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Reflections on the Ruhnama
A blog examining the Ruhnama of the late President of Turkmenistan, Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy the Great, and the application of the book\\\'s principles in daily living.
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 02-MAY-2008
2008-05-09 13:43:50
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. The previous quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, May 2, 2008(Continued from last week)Allah the Almighty, the Omnipotent, in the Qur'an that He sent to Prophet Muhammad, said that Noah, Moses, Christ and Muhammad, are elevated spirits. The Turkmens' Ruhnama is not a religious book. The Qur'an, the book of Allah, the Most Exalted, is the first and the most important reference book of the Turkmens among other Muslims, that guides people to put their life into order. God's book, the Qur'an, is sacred and cannot be replaced or compared to any other book. We also believe in the books mentioned in the Qur'an. About the Old Testament that was sent to Moses, Allah said in the Qur'an: "We really sent the Old Testament and therein are good ways to take as examples of Allah's light." The Gospel is the book sent to the Prophet Christ. Allah who created miracles ordered that: "After the prophe ...
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NEWS: Ashgabat landmark ordered removed by president
2008-05-06 00:09:12
Turkmenistan's president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov, who assumed power at the time of Turkmenbashy's death less than a year and a half ago, has stepped up his efforts to move his Central Asian nation away from the spiritual, moral and philosophical path set forth by his predecessor in Ruhnama. This book, the title of which translates to "Book of the Soul", contains the late president's blueprint for ushering in the Golden Age. It also sets forth his philosophy for governance, which, as I see it, has thus far kept Turkmenistan at peace in a neighborhood of nations steeped in violence, insurrection and turmoil.President Berdimuhammedov's latest action involves the relocation of the Arch of Neutrality from downtown Ashgabat to the southern outskirts. The city's most famous landmark, the Arch of Neutrality commemorates Turkmenbashy's commitment to a peaceful and neutral Turkmenistan. It is symbolic of Turkmenbashy's achievement in securing United Nations' recognition of Turkmenistan as th ...
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Smiling faces...
2008-05-03 20:59:33
"I see my accomplishments and effortson the faces of my people."- TurkmenbashyPhoto: turkmenistan.gov.tm__________Advertisement: Pine River World News: "Global news you may be missing," from the blogmaster at Reflections on the Ruhnama. Newsblog updated Mon-Fri. Headlines updated 24/7. ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 25-APRIL-2008
2008-05-01 18:31:39
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. The previous quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, April 25, 2008(Continued from last week)Before beginning to talk about the different aspects of the historical necessity in this book, I would like to draw attention to a characteristic of Ruhnama which shows that it is one another within life, which is a part of life, integral but not exclusive.The greatest miracle of Allah in the world, the human being, has passed through dark periods, natural disasters and societal fightings, many difficult times. The knowledge and conscious life of the human being begins with the sacred books, namely when the human being understood the Word and considered it sacred. These miraculous books have been given to the Prophets Moses, David, Jesus Christ and Muhammad, peace be upon them all. The Messenger of Allah, our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, endorsed the fact that the four sacred books, in ...
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NEWS: The Great Turkmenbashy's calendar hanging by a thread
2008-04-26 01:02:50
On 10 August 2002 Turkmenistan's government approved changing the names of the calendar months to new ones chosen by then-president Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy the Great, the author of Ruhnama. The new names included the names of himself and his mother, historical figures and cultural references. The renamed months thus constituted the "Turkmenbashy calendar" which was officially used in government, education, media, etc.Today's blog is supplemental to my earlier blog, Is the Golden Age of Turkmenistan coming to an end? in which I noted an agenda by Turkmenistan's current president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov, to erase Turkmenbashy's legacy and discontinue reliance upon Ruhnama, the former president's book which contains guidelines for ushering in the Golden Age. As I mentioned in earlier blogs the Golden Age was envisioned by Turkmenbashy as a spiritually rich and enlightened Turkmen society -- embracing peace, neutrality and prosperity -- which would become an example to the world of wha ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 11-APRIL-2008
2008-04-24 17:35:12
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. The previous quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, April 11, 2008(Continued from last week) Happiness is gained by working. Zeal is hard work's comrade. Toil and zeal create miracles. I want to tell you a story about Michelangelo. The famous master was walking in the market. He called the marble-cutter. There he saw a big piece of marble. He walked around the marble and stared at it for a long time. The master asked its price. "If you want this," said the marble-cutter, "you can take it for free! I do not think that it will be useful for you. It has been lying here for twelve years. No one has bought it until now. You are the first to show an interest in it. If you think that you can use it, please, take it." The master took the stone and worked on it for a year. In a year, the experienced sculptor made a famous magnificent statue from the stone. He depicted Virgin Mary with the pre ...
