Sapere Aude~ Dare To Know: Sage Thinking

      The last great philosopher of the Enlightenment era, and one of the greatest philosophers of all time, Immanuel Kant urged people to "Dare to Know" - "Sapere Aude" that is, to start having an autonomous thinking instead of relying for knowledge on external sources.

Kant's theories on nature and human nature were original and thought provoking. He believed that we should not make our own concepts match the nature of objects but instead allow our own concepts to shape the experience of the object. This will then determine how we can acquire knowledge and experience the world around us.

Kant also maintained that the source of morality is Good Will, which stems from the universal moral law of "Doing the right thing" without expecting to derive pleasure or happiness from it. Duty is what makes a man good , and having Good Will makes a man take the right moral decisions. As Kant says: "so act as to treat humanity, whether in thine own person or in that of any other, in every case as an end withal, never as a means only."

May we all experience Good Will today and provide it.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

  Four Exemplars of Noble Living

Confucius, the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad were all born into ancient cultures in the midst of tumultuous changes. Each addressed fundamental existential problems within their societies, developing codes of ethics and behavior that broke with the past, and offering bold new visions of human life.

Confucius: China's primordial philosopher and sage, whose teaching integrally shaped the Chinese constructs of government, human relations, culture, and history. The Confucian thought formed the basis of Chinese education for 2,000 years. He founded the core precepts of "uncommon" humaneness, reciprocity, and the creative power of virtue.

The Buddha: A high-born prince who turned his back on a life of privilege to follow an unrelenting quest for the "supreme state of sublime peace." His teachings are about the nature of reality, the delusions of human perception, and the practical means for ending suffering.

Jesus of Nazareth: Is a beloved icon of Christianity, a revered prophet in Islam, and the dominant figure in Western culture for nearly two millennia. His archetypal dual role as both harbinger of God's kingdom and spiritual teacher, revealed a liberating alternative to humanity's oppressive inequities.

Muhammad: Al-Lah's "last" prophet and the central example of the faithful Muslim. His teachings brought Islam into being even as he struggled with the roles of both political and military leader of his community. Muhammad teaches oneness and inscrutability of the absolute.

Confucius, Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad were visonary sages that play a monumental role in our world. Their teachings lead to liberation from the conditioned mind and freedom from suffering. Perhaps today we can all take time to move closer to spirit and evolve to a higher state of being.

Namaste,

Mary Jane - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

During Socrates lifetime he wrote nothing down yet his wisdom has formed the bedrock of western philosophy. Socrates was viewed as a great teacher with the innate ability to question his students in such a way that they were able to find the truth out for themselves. He had a way of leading others to reconsider their own limitations, a way for them to realize their own inadequacies.

Socrates was a big believer of independent thought. He questioned every orthodox belief and decided independently if it was worth pursuing. Socrates looked at issues from both perspectives; he did not allow himself to be tied down to one belief system.

So the question is...Can we think like Socrates? Can we be individual thinkers?



Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Tzedakah literally means righteousness in Hebrew. It refers to justice, kindness, and ethical behavior. Giving to those in need is an act of justice. All people have a legal right to food, clothing, and shelter that should be honored by more fortunate people.

During this holiday season why not give to someone in need. There are many ways to give; simply choose one that resonates with you.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Conquer Self ~ Buddha

"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.
Then the victory is yours.

It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell."

never an easy task to quiet the mind of negative chatter. When we can begin to master that aspect, then self can be conquered.

Have a peaceful day!

Mary Jane
Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Discover Your True Passion

So many people go through life wondering what their soul's mission is. Here is a simple meditation to help move you in the right direction.


 

• Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
• Focus on the breath and let go of everything else.
• Now call to mind the following questions and tell the universe you are ready for answers.

1.What is it you like to do for its own sake without any any concerns of reward or compliment?

2. If you won the lottery how would you like to spend the rest of your life?

3. If you were informed you were to die shortly, what would you regret most not spending your time doing?

4. No matter where you are on earth, what do you see yourself doing regardless of location?

5. What activity do you find yourself coming back to in life?

6. What activity can you not seeing yourself do without?

Without a doubt what you love to do may not be easy to actually move it into action, but when you commit to doing it you will no longer work another day in your life.

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yoga Teacher
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Spiritual Path

When we seek to understand the Universe and become one with it you are on the spiritual path. The Universe listens to every word and thought you have and grants your desires. So to truly begin your spiritual path simply state the words "I'm ready." The Universe will then start showing you signs (coincidences) to indicate it has heard you and responding to the call.

