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The Insult
"Ethnocentrism, the belief that your group is better than the other guy's — a relentless dichotomization of the human world — was not invented by the Greeks with their barbarians or the Jews with their Gentiles or the Christians with their heathens but independently, again and again, by every population on the planet."
— Melvin Konner, anthropologist
The Insult is set in Beirut, Lebanon, a city still experiencing the economic and emotional repercussions of the 15-year civil war that ended in 1990. Christians make up the majority of the population with Palestinians numbering 10%. The animosity toward the refugees, many of whom are living in Lebanon illegally, is very volatile; fights and small skirmishes break out daily as the two religious and ethnic groups interact.
"The Hostile Imagination is a disease of the mind."
— Sam Keen
Prejudice is a disease of the mind in which we project our feelings of anger, self-disgust, alienation, and paranoia on others whom we perceive to be different. Philosopher Sam Keen calls this malady "the hostile imagination." A crucial element of it is the constant complaint of being a victim of those with more power, money, or influence.
In this compelling and parabolic picture, Lebanese director Ziad Doueiri follows in the train of West Beirut and The Attack where he explored the ravages of war and the malevolencies of terrorism. We first meet Tony (Adel Karam) at a rally for Bachir Gemayel, a right-wing Christian leader known for spewing anti-Palestinian hate speech. This angry young Christian owns and runs a car repair garage. He and his wife Shirine (Rita Hayek) are expecting their first child.
Yasser (Kamel El Basha), a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon, is a foreman for a construction company who is working in the neighborhood. After water from a drainpipe from Tony's terrace douses him, he asks for permission to fix the illegal fixture. But Tony refuses, and when Yasser's men go ahead and replace the pipe anyway, the angry Christian smashes their work. Yasser, considering this all an unnecessary bother, insults Tony. When his boss insists he apologize, Yasser goes to the garage where Tony is listening to an anti-Palestinian rant on the radio. He says to the visitor: "I wish Ariel Sharon had wiped you all out." In response, Yasser punches him in the belly, breaking two of his ribs.
"You can give life in your speech. You can diminish life when you speak in hatred or anger."
— Hal W. French in Zen and the Art of Anything
The illuminating screenplay by Douieri and Joelle Touma vividly conveys the roiling tension in this drama. As insults escalate into a feud, we find it easy for us to sympathize with each of these men. They could both use some anger management training! The Insult contains a disclaimer stating the drama represents the views of the filmmakers and not that of the Lebanon state.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama, having seen his country taken over by the Chinese and his people slaughtered, nevertheless preaches careful speech. In The Path Toward Tranquility, he writes: "I myself still occasionally become irritated and angry and use harsh words toward others. Then, a few moments later when the anger has subsided, I feel embarrassed; the negative words are already spoken, and there is no way to take them back. Although the words have been uttered and the sound of the voice has ceased to exist, their impact still lives on. Hence, the only thing I can do is to go to each person and apologize, isn't that right?"
But apologies are very hard for Tony and Yasser. They end up in court over the physical assault, even though Tony still claims all he wants is an acknowledgment of Yasser's guilt. The prosecutor and the defense bring in the history of insults and resentments plaguing the different communities in Lebanon, arguing that each of the parties acted out of extreme distress. All the conflict surrounding the trial brings on a media circus.
"When we realize that we are not victims we can accept responsibility for our action and not resort to blame."
— Madeline Ko-i Bastis in Heart of Forgiveness
We believe that the antidote to the Hostile Imagination is the Moral Imagination with its virtues of empathy, hospitality, perspective-taking, and compassion. And this film does not disappoint us. Just when we think these adversaries will never be able to find peace within themselves and with the other, there are moments of grace. Can these adversaries turn the page? After watching this powerful film, can we?
A spiritual masterwork about the harm that can be done with cruel and dehumanizing words.
Sarom Book of Hours , Call To Purpose
God be in my head,
and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes,
and in my looking;
God be in my mouth,
and in my speaking;
God be in my heart,
and in my thinking;
God be at my end,
and at my departing.
God be in my head
The Multi-talented Tongue
Although it is not true that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body, it could be argued that it is one of the most versatile. It is essential for jump-starting the digestive process by serving as a guide. It keeps food between the teeth until it is chewed or masticated and sent on its merry way. Here the tongue is a capable manager.
The tongue is also what scientists call a peripheral sense organ in that it helps us perceive the sensation of taste. As Quaker J. Brent Bill reminds us, "taste is a way that God's presence comes to us." Think of all the magic moments in your life when your palate was introduced to a sweet, sour, pungent, or spicy taste. I can still remember the first time I tasted a piece of moist carrot cake or when I reveled in the exquisite taste of guacamole where the avocado had been laced with just the right mixture of garlic and cilantro. In both these delectable treats I was grateful to the presence of the Divine in my taste buds. Here the tongue is a gifted master-of-ceremonies.