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SPECIAL REPORT: The Ruhnama and Islam
2008-04-17 02:52:16
According to the World Almanac the religious composition of Turkmenistan is 89% Muslim, 9% orthodox Christian, and (presumably) 2% atheist or "other". Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy the Great identified himself with Islam, mentioned the Qur'an and the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) in his Ruhnama books, and had grand mosques constructed in Ashgabat, Gokdepe and Gypjak. And yet, he decreed that the Ruhnama be placed in all mosques -- furthermore at least one mosque is inscribed with a verse from Ruhnama on its wall. Naturally one might ask:"What place is there (if any) for Ruhnama in Islam?"A good question. About 50% of this blog's visitor traffic comes from Muslim countries; obviously there is an interest (or at least curiosity) in Turkmenbashy's philosophical and spiritual outlook from followers of Islam.Before I discuss what I have now termed "Ruhnama-Islam", I want to share an article that is fairly standard reporting in the international media. On 3 June, 2004, two and a half years before Turkme ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 04-APRIL-2008
2008-04-09 19:48:22
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, April 4, 2008(Continued from last week)Dear son, dear daughter! When you are young, get used to difficulties and working. Find the job that you love with all your heart! If you do not enjoy the thing that you are doing, life will be meaningless and dull! Look for a job which is suitable for your intelligence and talent! Do not run away from your job, do not whine; go for your job! To do the job that you do not want and you cannot accomplish is a burden for other people. Not only you suffer; you will be a trouble for the others. You will make your job useless; you will lose your spirits! Love your job! Then you will be happy. If you do your job, your house will be beautiful, you will be beneficial to your people, and your profession will be valuable. Happiness is gained by working. Zeal is hard work's comrade. Toil and zeal create mir ...
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Advice & Proverbs (Part XI)
2008-04-03 17:09:20
Turkmenbashy writes:Nothing happens in this universe without a reason; whether it is a natural or man-made disaster which afflicts a nation, there is always a reason for it.Let's leave each Turkmen to think about this question and face this problem in his soul and answer it before God.Ruhnama I, p. 14. ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 28-MARCH-2008
2008-04-02 22:44:54
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, March 28, 2008(Continued from last week)Human growth has two forms: physical growing and spiritual growing. The first one is an outcome of nature, the second one continues with the maturity of the soul. The second depends on man's will with other factors. Thus man has to aim toward flawlessness in a conscious and logical manner. This type of orientation is established in childhood.Parents should teach the value of working and toiling to their children. Learning not to give up and to be persistent begins in childhood. A man obeys the things that he has got accustomed to during his childhood. Sloth and giving up work gives temporary pleasure - therefore it is natural for the child to like these kinds of pleasures. But how can a child possibly know that laziness and idleness are temporary joys? Thus it is the duty of parents to protect ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 21-MARCH-2008
2008-03-27 12:52:24
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, March 21, 2008My dear Turkmen people!Do not stay away; do not be deprived of toil which is a benevolence of God! Without toil there will not be production, the wealth that is earned without effort is worthless. The wealth given as a donor does not have any value for man. This type of wealth is like a beautiful but artificial flower.The end of pleasure and enjoyment is pain and torture, whereas peace is an endless spiritual wealth. God has created man free, but made him dependent on his being about certain issues. The meaning of freedom consists of the fact that both happiness and wickedness are the consequences of your own will. Toil is also a source of happiness that is connected to the will. Thus, if you want to be completely happy, you must get accustomed to working from your early ages. Learn to work, to labor, to see their resul ...
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Would Turkmenbashy have recognized Kosovo's independence?