Number sequences is a common way the universe speaks to us. Other ways are through signs, sounds or smells. When you ask a question look, listen and feel for the response from the universe. You will know and understand the response. It will make sense to you. Be open-minded and attentive and look out for patterns of certain things that are emerging in your life.

Begin today with a meditation and ask the Universe whatever you need to guide you on right path.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Yogi & Feng Shui Master
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

John Calvin (1509-1564) called Pope Gregory I "the last good pope". Whether that is true or not is irrelevant. What matters is that there are sufficient reasons for anyone to see him as an outstanding personality.

Better known as Gregory the Great, he was the first pope that came from a monastic background, completely devoted to spiritual work while renouncing any worldly pursuits.

Taking the papacy in 590, a time of famine and strife for Rome, Pope Gregory made sure those who were suffering received food and shelter offered by the Church. At that time the church owned a vast amount of farmland that produced various goods for profit. Instead, Gregory the Great gave the goods to the poor and hungry. Even those who lived in wealthy homes but were still in need, he personally cooked and prepared foods for them and had them delivered as gifts as to save them from embarrassment (charity).

It was the chose of the people to turn to the papacy government rather than Constantinople.

What acts of charity or good deed can you offer today? I donated a jeep load of clothing, kitchenware and other odds and ends to a local nonprofit organization and some old cell phones at a drop off center to be refurbished for the needy.

Namaste,
Mary Jane ~ www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Socrates is unique in the world of philosophy. He did not teach his own ideas and beliefs to his followers. Through his method he acted as a catalyst for others to search and find the truth for themselves. He did not teach a theory, but he lived his philosophy, remained firm to his beliefs and set an example that greatly influenced the future generations of philosophers and seekers of truth.

The key is to seek the truth from within ~ Mary Jane


Socrates ~ Quote of the day:

 

"The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be."

Namaste~ www.fengshuiyoganj.com

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony"

"I want freedom for the full expression of my personality."

"In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth."

"Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress."

These are wonderful quotes to repeat a few times today...Have a great day~

Namaste,

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Confucius ~ Ancient Chinese philosopher and major contributor to the Book of Changes or I Ching. This is a sage that speaks volumes to me especially with my connection to feng shui. Here are a few enlightening quotes from him and gift to us.

"Our greatest glory is not in never falling,
but in getting up every time we do."

"Forget injuries, never forget kindnesses."

"Men's natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart."

"It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop."

"Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves."

"Ignorance is the night of the mind, but a night without moon and star."

Namaste,
Mary Jane ~ www.fengshuiyoganj.com

     Realizing Your Dreams

In order for us to achieve our dreams we need to know what they are. Writing down exactly what it is that you would like to achieve in life is a great starting point. Then try breaking it down into smaller parts or something you can do each day to bring yourself closer to your dream. Visualizing it coming to fruition is a wonderful step in the direction.. Create a vision board or whatever motivates you to move towards it.

The quote below is so profound written by Lawrence J. Peter

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
– Lawrence J. Peter

So what will you do today to move you one step closer to realizing your dream?

Namaste ~ Mary Jane ~ www.fengshuiyoganj.com

                 Overcoming Fear

They say the best way to learn something is to dive right into it. Be prepared tofail but this is how we learn. Only those who are asleep make no mistakes. If we stay aligned to truth then fear will have no choice but to fade away.

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Enjoy your day~

Namaste - Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

            Intention & Desire

 

Our thoughts determine our reality. When we stop thinking about what we don’t want and begin thinking about what we do want, our lives begin to transform. Instead of working against our desires and intentions, we move into alignment with them.

Action: Create a list of your intentions and desires. Wherever you go, take this list with you. Read it when you wake up and before you go to sleep.

Quote: All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.”- Guatama Buddha

Namaste,

Mary Jane ~ www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Happiness~
 

Happiness comes from an inner peace, understanding and acceptance of life; a perspective of truth that opens your eyes to the beauty of life all around us. Happiness cannot be achieved by external status, it must be an internal state that we realize when we see our innate perfection.

Action: Realize that happiness is a choice. In every decision you make ask yourself “how can I respond to make myself happy and fulfilled?”

Quote:

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”
– Benjamin Franklin

May you be happy today and everyday!

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com