Quran does not say; Jews will become apes.

Think about the people who work seven days a week; they could quickly become irritant if they don’t have a break. Here the ape is used to mean annoyance. Any human will act like an ape if he/she doesn’t take rest. I am not sure they myth about the apes is true this day. You may like this piece at Dallas Morning News. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2010/09/19/in-defense-of-islam-pursuing-a-civil-dialogue/

PANDEMIC POEM

By Rev. Dr. Lynn Ungar, poet and minister for lifespan learning and editor of Quest for the Unitarian Universalist Church of the Larger Fellowship. Thanks, Andra for sharing this, it is so apt for today.

What if you thought of it as the Jews consider the Sabbath— the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those to whom you commit your life.
And when your body has become still, reach out with your heart.
Know that we are all connected in ways that are …terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has become clear.)

Do not reach out your hands. Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils of compassion that move, invisibly, where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love–for better or for worse, in sickness and in health….
so long as we all shall live.

JOE BIDEN FOR PRESIDENT

My friends include both Republicans and Democrats, and individuals from Atheists to Zoroastrians and everyone in between, plus LGBTQ community and Native Americans. Politically, I am an independent and support the candidate and not the party. I have voted Bush (2x), Obama (2x), and while I was in Texas, it was the same pattern from Ann Richards to Bush to Perry. No one is perfect but you go with the least destructive individual.

Joe is the front runner now, and since Trump has made a big fuss about him, a lot more people will vote for Joe. I wish Bernie and Joe reached out to the Trump voters – both have ignored this group of voters and are hung up with speaking about minorities, it will not work. That was the significant fault of Hillary as well, which I have articulated in an article two days before the last election. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/hillarys-last-ditch-effort-the-final-speech_b_581f90f8e4b0102262411963

Biden has a considerable lead, which is gradually increasing, cutting the chances for Bernie and increasing the opportunities to defeat Trump. Biden will be the most likely nominee. I would have liked to see Bernie, but he has fewer chances of winning the nomination.

With due apologies to my Republican friends, I suggest you consider volunteering and funding the Biden campaign, and you will become a part of the winning team in restoring America’s greatness again where every American will be treated with dignity.

Our friend, Dr. Frank Islam, is a member of the Biden campaign finance committee. He was also the keynote speaker at the Biden fundraising dinner in Montgomery county today, that got canceled due to the Corona Virus. He is one of the few individuals who is authorized to ask for donations from the public for Biden by the party giving him a personal code and link.

I request you to please click on the following link and donate to the Joe Biden for President campaign, using your credit card. Here is Frank’s personal raiser link – https://secure.joebiden.com/onlineactions/bMKJM6WLGkGfOAiPnvVBEw2

VIDEO RELEASE ON HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDES

The 15^th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides was held on January 26, 2020 – here is the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFLsSfYbPJc&feature=emb_logo
More about it at www.HolocaustandGenocides.blogspot.com

UN-CHECKED, INDIA WILL BE A DISASTER AND A MAJOR LOSS TO AMERICA

Mr. Modi’s experimentations with the economy and the social structure have already ruined India – with lower GDP, closure of businesses, the highest unemployment in 45 years, social unrest, and demonstrations are leading instability. A week before Delhi Massacre in February’20, members of BJP were hoisting saffron flags on their homes; those who did not fly the flag were identified as Muslim homes to be their target. Then Muslim homes were burned down, women raped, and the murdered 45 people. The supremacists have also pulled down men’s pants – to identify them if they are circumcised, they are Muslims, and then they are lynched. Our Jewish friends can relate with it when Hitler separated Jews from fellow Germans by placing the Star of David patch on their arms to send them to Gas chambers. Mr. Modi has not spoken out against it, perhaps that is what he wants; he has a pattern of this behavior.

The Christians and Muslims are given an ultimatum to convert to Hinduism, live as 2nd class citizens, or disappear. The deadline is 12/31/2021. Genocide is in the making.

Furthermore, if Mr. Modi does not heed the opinion of a majority of Indians, India will become a useless nation for the United States as a bulwark against Chinese influence, and even as an investment destination. Socially it will grow beyond repair – it is the same hatred the Supremacists have towards fellow Americans on a smaller number.

There are many Indian Americans who foolishly label everyone who criticizes Modi’s policies as Anti-Indian. Perhaps they must be asked to take courses in the first amendment to understand free speech and learn the ability to understand the criticism of the government is not criticizing India. India is a nation of a great heritage, and no Indian is anti-Indian, and all they want is people to respect the otherness of the others.
God bless the Indians.

GET THE BOOK FOR $5.99 ON KINDLE OR 19.99 ON AMAZON

Please visit the website www.AmericanMuslimAgenda.com for the talking points, reviews, contents and press releases on the book American Muslim Agenda.

CORONA – COW URINE WILL HEAL.

In India, some Hindus believe that drinking cow urine and applying cow dung to the body will heal all ailments, including Corona.

I believe almost everyone is fully aware of the precautions to take with Corona. Washing hands, cleaning your cell phone surface, and a whole lot more.

