A Cricket’s Philosophy 4
The Garden Of Eden
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived in perfect happiness and unconscious goodness. Since God planted the forbidden apple tree they became restless, unhappy, eager to know, why it was forbidden and so the miseries follow from transgressing, disobeying the prohibition. They then became conscious of good and evil and sin, A cricket, all other creatures have no forbidden apples. They’re not subject to this law and so don’t, can’t sin.
A Cricket’s Consolation
“Don’t be downcast, downhearted, unhappy if you have no success with your writings. It’s God who intentionally did so to you, in order to make you, Mr. Chew not arrogant, lazy and your writings become poor, having no weight. My chirping was never broadcasted.”
Free Will
Man is created after His image, in His likeness, that is according to His own discretion. Man certainly is not like God.
I’m happiest as I am, though but a cricket. My free will is but what Nature, God has implanted in me. My Free will is His will.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Benjamin Couldn't Say Goodbye
Benjamin Couldn’t Say Goodbye
“Suddenly, unexpected, he went away. Could I know it before, I’d never miss the chance to see his shows on TV” so said Ita, a teenager while her younger brother said, I prefer to be a Benjamin, rather than a minister. He is more loved, remembered by the people”.
“What would you do if you knew that tomorrow is Doomsday?” asked Pak Arif. Ita fancied herself: spend all her money, eat the most delicious food, ice cream, pray for forgiveness, pay off all her debts, and eh, … marry her “prince”.
“When St. Fransciscus was asked the same question, he said that he would just continue to plough his field, and do his daily chores as is his wont.”
“Why doesn’t he want, wish, as other people would if they could know the last day of their life?” asked Ita.
“Then it would be too late.” Said Pak Arif. “I imagine St. Franciscus knowing that he never could know the time to say farewell so every time there’s an opportunity he is doing the best thing he should, could do. He has, does already all what he wants. He wants nothing more.
“He can’t recover, undo, wipe away, what had passed, had happened. He can’t hasten his life, eat more, see more, read more,... Moreover, you can’t “eat up” all your riches except as much as your daily meals, your daily reading, daily joys, … Any day could be his last day. It’s now, today, not tomorrow.
“Everyday he eats the nicest, best food, though it’s just simple fare, the coolest drink, though but plain water, anytime he wants to pray, he prays, he never wasted his time to no purpose. He isn’t resentful, hostile, even birds aren’t afraid of him, so they say. He’d lived well, perhaps poor in the eyes of people, yet never could he have lived a better, “richer” life.
“Well, would you postpone your marriage with your “prince” till a day before your last day? What do you think?” So asked Pak Arif.
Ita kept silent. “True, don’t be a fool, don’t wait, postpone, delay doing, what is best, most likable for you, in order not be too late and be sorry. Benjamin, anyone never has the opportunity to say goodbye.” So she assured herself.
From Jayakarta, September 20, 1995
“Suddenly, unexpected, he went away. Could I know it before, I’d never miss the chance to see his shows on TV” so said Ita, a teenager while her younger brother said, I prefer to be a Benjamin, rather than a minister. He is more loved, remembered by the people”.
“What would you do if you knew that tomorrow is Doomsday?” asked Pak Arif. Ita fancied herself: spend all her money, eat the most delicious food, ice cream, pray for forgiveness, pay off all her debts, and eh, … marry her “prince”.
“When St. Fransciscus was asked the same question, he said that he would just continue to plough his field, and do his daily chores as is his wont.”
“Why doesn’t he want, wish, as other people would if they could know the last day of their life?” asked Ita.
“Then it would be too late.” Said Pak Arif. “I imagine St. Franciscus knowing that he never could know the time to say farewell so every time there’s an opportunity he is doing the best thing he should, could do. He has, does already all what he wants. He wants nothing more.
“He can’t recover, undo, wipe away, what had passed, had happened. He can’t hasten his life, eat more, see more, read more,... Moreover, you can’t “eat up” all your riches except as much as your daily meals, your daily reading, daily joys, … Any day could be his last day. It’s now, today, not tomorrow.
“Everyday he eats the nicest, best food, though it’s just simple fare, the coolest drink, though but plain water, anytime he wants to pray, he prays, he never wasted his time to no purpose. He isn’t resentful, hostile, even birds aren’t afraid of him, so they say. He’d lived well, perhaps poor in the eyes of people, yet never could he have lived a better, “richer” life.
