In the musical genre” Time” narrated by Sir Lawrence Oliver society has much to learn and consider.
“Throughout the Universe there is order, in the movement of the planets, in nature and in the functioning of the human mind. A mind that is in its natural state of order is in harmony with the Universe, and such a mind is timeless. Your life is an expression of your mind. You are a creator of your own Universe, for as a human being you are “free to will” whatever state of being you desire through the use of your thoughts and words. There is great Power there. It can be a blessing or a curse”.
Study the quote and consider the thinking of political leaders who blame Apartheid for our electricity woes. Consider what they knew and ignored since the crises was brought to the attention of the state roughly 15 years ago. If it was entirely Apartheids fault, why did past Pres. Thabo Mbeki apologised to the nation in 2008. Consider if our current leaders have the thoughts and actions, not words required to solve the crises instead of consigning blaming. With growing crime and joblessness consider if current leaders are a blessing or a curse.
“It’s entirely up to you, for the quality of your life is brought about by the quality of your thinking. Think about that. Thoughts produce actions. See the pettiness and the envy and the greed and the fear and all the other attitudes that cause you pain and discomfort. Realize that the one thing you have absolute control over is your attitude. See the effect that it has on those around you, for each life is linked to all life and your words carry with them chain reactions like a stone that has been thrown into a pond. If your thinking is in order, your words will flow directly from the heart creating ripples of love”.
Consider this quote in the context of student’s battling English colonialism at UCT and other students who fight to be taught in English at an Afrikaans Stellenbosch University. Consider if the students grasp the irony? Was Afrikaans, not developed and evolved by the 16th century Malay/Muslim slaves as a form of protest -rejecting the language of the Dutch and English masters? Is Afrikaans not the first hybrid native tongue of the Cape? Does Afrikaans above all languages on earth not represent the history of a stolen heritage and culture? Do those who reject Afrikaans realise that when Afrikaans is relegated – in time our shared history is diminished?
“If you truly want to change your world, you must change your thinking. Reason is your greatest tool. It creates an atmosphere of understanding which leads to caring which is Love. Choose your words with care”.
In the words of the wise, if you do not have innate dignity and integrity you have nothing. You can have all the education or money in the world, but if you are not ethical or person of consciousness, you have nothing. An honest person does not accept corruption and knows that success only matters if we earn it fair and square.
Cllr Yagyah Adams
Cape Muslim Congress