2008-03-23 01:26:42
This blog is in response to a reader inquiry: "Would Turkmenbashy have recognized Kosovo's independence?" The question was asked in light of my earlier blog:Did Turkmenbashy advocate independence for all the world's ethnic groups?Reflections on the Ruhnama, March 2, 2008In the above blog I wrote, in part:> Whereas Turkmenbashy fully supported the United Nations> as a means of resolving disputes "among" nations and> providing various programs "for" nations -- he clearly> rejected the idea of abolishing nations in preference to> one-worldliness.>> Furthermore, since Turkmenbashy writes in Ruhnama of his> goal to "abolish tribalism" in Turkmenistan as a means of> enhancing equality among citizens, we can conclude that> tribal units are not eligible for independence apart from> a larger ethnic parent group, such as Turkmens. However,> based on Turkmenbashy's words it would appear that groups> such as Tatars, Kurds, Chechens, etc. would be entitled> to independent states in the world ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 14-MARCH-2008
2008-03-21 13:20:54
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, March 14, 2008Story:Once upon a time, a very poor old man who had lived a very unfortunate existence, was approaching the end of his life, coming close to Allah and destiny. Upon the order of God a wise man approached the old man and asked him about his problems and life. The poor man complained about the conditions of his life.The wise man sent by God then said:"I will give you a fixed period of time for the next month. Go and try to find the best life you can. I will change your life according to your choice and give you the life you most desire."The poor old man, after watching the rich men whom he had envied before, found out that there was nothing to be happy about in their life. After a month the wise man sent by God came again and asked the poor old man:"Will you take such and such a person's destiny? He is both rich and wise. ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 07-MARCH-2008
2008-03-13 16:09:57
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, March 7, 2008Story:Once a man wanted to sell his house. A client said:"Sir, houses like this are sold for this and that price; your deal is very expensive. Better houses can be purchased for this price."The person, trying to sell his house, said:"My neighbors are good people; for this reason, my house is expensive."* * * * *Be a brother with your neighbor, on the journey of life!Ruhnama, Book II, p. 173.(English hardcover edition, 2004) ...
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Great Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy's "Ruhnama"
2008-03-08 00:20:47
The Ruhnama (Book of the Soul) was originally intended to be a single book ("Reflections on the Spiritual Values of the Turkmen"), penned during the years 1997-2001 by Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy the Great, and published by the State Publishing Service of Turkmenistan upon completion. In 2004, however, he wrote Book Two ("The Spiritual Wealth of Turkmen") which was published that same year.It is important to remember that, with the publication of the second book, the Ruhnama now consists of the two volumes collectively - and a student of Turkmenbashy's philosophy must study both books. A person who says he has read the Ruhnama, but has not read both volumes in their entirety, has not read the Ruhnama.Turkmenbashy writes:Each individual comes to the fore with the symbols that constitute its core: the commander holds a weapon, the poet holds a pen, the doctor holds a remedy. The President, as a historical character, writes his guidelines and comes to the fore with these.My main guideline is ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 29-FEB-2008
2008-03-06 18:53:11
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, February 29, 2008The human heart wants to travel around the world like a bird; no matter how many countries a human-being sees, he wants to see that many, again. A human-being first flies his bird of heart and he follows it. A human-being first desires something and later follows his desire. Since ancient times, caravan routes passing through our country have reached every corner of the world. Merchandise was purchased from far lands and goods were taken there. Tale-like stories have been told about unknown and undiscovered countries. God Almighty ordered that: "I am Compassionate; I created kinship; and I gave two shares from my own right. Whoever sustains his relations with his relatives, so do I; whoever ends his relations with relatives, so do I." A human-being is in close relations with his relatives, neighbors, friends, colleag ...
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Did Turkmenbashy advocate independence for all the world's ethnic groups?
2008-03-03 02:25:00
Turkmenbashy placed great importance on Turkmenistan's independence. In Ruhnama the "5th Golden Age of the National Turkmen spirit" began on 27 October 1991 - the day of Turkmenistan's independence.Turkmenbashy writes:In fact Allah the Almighty decreed an interesting fate for our nation. The Turkmen spirit rises at the beginning of each millennium. This was the same for the beginning of the third millennium. Allah the Almighty granted the return of historical creative inspiration to the Turkmen. This is the age of maturity for the Turkmen spirit.Ruhnama, Book I, p. 287(English hardcover edition. Bold emphasis appears in original text.)The spiritual figure for this age is none other than Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy the Great. (But you probably saw that coming, huh?) In accordance with the above excerpt it would appear that the beginning of the 5th Golden Age, coupled with Turkmenistan's day of Independence AND Turkmenbashy's ascension to the role of spiritual leader -- was the will of Allah ...
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Is the Golden Age of Turkmenistan coming to an end?
