“Lucy’s Kids” Photo by Sally Davies
A long time ago, I read about a group of religious brothers in India who never greeted each other by saying, “good morning” or “good day.” Instead, they used these words: “I salute the Divinity in you!”—which is like saying, “I see God in you!” Miraculous stories were told of how they saw God in the face of every person who crossed their paths, and in every wild animal as well. The moral of every story was that the Brotherhood was never harmed because they saw only God in every living thing and only good in every situation.
I’m beginning to understand now, some 20 years later, what I didn’t know then: That this is the perfect way to start each day. Salute the divinity in everything.
Seeing Divinity
If you want to see divinity (God) everywhere, look for good in every situation. If you don’t see good, be good. Leave goodness behind wherever you go, and you will find goodness wherever you go. Look at strangers as neighbors, not threats. Look at conflict as breakthrough, not reason to inflict harm. Look at loved ones as gifts, not possessions. Be kind to animals who bear divinity in their own right. Try to make the best out of everything and everything will make the best out of you. You will begin to see divinity at work everywhere and have such great days.
Saluting Divinity
Saluting divinity in each other makes every day great because it recognizes, and honors as sacred, our diversity and freedom. Because no force in the world can buck the natural currents of individual freedom and independence of thought, we ought to salute that divine spirit in one another. Treasure worldwide differences as threads of sanctifying grace. Let all believe what they wish without condemnation. Saluting the best in all of us is what we’re working towards when we salute one another’s divinity—it’s a way of acknowledging the mysterious ways God manifests in each one of us. This sort of attitude not only helps boost one another’s self-esteem, but generates infinite peace on earth as well. For once in our lifetimes, how divine it would be for our society to collectively accept all ways of being and living?
Until next week, think about this: “No one knows what makes the soul wake up so happy. Maybe a dawn breeze has blown the veil from the face of God.” Rumi
Karol Jackowski, Ph.D., became a nun in 1964. She's also been a college administrator, graduate of New York University, manager of a toy store, author of eight books, painter of religious folk art, and sister to everyone she meets. Please visit her website at KarolJackowski.com.
From: Susan Brackett | 5/22/11 at 10:25 am
What a wonderful way to start the day. This world would be a much better place if we would all be kind to one another. We should pray for peace every day.
From: Veronica Hargrove | 5/22/11 at 3:53 pm
JUST A DIVINE ARTICLE, YOU ALWAYS HAVE THE GREATEST QUOTES.
From: Sis | 5/26/11 at 5:45 pm
Karol: Thanks so much for this message. It is so "you" and the gift you are to us. And...such a challenge and invitation!