As many of us celebrate these holy days in the Jewish and Christian traditions with friends, family, or alone, we’ll also be reminded within our respective religion and traditions, about events such as slavery, suffering and sacrifices made for us by those that have come before. Thankfully, and hopefully, many of us will only ever have to recount through stories, prayer and possibly abstinence. (Mom gave up her Coca Cola, again. )
Unfortunately, that’s not the case for a great number of other beings still living even in our modern day world, where somehow they still live in a hellish dark place; Syria, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela; Sex-trafficking, Child Labor, Domestic Abuse, and the savageness that happens on factory animal farms, just to name some. It’s crazy that in a modern day society this kind of suffering still happens among us here and now, and yet it’s not front and center, it’s kind of off to the side for most that are not having to endure the suffering.
Yes, it’s definitely easier to turn a blind eye, and no, alone we can’t fix it, but for those of us that believe in the good of others, often to a fault, and even disappointment we must continue to fight the good fight, talk the talk, and maybe in the name of God, or not, do what feels right in our hearts and to our humane spirit. Remember what Albert Einstein said, “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on, and do nothing”.
Religion undoubtedly has its place, and tradition. I’m a yogi brought up Catholic and I fully respect and accept the teachings of Christianity, but as a yogi I also, and perhaps more readily accept the idea that maybe we are all a bit of all religions, especially when extracting the common idea at the core of all religions and that is that we honor and respect ourselves and others. Yoga means “unification” not only of our own mind and body, but of each others, all beings, and our environment.
As we celebrate Passover and Easter lets perhaps make a cognizant effort not to forget those that are not as fortunate as we are, and maybe send our collective prayers, and energy to all beings that still, today, suffer and live in darkness.
After all, Passover and Easter are in essence the celebration of freedom….for all.
Love and light always to you and yours,
Have a joyous Passover and Easter
Namaste,
Mimi