“Well, would you postpone your marriage with your “prince” till a day before your last day? What do you think?” So asked Pak Arif.
Ita kept silent. “True, don’t be a fool, don’t wait, postpone, delay doing, what is best, most likable for you, in order not be too late and be sorry. Benjamin, anyone never has the opportunity to say goodbye.” So she assured herself.
From Jayakarta, September 20, 1995
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Honey Always Sweet To Me
Honey Always Sweet To Me
I remember the prince saying: “ Honey will be always sweet to me, Honey, although someone says it’s not or bitter.” Just guess, who is the happier, you or me?”
Without giving her the opportunity to answer he whispered to his princess: “Me, as I do love you more than you … me.
They certainly didn’t compete as is common between rivals in harming, cornering one another, but on the contrary, compete in offering the greatest happiness, blessing, heaven, to each other.
“To someone who harbors envy, hate, ill will, heaven is,” … “is to harm, hurt some one he hates and succeed to send him to hell. Ha, ha, ha.” Si Upik interrupted.
From Swara (Kompas), October 7, 1999
I remember the prince saying: “ Honey will be always sweet to me, Honey, although someone says it’s not or bitter.” Just guess, who is the happier, you or me?”
Without giving her the opportunity to answer he whispered to his princess: “Me, as I do love you more than you … me.
They certainly didn’t compete as is common between rivals in harming, cornering one another, but on the contrary, compete in offering the greatest happiness, blessing, heaven, to each other.
“To someone who harbors envy, hate, ill will, heaven is,” … “is to harm, hurt some one he hates and succeed to send him to hell. Ha, ha, ha.” Si Upik interrupted.
From Swara (Kompas), October 7, 1999
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
A Thought On Inhuman Behavior
A Thought On Inhuman Behavior
In former times, naughty children were sometimes threatened with cabe rawit (a very small hot-tasting chili) and chicken dirt to their mouths or locked up in a room, beaten with a rattan or having no meal as punishment by their parents who were angry. Now, should children then revolt against their parents and establish a movement, which is anti-, counter parents? There’s no such thing in their minds, said Pak Arif.
Suppose we persuade children to join a movement that’s countering parents. Christie, Stephen, Angie, Jason, Justin would say, “Why? They’re no foes. Dad and mama are our most loved ones in the whole world and whom we wouldn’t exchange with any other pap and mama. Even if we get a beating.
What should be fought against is inhuman behavior perpetrated not only by parents, by masters, but by anyone; not only to children, to women, but to anyone.
Wow, how sweet it would be when on Woman’s Day, women celebrate the day by surprising men, their husbands with something special that’s nice to them.
Pak Arif whispered to me: “Instead of celebrating with publishing (at that time in Jakarta), gathering all the sins, atrocities perpetrated by men towards women. Is it only men that are capable of such inhuman demeanor?
Complain about The Almighty who created man so black! I would rather sing, praise woman, of her goodness, her warmth, her charm, her smile, her voice her dignity, … and be very grateful to The Creator who made her, instead of exposing her wickedness, deceit, as I myself am not better than she is, said Pak Arif.
Well, I can’t wait till Man’s Day to come if there was one. I’d celebrate any day of the year by surprising women with something delightful when I’d feel like it.
And I remember the marriage agency in the news paper for men and women who wish, seek a partner. Man, woman and children united in harmony makes a happy family.
From Jayakarta, July 28, 1995
In former times, naughty children were sometimes threatened with cabe rawit (a very small hot-tasting chili) and chicken dirt to their mouths or locked up in a room, beaten with a rattan or having no meal as punishment by their parents who were angry. Now, should children then revolt against their parents and establish a movement, which is anti-, counter parents? There’s no such thing in their minds, said Pak Arif.
Suppose we persuade children to join a movement that’s countering parents. Christie, Stephen, Angie, Jason, Justin would say, “Why? They’re no foes. Dad and mama are our most loved ones in the whole world and whom we wouldn’t exchange with any other pap and mama. Even if we get a beating.
What should be fought against is inhuman behavior perpetrated not only by parents, by masters, but by anyone; not only to children, to women, but to anyone.
Wow, how sweet it would be when on Woman’s Day, women celebrate the day by surprising men, their husbands with something special that’s nice to them.