Although it is not true that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body, it could be argued that it is one of the most versatile. It is essential for jump-starting the digestive process by serving as a guide. It keeps food between the teeth until it is chewed or masticated and sent on its merry way. Here the tongue is a capable manager.
Keeping Custody of the Tongue on the Internet
Talk Radio (1988) is a firecracker of a film about the shock-jock star of a popular late-night call-in radio show in Dallas, Texas. He's a verbal spritzer in love with his ability to handle the loneliness, anger, and exhibitionism of those who talk to him over the airwaves. The callers are filled with rage about their pain, their powerlessness, and their disappointments in life.
Talk Radio (1988) is a firecracker of a film about the shock-jock star of a popular late-night call-in radio show in Dallas, Texas. He's a verbal spritzer in love with his ability to handle the loneliness, anger, and exhibitionism of those who talk to him over the airwaves. The callers are filled with rage about their pain, their powerlessness, and their disappointments in life.
Compassion Is the Key to Everything
Alexandra Chauran is a fortuneteller, Wiccan, and a professional psychic intuitive. She has written several books, including Have You Been Hexed?, 365 Ways to Develop Your Psychic Ability, and 365 Ways to Strengthen Your Spirituality.
In this work she offers workable suggestions for examining and strengthening your compassion and empathy. The book is divided into five chapters, which Chauran uses to guide you from self-examination, to grounding yourself and actions in your life’s purpose, and then to sharing your compassion and kindness with others:
Getting Along With Others Without Beating Yourself Up
Find Your Life’s Purpose
A Thoughtful Lifestyle: Your Game Plan
Steps Along the Path to a Peaceful Existence
Becoming a Beacon of Kindness for Others
Chauran uses her experience as a daughter, mother, business owner, and schoolteacher to offer straightforward advice and numerous practical exercises for becoming who you want to be and making the world a better place.
Reflections on discovering who you want to be and recommendations for how to make it happen.
Broadcasting Happiness
Michelle Gielan is founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and an executive producer of The Happiness Advantage with Shawn Achor on PBS. She conducted a study with researchers Dr. Martin Seligman, Dr. Margaret Kern, and Lizbeth Benson from the University of Pennsylvania which found that it takes just minutes to alter one’s mood from neutral to negative simply with news reports. In this optimistic work, Gielan shows that we are all broadcasters able to influence the emotions of others through the things we talk about. Our vision of reality can do the most good when it is presented through the lens of positivity. The author presents seven keys to being a positive transformational broadcaster.
For example, when you are asked how you are doing, "scan your world for something positive, and then share it." Four kinds of questions can help you change the frequency to positive territory and promote positive change: digging for gold, shifting the focus, next best, and what else. As we amplify our role as positive broadcasters, we boost the status of others and make them look good.
Research show that 31 percent of employees are positive but aren’t expressive. They are "hidden broadcasters." If they read this book, that will no longer be the case.
A guidebook to being a positive broadcaster with good news to share with others.
Buddha U
Victor M. Parachin is director of the Tulsa Yoga Meditation Center and author of books about yoga, meditation, and Eastern spiritual practices.
We have given him three S&P Book Awards: in 2007 for Eastern Wisdom for Western Minds, which models hospitality as a way for Christians to enrich their faith with the principles and practices of Eastern religions; in 2012 for Eleven Modern Mystics and the Secrets of a Happy, Holy Life, an impressive book with an interspiritual flair and a deep appreciation for mysticism; and in 2012 for Swami Vivekanda: Essential Writings, a top-notch collection of pieces from the spiritual teacher who introduced yoga to the West.
In the introduction to Buddha U, Parachin notes that a recent survey found that as many as eight out of ten college students said they frequently experienced stress in their lives. That was an increase or more than 20 percent from surveys done five years earlier.
Of course, there are many factors contributing college students' anxiety -- being burdened with a lifetime of student loans, frequently feeling overwhelmed by all they have to do, the drop in time available for socializing with friends, and a growing number of complaints about the mishandling of sexual violence by universities.
Parachin points out that in Japan, many Buddhist temples will chime a bell 108 times to signify the completion of one year while welcoming a new one. So he presents 108 Buddhist principles and practices which speak to the many stresses and strains experienced by college students.
Here you will find practical suggestions and concrete ideas for walking in a peace rally as one example of engaged Buddhism, sharing your notes and being the friendliest face on campus as kindness practices, turning away from dorm room gossip and swearing off swearing as two examples of right speech, nurturing compassion as a Buddhist ideal, and seeing goodness as an antidote to fear. These classes at Buddha U are available 24/7 and open to all students, young and old, who want to be mindful, cheerful, and lifelong learners!
Practical advice from the Buddhist school of life for dealing with college stress.
