by William Lee Rand
The spiritual and religious ceremonies that are being celebrated around the world at this time of year remind us of the universal nature of Reiki and how it can work to increase the spiritual experience for members of all religions and spiritual groups.
While there are the popular methods of expression of each religion, each has a deeper more evolved or mature level of understanding that isn’t always expressed by the main group, but is practiced often by individuals or by smaller groups or denominations within the religion or spiritual path. When looking at the highest teachings of each religion, we find that the principles they promote are really very similar. These include honoring free will, love, compassion and forgiveness.
It is these higher teachings which if honored within ones own religion or spiritual path and recognized within all others that would more quickly bring about peace on earth. These higher teachings also make up the basic essence of Reiki and therefore, this is one of the reasons Reiki is such a harmonizing force between all people on earth.
During this sacred time of year, let us honor and express our highest spiritual principles at the same time we acknowledge their presence in others regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
Below is a list of some of the religious and spiritual celebrations taking place around the world.
December 2006
3, 10, 17, 24 Advent – Christian A time of preparation for observing the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30 and is the beginning of the Christian worship year. Advent is observed with the lighting of advent candles, display of wreaths, and special ceremonies. Advent also anticipates the coming again to earth of Jesus Christ. The season continues through December 24
8 Bodhi Day (Rohatsu) - Buddhism Buddhist celebration of the time when Prince Gautama took his place under the Bodhi tree, vowing to remain there until he attained supreme enlightenment.
16-23 Hanukkah - Jewish Festival of Lights. It commemorates the Maccabean recapture and rededication of the Jerusalem Temple in 165-164 b.c.e. Special readings and praise songs focus on liberty and freedom. The eight candle Menorah is lighted
22 Yule – Wicca/Neo Pagan. A Norse pagan celebration of the winter-born king, symbolized by the rebirth of the sun often including a feast which continues until the Yule log is burned up in the hearth.
25 Christmas – Christian Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed by prayers, exchanging of gifts, and family parties.
26 Zarathosht Diso - Zoroastrian anniversary of the death of Prophet Zarathushtra.
29 Hajj begins - Islam pilgrimage rites at Mecca on 7-12th days of month of Dhu al-Hajja.
30 Waqf al Arafa (Hajj Day) - Islam observance day during Hajj when pilgrims pray for forgiveness and mercy.
31 Eid al Adha – Islam Feast of Sacrifice. The most important feast of Islam. It concludes the Hajj and is a three-day festival recalling Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