Pak Arif whispered to me: “Instead of celebrating with publishing (at that time in Jakarta), gathering all the sins, atrocities perpetrated by men towards women. Is it only men that are capable of such inhuman demeanor?
Complain about The Almighty who created man so black! I would rather sing, praise woman, of her goodness, her warmth, her charm, her smile, her voice her dignity, … and be very grateful to The Creator who made her, instead of exposing her wickedness, deceit, as I myself am not better than she is, said Pak Arif.
Well, I can’t wait till Man’s Day to come if there was one. I’d celebrate any day of the year by surprising women with something delightful when I’d feel like it.
And I remember the marriage agency in the news paper for men and women who wish, seek a partner. Man, woman and children united in harmony makes a happy family.
From Jayakarta, July 28, 1995
Opa Johan's Old Bike
Opa Johan’s Old Bike
“Well, choose a fine bike that’s strong and low-priced. But sell the old one first. I will provide for the money. This is what your grown up daughter told, ordered me to do as I teased my wife. “ said Opa Johan to me.
“Well, it isn’t nice to be hurried, ordered, do this and do that, just to buy a new bike, as though I have no dignity anymore. If she’d like to give me money, let me decide what I will do with it.
The Creator has given us hands without prerequisites. He didn’t order us to use them for praying only. We’re free to use them, to work with, to dance, to paint, to embrace, to play the piano, to bless, yes, but also to hit, strike, hurt just someone else or an animal without reason. Only, could, would you do it?. Ha, ha, ha. Our hands can accomplish a lot of things, not to speak of our feet and our organs and limbs.
I haven’t the heart to sell my old bike which has carried me thousands of kilometers, served me for years and given me a lot of pleasure to a vendor. It would be ungrateful. I’d rather give it to some one who would appreciate it If the old bike should be sold as something old and useless to a vendor, well, don’t buy me a new bike. So I said to my wife.” said Opa Johan to me.
I kept silent, reflected and remembered the saying:. “Money is a good servant but a bad master.”
Suppose I’d like to help some one in difficult circumstances, perhaps it’s better to aid him or her with a sum of money as a gift to have him free to decide for himself, rather than giving him in the form of goods.
He certainly will make money his servant and spend it wisely, with care for the most important purposes without having to lower himself by begging or asking for it.
But if we make money our master, I then thought of the speculators who made their profits by “manipulating” the dollar rates, our forests that were cut down, our lakes, marshes dried-up, nature’s treasures exploited, our conscience corrupted and a thousand and one awful things for the sake of money.
From Sinar Pagi, February 22, 1998
“Well, choose a fine bike that’s strong and low-priced. But sell the old one first. I will provide for the money. This is what your grown up daughter told, ordered me to do as I teased my wife. “ said Opa Johan to me.
“Well, it isn’t nice to be hurried, ordered, do this and do that, just to buy a new bike, as though I have no dignity anymore. If she’d like to give me money, let me decide what I will do with it.
The Creator has given us hands without prerequisites. He didn’t order us to use them for praying only. We’re free to use them, to work with, to dance, to paint, to embrace, to play the piano, to bless, yes, but also to hit, strike, hurt just someone else or an animal without reason. Only, could, would you do it?. Ha, ha, ha. Our hands can accomplish a lot of things, not to speak of our feet and our organs and limbs.
I haven’t the heart to sell my old bike which has carried me thousands of kilometers, served me for years and given me a lot of pleasure to a vendor. It would be ungrateful. I’d rather give it to some one who would appreciate it If the old bike should be sold as something old and useless to a vendor, well, don’t buy me a new bike. So I said to my wife.” said Opa Johan to me.
I kept silent, reflected and remembered the saying:. “Money is a good servant but a bad master.”
Suppose I’d like to help some one in difficult circumstances, perhaps it’s better to aid him or her with a sum of money as a gift to have him free to decide for himself, rather than giving him in the form of goods.
He certainly will make money his servant and spend it wisely, with care for the most important purposes without having to lower himself by begging or asking for it.
But if we make money our master, I then thought of the speculators who made their profits by “manipulating” the dollar rates, our forests that were cut down, our lakes, marshes dried-up, nature’s treasures exploited, our conscience corrupted and a thousand and one awful things for the sake of money.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
The Mote In His Brother's Eye, ...