The (Un)Common Good
"The 'Covenant for Civility' begins:
" 'As Christian pastors and leaders with diverse theological and political beliefs, we have come together to make this covenant with each other, and to commend it to the church, faith-based organizations, and individuals, so that together we can contribute to a more civil national discourse. The church in the United States can offer a message of hope and reconciliation to a nation that is deeply divided by political and cultural differences. Too often, however, we have reflected the political divisions of our culture rather than the unity we have in the body of Christ. We come together to urge those who claim the name of Christ to "put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:31-32).'
"We made seven biblically based commitments, seven steps we all could take for truth and civility today. We suggested that Christians should carry these seven commitments with them as a reminder for themselves and a challenge to others. Candidates need to know that voters care not only about who wins but also about how they win. And these commitments contain the essentials for creating for our nation — both its religious and its nonreligious citizens — a better and more civil discourse.
"The covenant states:
" '1. We commit that our dialogue with each other will reflect the spirit of the scriptures, where our posture toward each other is to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry" (James 1:19).
" '2. We believe that each of us, and our fellow human beings, are created in the image of God. The respect we owe to God should be reflected in the honor and respect we show to each other in our common humanity, particularly in how we speak to each other. "With the tongue we bless the Lord and [God], and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God . . . this ought not to be so" (James 3:9-10).'
" '3. We pledge that when we disagree, we will do so respectfully, without falsely impugning the other's motives, attacking the other's character, or questioning the other's faith, and recognizing in humility that in our limited, human opinions, "we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror" (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will therefore "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:2).'
" '4. We will ever be mindful of the language we use in expressing our disagreements, being neither arrogant nor boastful in our beliefs: "Before destruction one's heart is haughty, but humility goes before honor" (Proverbs 18:12).'
" '5. We recognize that we cannot function together as citizens of the same community, whether local or national, unless we are mindful of how we treat each other in pursuit of the common good, in the common life we share together. Each of us must therefore "put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body" (Ephesians 4:25).'
" '6. We commit to pray for our political leaders — those with whom we may agree, as well as those with whom we may disagree. "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made — for kings and all who are in high positions" (1 Timothy 2:1-2).'
" '7. We believe that it is more difficult to hate others, even our adversaries and our enemies, when we are praying for them. We commit to pray for each other, those with whom we agree and those with whom we may disagree, so that together we may strive to be faithful witnesses to our Lord, who prayed "that they may be one" (John 17:22).'
" 'We pledge to God and to each other that we will lead by example in a country where civil discourse seems to have broken down. We will work to model a better way in how we treat each other in our many faith communities, even across religious and political lines. We will strive to create in our congregations safe and sacred spaces for common prayer and community discussion as we come together to seek God's will for our nation and our world.' "
Jim Wallis with an explanation of the Covenant for Civility.
Ghazali on the Principles of Islamic Spirituality
One of the most important scholars of Islam is Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (1058-1111) whose writings played an essential part in the establishment of Sufism. The Forty Foundations of Religion is his own abbreviation of The Revival of the Religious Science. It provides a succinct overview of Islamic belief in the mind, the realm of law, and the spirituality of Sufism.
This volume is part of SkyLight Paths Illuminations Series and for this paperback Aaron Spevack, assistant professor of Islam in the Religious Studies Department at Loyola University in New Orleans, has provided the translation and annotations. Here the reader will find access to the science of belief, Islamic ritual and practice, the purification of the heart for blameworthy character traits (such as anger, envy, arrogance, pride, and stinginess) and meritorious character traits (such as patience, gratitude, and love). Among the many other topics covered are providence, the soul, submission, faith, and spiritual perfection.
A succinct overview of Islamic belief, law, and spirituality.
The Diamond Cutter
Michael Roach is a fully ordained Buddhist monk who received his geshe (master of Buddhism) degree from Sera Mey Tibetan Monastery after 22 years of study. For many years, he was ordered by his spiritual teacher to work in New York City for a diamond firm. Roach applied the teachings and principles of the Diamond Sutra to his everyday labors without letting anyone know of his path: "I was to be a Buddhist sage on the inside and a normal American businessman on the outside." Under his leadership sales of the company soared to $100 million per year.
Roach begins with an explanation of the Buddhist view of "emptiness." People, situations, and objects are not "good" or "bad" in and of themselves. We imprint them whenever we say something, do something, or even think something. The author presents 46 business problems and shows the best ways to deal with them. In the everyday realm of potentials and imprints, it is important to maintain a positive attitude, to be generous, to never begrudge others the results of their own efforts, to refuse to take pleasure in other peoples' problems, to refrain from anger, to cultivate gratitude, and to avoid wasted talk. Roach also gives morning and evening meditation suggestions and explains spiritual practices that pull down the walls between people. Here is wise advice and counsel on an ethical and prosperous way of being in the workaday world based on Tibetan Buddhist principles.
Try a Spiritual Practice on Kindness
Contains wise advice on an ethical and prosperous way of being in the workaday world.