Tranquility at the Lotus Temple

Where can we find peace in a world of noise, hatred, and wars? People would fight for their beliefs and feel superior to their religion. Country versus country, religion versus religion, people have endless fights about their ideas.

In a country of over one billion people, I've found a place where people unite to worship one God regardless of social status and religion.

The Bahá'í House of Worship, also known as the Bahá'í Temple or Lotus Temple, is a breathtaking modern structure that demands a visit to fully appreciate its beauty. 

This architectural wonder was designed to resemble a lotus flower. It can be seen from the top, all sides, and even a kilometer away. It was built to house thousands of visitors from different places in India and nationalities worldwide.

It was a great moment when I challenged myself to visit the Lotus Temple in Delhi, India, sometime in December 2011. I remember the thousands of people inside the temple complex who endured the long lines to get inside the main temple. I had to follow the strict rules of patiently waiting in line and leaving the shoes barefooted inside the temple.

Stepping into the temple, I found a peaceful spot to sit. In the center, I meditated for an hour, surrounded by a serene silence. There were no religious objects, just the walls and interior designs. It was a calming and meditative experience, being in the midst of people from all walks of life and different religions.

I was filled with a sense of inspiration and hope, witnessing people of opposing beliefs coming together to worship in the same place. This level of inclusivity is rare, as many religions impose exclusivity to protect their faith.

At the Bahá'í Temple, everyone is a son of one God. And that all people believe in one God. That's the significance of the Bahá'į faith. It's about the oneness of humanity. No hatred, no prejudice, and no exclusive God. But only one God for all.

If every country had its Bahá'í Temple, people, and even atheists, could have a place to visit to ponder their existence and purpose, to find meaning, and to contemplate the joy of living.

Bahá'í faith taught me about the realization of one God for humanity. The same God I adore and pray for wherever I am and maybe.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay 

Fathers Day Special: A Hero in our Hearts

Who's your favorite hero? You may idolize Marvel superheroes or national heroes for their bravery and supernatural powers. Since we're kids, we look up to someone with the energy to make things happen.

A hero could be seen on TV or read in a book. But the hero we can't miss is there with us from the moment we are born until our grown-up years and even when we live independently. Their heroism is a constant, guiding us as we follow our path and destiny.

Our Father is a hero and deserves honor and recognition from us, his children. His endearing sacrifice made us survive and become better. We become whole and complete because he fills in with what's missing in us. He continuously provides guidance when we're down and on our way up. He believes in us and that we can always make it in life. That we can fight even if we have doubts and fears. We are forever grateful for his sacrifices.

When we go beyond personal goals and dreams, we become selfless. Fathers, in their own way, embody this selflessness, serving their families and the community.

My Father has achieved his higher purpose as an elected official in public service. He served as a Town Councilor from 1998 to 2007 and from 2016 to 2022. His dedication and service have impacted our community, from improving local infrastructure to advocating for education. I've witnessed his performance and commitment; he has proven his toughness and resilience in dealing with battles. 

There are things I may have yet to understand in the past. But today, I carry within the lessons imparted. The wisdom will always be cherished and to be shared with loved ones. It's always in my heart because a hero is immortal. He stays forever in our hearts, providing comfort and reassurance.

Fathers are real-life heroes. They are our superheroes. They are everywhere, and they serve with selfless love and compassion. Today, we celebrate Father's Day, giving special moments of reminiscing and remembering their contributions and impact on our lives.

©️ 2021 Del Cusay

The Desire for Freedom

We all have fears. Sometimes, we fear big things like past traumas. There are times we fear the unknown. We feel anxious and overwhelmed by circumstances. And that our fears will haunt us forever.

With the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccination, a wave of relief is sweeping over us. More and more people are seeing a glimmer of hope. It's a long-awaited solution to the pandemic, a beacon of light in these dark times. 

With the vaccine as our shield, we can't continue living in a world where people succumb to the virus every day. The time for action is now. We must confront our fears and make the decision to get vaccinated.

Some reasons for people's fears of the vaccine could be a lack of factual information and the spread of disinformation on social media. The latter is common and harms people's confidence.

Some also fear the side effects or adverse reactions they hear about or watch on the news. They perceive them as realistic, so they refuse to be victims.

As someone who has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, I can attest to the sense of relief and empowerment it brings. My second dose coincided with the 123rd celebration of Philippine Independence, a testament to the courage and altruism required in these times. By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves but also our families, loved ones, and communities. 

We've been suffering a lot for over a year since the pandemic. It made us keep our distance from our loved ones and other people. It created a barrier on our physical bodies by wearing masks and face shields. It has made people lonely and depressed. It affected the way we live. And it killed our higher hopes and dreams.

The time for widespread COVID-19 vaccination is approaching. We cannot afford to fall ill or lose our lives. It's crucial that we all get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity and reclaim our lives. 

Life has to move on despite the challenges we all face. Life is good, no matter how dire the circumstances. Regarding our desire for freedom, we have to make our greatest sacrifice. We need to show our love. 

©️ 2021 Del Cusay