# # #

Corona Virus and God

Mike Ghouse March 10, 2020 Comments Off

CORONA VIRUS AND GOD

We wish (pray) no more individuals get affected by Corona Virus, and hope the respective governments and private organizations and leaders take steps to contain it. I was at the CPAC meeting 15 days ago, where Ted Cruz and another individual got the virus. So far, I am safe, and I will get checked the first time the test is available. The President, VP, and over 5000 people had attended the event.

The Orthodox Clergymen and women in all faiths are gloating that “their” God is punishing humanity with Corona Virus, as an act of revenge for Gay prides Parades. The Jewish, Hindu, Christian, Muslim, and other priests have said similar things about Tsunami, Katrina, and other disasters. God is not vindictive; he did not slap Adam for disobeying; God honors free will.

Please note, God is not the enemy of his creation as these men and women make him out to be. God has built-in mercy and goodness and has created everything to run its course. If we mess it up, it is our responsibility to fix it.

Think it over; God does nothing, absolutely nothing. God has created the world in perfect harmony and has given us the free will to preserve and maintain it. Restore peace whenever it goes off balance. However, those who believe that God is there to protect them, I respect them, when belief in God is the only hope to keep us alive, let it work. In reality, God does nothing. It is up to us to change the situation for better, and we employ the God-given intelligence to do that.

Here is a Rabbi – https://friendlyatheist.patheos.com/2020/03/09/orthodox-israeli-rabbi-claims-coronavirus-is-gods-revenge-for-gay-pride-parades/

If you get a chance, share the links of what other clergymen are saying.

Defending the rights of Atheists

Mike Ghouse March 8, 2020 Comments Off

DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF ATHEISTS

I received an odd question today at the Center for Pluralism, asking me to send material against Atheism. Here was my response.

Atheists, once we’re belligerent, and persecuting others, so they got a wrong label. But Atheists of today are as humanistic as Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and others.

Indeed, there is 1% of belligerent extremists among all groups from Atheist to Zoroastrians – not because of their religions but because they did not get their religions right.

I was an atheist once, then learned firsthand about Islam by rejecting all that was said in the market place. Finding the truth was essential to me as it brings relief to the soul. I chose to be a Muslim, and I have nothing against Atheists and defend their right to be who they are.

I firmly believe in one of the oft-cited verses of the Quran’ that your faith is dear to you as my belief is dear to me and follow the emphasis on free-will insisted 4 times in Islam.

We do workshops on understanding each one of the traditions from Atheists to Zoroastrians, and last year, a Christian man posted hateful messages on my Facebook for talking about Atheism.

I don’t have any material against Atheism, nor will I support ridiculing Atheism. On the other hand, I have defended their right and will continue to do so. As a Pluralist, I will stand up for the rights of all individuals, and as a Muslim, I consider it my sacred duty to stand up for the rights of all humans. However, I will stand against those who hurt, harass, rape, lynch, murder, beat, burn, and destroy others’ right to be who they are.

You want to learn more about the Quran – please come to the workshop on the Quran on Sunday, 3/29 between 1:30 and 4:30 at the Arlington Central Library. You can RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/qurans-troublesome-verses-tickets-97458915239

Mike Ghouse,
Center for Pluralism.

OMG, I cannot believe it was me

Mike Ghouse February 4, 2020 Comments Off

OMG, I CANNOT BELIEVE IT WAS ME

I am sharing this note to encourage all the people who want to lose weight. I was 209# in 2015, and am down to 159 # in 2020. It was a steady decline. Some times #1 in two weeks, sometimes 2, I was not in a hurry to lose it all once. Set the target of 5 years, with #10 each year. I check my weight regularly and won’t let add another pound.

2015 – 209#

Without any question, it is eating less; when I finish my meal, I remain somewhat hungry. I have become a vegetarian on weekdays and eat chicken or goat meat on the weekends. No beef. I walk at least a mile a day, and when I go to the grocery store or visit an office, I park way out, so I can get some additional walking.

I was in India in 2017 and was determined to go down to 179 #, and thanks to my family for honoring my request and not feed me as we do in India. On the last day of my stay on 9/10/17, I hit 179, what a joy it was!

9.10.17 – 179#

Then, I wanted to get down to 162# by my birthday on 1/1/20, and made it to 159# – the new goal for my next birthday is 152# My waistline was 40 once, and now it is 34 and hope to get down to 32. Everything is possible if you set your mind to it. All my clothes are loose and I will wait to buy new suits, Sherwani, Jodhpuri Suit, and shirts when I hit 152# and remain set at that point.

I always reminded myself not to fall to the temptations to eat and told myself that I am going to stick to my commitment, and thank God, and he kept me on the track.

2019 – 159#

Likewise, I have kept accomplishing my goals at the Center for Pluralism, and this year, we are going to leap forward. Look at our accomplishments http://centerforpluralism.com/mission-accomplished-at-the-…/ and I thank several of my friends who have supported our programs and events in DFW and DMV areas. Pluralism is the panacea for the conflicts within family members, friends, communities and the nations.

1979 – 152#

This year has started off good for me – a lot of things that were pending are getting done. I hope to get a few grants this year to put the Center for Pluralism on the world Map. It is a well-established institution in the DC area. Finish off two books – Pluralism in America and Standing up for others by July 4th, and resume 20th Annual Thanksgiving Celebrations and 16th Annual Unity Day events and of course big celebrations of July 4th. I hope to officiate the 100th interfaith marriage by the end of this year.

Mike Ghouse