2008-02-28 21:39:37
I started this blog six months after Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy's death because I felt a need to preserve his memory, his teachings, and his vision for the Golden Age should Turkmenistan's new president, Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, move in the direction he is moving now - away from the guidelines set forth in Ruhnama, guidelines and advice for the future of Turkmenistan and her people.In this post-Turkmenbashy era, President Berdymukhammedov is indeed moving rapidly to undo Turkmenbashy's legacy and vision. The news reports have been appearing with increasing frequency: some statues of Turkmenbashy removed, his portraits taken down and replaced with portraits of the new president, etc. Turkmenbashy foresaw this day when he wrote:"I have repeated many times in my speeches that the Turkmens in history were not defeated by external forces but were defeated by internal forces. My aim was to draw your attention to the reality that as a nation we should learn a lesson from history and we shoul ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 22-FEB-2008
2008-02-28 17:24:06
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, February 22, 2008(Continued from last week...) The stingiest person is the one who withholds his greetings from people. If you have the support of God, if you rely on people, then you are a real person. If you don't give even if you have the means, you cannot earn anything when you are in need. If you cannot perform good work, let your intentions be good. Your work depends on your intentions. The world is reigned by a king called Intention, together with a servant called Work. Your soul comes from the Creator, your reputation comes from the people. Take with one hand and give with two hands. If you are elder, you greet with two hands, if you are younger, you greet with one hand. Nursing a grudge is because of stinginess of the spirit. Life is continual; esteem is eternal. Don't lose your esteem for a temporary world.Ruhnama, Book II, ...
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Advice & Proverbs (Part X)
2008-02-23 16:02:28
Turkmenbashy writes:It is difficult to remain pure and clean on earth. Even the light that illuminates everything around blackens whatever the fire touches. Be careful not to cause harm when you are trying to do good.____________When a dog barks his owner checks what is happening around him. Listen. Know how to listen. Even animals listen. You are human, so listen with your heart.____________We say months and days pass so quickly. No, in fact months and days pass so slowly; what passes quickly is life.Ruhnama I, p. 95. ...
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News: Ruhnama School (TDH article and photo)
2008-02-22 17:56:22
This blog carried an article from turkmenistan.ru two days ago announcing the opening of the Ruhnama School in Ashgabat. A more detailed article (plus a photo of the building) has since appeared on the Government of Turkmenistan's website:Ruhnama School opened in the Turkmen capitalState News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) 21.2.08 [Full text:] - The ceremony of opening the new school specialized in physics and mathematics was held in Ashgabat. The remarkable event timed to National Flag Day vividly evidences the President's concern for development of the national education system, training of highly qualified local specialists and intellectual development of a younger generation of the Turkmen people. The educational establishment designed for 600 schoolchildren was constructed by the MACC Company (Turkey) at the request of the Ashgabat Khyakimlik. The Chief Municipal Department of Education occupies the upper four floors of the building. The Ruhnama School designed as an opened book - a ...
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 15-FEB-2008
2008-02-21 15:26:04
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, February 15, 2008Stinginess stems from disbelief. In fact, everything belongs to God. Wealth has been granted to you provisionally. Stinginess, wealth and continuous desire for possession means to doubt the existence of God. Generosity means accepting that you, together with your wealth, belong to God. In the world where time is reigning, nothing is lasting, not even wealth; it rotates from hand to hand, from person to person. Denying this reality - to be stingy - means denying God. Whatever you obtain from God, give to the people. Esteem and honor are eternal. When you are dead, people distribute all your belongings and God does not take your esteem. Not only your hand, but your spirit should also be generous! Don't withhold your good words, smiling face and your open heart from people. The stingiest person is the one who withholds ...
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Ruhnama School opens in Ashgabat
2008-02-20 15:51:46
An article appearing on the turkmenistan.ru website announces the opening of the Ruhnama School in the capital Ashgabat.Physico-mathematical school "Ruhnama" opens in Ashgabatturkmenistan.ru 18-FEB-2008[Full text:] - A special Ruhnama school specializing in profound studies of physics and mathematics was inaugurated in the Turkmen capital today. The new school can accommodate 600 pupils. An eight-storey building was ordered by the Ashgabat city administration. The building's architecture is reminiscent of an open book. It was built in the crossroad of two central avenues of Ashgabat. Four upper floors of the white marble building were given to the Central Education Department of Ashgabat. As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports referring to the Ashgabat city administration, the Ruhnama school has two computer rooms, a language laboratory, the so-called "mobile" class with special portable equipment (notebooks, multimedia boards), laboratories, a library, a room for mus ...
