Newer Adventures…

This is the first post of my new life, a life in Shard End Birmingham. This is to kick start everything of.

So basically, I have been here a few days now. Settling in and finding my way around, looking for a job and all that. Nothing to amazing…

Just to say, I will post some thoughts of my travels over the summer shortly, as requested…I will also post shortly more about the ‘origins’ (if you like) about our so called community. In the mean time, there is some info at http://www.urbanexpression.org.uk/

Also, i’ve opened a Twitter accound for those of you who are into that. To me though I am treating it as my own personal random thought bank – i.e. rather than text myself to remind my of my musings I’ll text Twitter. You can see at http://twitter.com/ThoughtsAndCrap

Finally, check out ‘whats this all about’ for a little intro to how this might be working…

New Adventures

So my three years at loughborough University have drawn to a close with a crazy last push and then the maddest week and bit of my life ever…tonight however I am leaving the country – flying to turkey with two friends and three bikes and then we’ll some how make our way back…

As for the blog, I guess it’ll be a little quite as we won’t go out our way to find internet cafes and stuff.

It should be interesting though, a pilgrimage if you will.

Anyways, I’ll let you know how it goes when i’m back…

Article 10

My time at loughborough university has finished!! I imagine this is the last ever faith article…

Article 10

The Balance of Life

Families prosper, societies develop, civilisations grow…

Divorces happen, morality degrades, wars take place…

One might think of diverse complex causes for these phenomena but the fundamental reason is very simple. When things are in their natural balance, happiness prevails; when this balance is disturbed, destruction overcomes.
It is really intriguing to find and attain this balance in our daily lives. For example, balance in the rights of women and that of men. Balance between the pitiable derelict parents in old houses and those doing forced marriages of their daughters. Balance between the total seclusion of women and her vulgar display for fashion’s sake. Balance between luxurious palaces of Queens and Sheikhs and the marquee of an ascetic. Balance between extreme thriftiness and debt mounting consumerism. Balance between obesity causing appetite and the calorie conscious diet. Balance between the virgin lives of priests and the pleasure filled lives of playboys. It is this balance which needs maintaining. The exact location of the middle point, however, is phenomenally difficult. But there is an easy way as well. Follow the code of life given by the one who has created all of us. Follow one God.

Loughborough Student’s Union Islamic Society

Articles 8 and 9

Arcticle 8 – Jewish Society

Give a little, Get back so much more…

Jewish people have always been made fun of for being a little bit stingy with their money, so you may find it ironic that charity (Tzedekah) is a huge part of Jewish life, but not in the conventional way of simply giving to others. The word Tzedekah has two meanings: charity and justice. Although its main idea is to be generous, it is also about being righteous; it is our job as human beings to do the right thing and give to those less fortunate and who are in need. This may be by giving a few pounds, or buy getting involved with opportunities like RAG at university. According to Judaism, it is our chance to say thanks to God, but also to enjoy helping out others.
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The Talmud (Jewish Law) says that Tzedekah is equal to all the commandments combined. It is obvious to us that we should not steal, so it should be just as obvious to us to give the needy.
Judaism suggests that we give up 10% of our income to charity, either finically or with the time we give.
As students it is important for us to give what we can too. There many things you can get involved in, including RAG which gives us the perfect opportunity to make the world a better place, whilst having the time of your life.
Loughborough RAG current total is £295, 972 and with your help it can increase.

Article 9 –Hindu Society

HOLI!

Holi is a religious festival in the Hindu calendar celebrated on the 11th March. It is a day of fun, colours and rituals for young and old alike.

It is celebrated to recognise the depth of devotion by a young boy called Prahlad to Lord Vishnu (God). His father, on the other hand, was a powerful and vicious demon king who thought of himself as an equal to God and thus kept attempting to kill Prahlad due to his devotion for Lord Vishnu. Bonfires are lit in memory of the miraculous escape that the young Prahlad had when the demoness Holika, sister to his father, carried him into the fire. Holika was burnt but Prahlad, a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu, escaped without any injuries. An avatar (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu, Narsinha (half man, half lion) defeated the king.

Holi is celebrated by throwing coloured powder and water on each other signifying the colours of love, which fill our life with joy and happiness and also breaking the barriers between us to bring social togetherness.

NHSF Loughborough celebrated the festival which was enjoyed by many who had a fantastic time getting themselves coloured!

Cartoon

This is genius…