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Advice & Proverbs (Part IX)
2008-02-16 20:47:26
Turkmenbashy writes:We first listen to our minds before commencing a task. The mind of man never deceives him, because Allah is enthroned in our hearts. Listen to your heart.Ruhnama I, p. 95. ...
Advice
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 08-FEB-2008
2008-02-14 17:55:30
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, February 8, 2008The Turkmens witness that Allah alone is great. The Turkmens have always held and defended the belief that Allah maintains all the climatic regions and geographical divisions of the whole world, the universe, and every corner of life; the Turkmen sees the signs of the power of His disposal in every case in the universe; and he often mentions and praises Him and asks for tolerance. The history of the Turkmens is very glorious, too. The spirit of the Turkmens who comprehend this history will soar! But the history of Turkmens has been written as they wish by everybody except Turkmen historians. No one should show contempt for the Turkmens by writing a false history because they have a great history! No one should defame the Turkmens by writing a false history because they have a very pure and clean nature! The Story: Whe ...
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Free gasoline in Turkmenistan starting today
2008-02-11 13:12:38
It all started with Turkmenbashy when he decreed that his people should receive free natural gas, water, salt and electricity.With respect to people's standard of living, the construction of new social facilities and the improvement of current infrastructure facilities are among our most important targets. It is especially emphasized that natural gas, water, electricity and salt are supplied to the people free of charge.Ruhnama I, p. 273(English hardcover edition)Now, this program has been expanded to include free gasoline in a project approved by President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and the Cabinet of Ministers:Turkmen private vehicle owners to receive free gasoline starting February 11turkmenistan.ru09-Feb-2008Monthly quotas of free gasoline for owners of private vehicles were approved at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan yesterday. As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports, new regulations will take effect coming Monday. In accordance with a decree ...
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Priorities in life, the Ruhnama and the Golden Age
2008-02-09 20:58:26
Turkmenbashy writes:Man should solve the two most important questions of his life during his youth. The first is to find a profession which will make his life meaningful. The second is to find a beloved who will make him happy.Our Prophet (peace be upon him) also tried to reach two targets during his life. The first was to convince all people of the unity of God and the second to gather humanity around this idea of God's unity.Oguz Khan also tried to achieve two targets during his reign. The first was to become the ruler and the second to establish his order and rule in the community in order to create a new community.Ruhnama I, pp. 93, 94(English hardcover edition)Let's look at each of these three paragraphs closely.First paragraph - Notice that Turkmenbashy does not mention the acquisition of wealth and material possessions among the two most important considerations in life. He commends a profession that will "make life meaningful" (as opposed to choosing a career based on wages alo ...
Life
Priorities
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 01-FEB-2008
2008-02-07 16:38:42
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, February 1, 2008In the 20th century, humanity progressed by exploring nature and all lands; by researching the details of the animals and plants of the earth, by flying into space, they advanced to a new and progressive age. Since creation, human beings have considered themselves the only thinking, constructing, creating beings, and the only intelligent rulers of the earth. Finally, they have begun to realize that this thought was wrong. The human is not the only interacting, communicating and thinking creature in the world! All living things and animals are able to perform some mental process or communicate in the world! All plants can interact among themselves; they know how to process messages in some way conveyed to them too! Mankind, by exploring the universe, lost his belief in the universe and the heavens! The human being feel ...
Archive
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Advice & Proverbs (Part VIII)
2008-02-01 22:38:21
Turkmenbashy writes:Never try to damage the friendship of two men. On the contrary, try to make friends with both of them.An unjust ruler is like a farmer who plants corn and expects wheat.Good but weak people should not be injured. Ants united can defeat a tiger or a lion.Ruhnama I, p. 91. ...
Advice
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Archive: Weekly Quote for 25-JAN-2008
2008-01-30 23:11:28
Please use the link "Wisdom of Ruhnama" in the right column to access the current quote for this week. Last week's quote appears below.Weekly QuoteFriday, January 25, 2008Attractive surroundings and a good view are wonderful but if there is someone who understands you, then home is better. Heaven-like places are good and pleasant but your own homeland, your fatherland is more appealing and attractive. Run away from that person who opens his door but shuts his heart to you. However, forgive that person who opens his heart but shuts the door to his home because he might have some excuses. Ruhnama, Book I, p. 31.(English hardcover edition) ...
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