The Mote In His Brother’s Eye, …
It was in 1998 and was eagerly discussed that anyone, - especially President Soeharto -, on the contrary should, could prove that his riches doesn’t come from illegal dealings KKN, (that is Corruption, Collusion, Nepotism).
I think of his salary which is so small in relation to his huge, vast responsibilities. Certainly a small salary is no excuse to commit KKN. The amount of what is corrupted, if it could be proved by the court, perhaps is not enough to pay him for what he has done, accomplished as long as 32 years for his country and his people.
Even more so as I think of what he has endured, suffered, of the people’s despising, blaming, cursing him, hate, … when many of his ministers left him, instead of aiding him during the crises. If his faith was not very strong, he certainly would mentally collapse. Yet he doesn’t try to escape to another country. Oh, if one could only know before, how bad, unthankful, how sad it is to be a president, who would like, wish to become one?
A lot had been published at the time of the economic, political crises, about mass unemployment, families hardly able to buy the most necessary foods, even more so the vagrants or pemulungs.
Yet, all the fuss about their sorry fate, state, it could be said that they’re still lucky as compared with the fate of one who suffered from a tumor in his mouth, stopped his mouth and covered one of his eyes with as big as a live coral-like tumor. Another suffered from elephant decease, elephantiasis and makes his thy as large and heavy as a heavy sack of rice as shown on TV. They couldn’t escape the deadly clutch of those deceases. A death sentence wouldn’t be more terrible, frightening.
When si upik saw this, she said: “Well, rather than fuss, read about the many unpleasant, ugly things, doings of others around us, better busy ourselves with opening a public purse to help to heal sufferers of such terrible deceases, better take home oleh-oleh (something nice brought home after a trip) duren Parung, hear Benjamin’s gay singing in Jakartan slang, see Miing’s humorous show on TV, hear CD’s see video’s, enjoy the full moon on a beach and a lot more.”
“Doesn’t reformation starts with correcting our own bad behavior, our mistakes, our greed first.” said Pak Arif. ”And on the contrary think of all the good of others, take, bring blessings, happiness to our neighbors, instead of harboring base thoughts, of blaming, slandering about their bad behavior, illegal dealings which aren’t yet proved.”
“Suppose we’re as rich, and powerful as Soeharto, wouldn’t we do the same as he does (KKN), as though we’re spotless, honest, superior to him? And would we have the honesty, courage to sue ourselves as we prosecute as “pitiless” Soeharto with. It certainly is less risky for us to be prosecuted as we have no riches as vast as his.
“If there is proof of his wrong doings, certainly take him before the court. Don’t be keen on pursuing other’s faults, weaknesses as though they’re mere evil and have nothing good at all and forget our own wrongdoings ourselves as the Dutch saying says, Hij ziet den splinter in zijns broeders oog, maar niet de balk in zijn eigens. He sees the mote in his brother’s eye and not the beam in his own.
It was in 1998 and was eagerly discussed that anyone, - especially President Soeharto -, on the contrary should, could prove that his riches doesn’t come from illegal dealings KKN, (that is Corruption, Collusion, Nepotism).
I think of his salary which is so small in relation to his huge, vast responsibilities. Certainly a small salary is no excuse to commit KKN. The amount of what is corrupted, if it could be proved by the court, perhaps is not enough to pay him for what he has done, accomplished as long as 32 years for his country and his people.
Even more so as I think of what he has endured, suffered, of the people’s despising, blaming, cursing him, hate, … when many of his ministers left him, instead of aiding him during the crises. If his faith was not very strong, he certainly would mentally collapse. Yet he doesn’t try to escape to another country. Oh, if one could only know before, how bad, unthankful, how sad it is to be a president, who would like, wish to become one?
A lot had been published at the time of the economic, political crises, about mass unemployment, families hardly able to buy the most necessary foods, even more so the vagrants or pemulungs.
Yet, all the fuss about their sorry fate, state, it could be said that they’re still lucky as compared with the fate of one who suffered from a tumor in his mouth, stopped his mouth and covered one of his eyes with as big as a live coral-like tumor. Another suffered from elephant decease, elephantiasis and makes his thy as large and heavy as a heavy sack of rice as shown on TV. They couldn’t escape the deadly clutch of those deceases. A death sentence wouldn’t be more terrible, frightening.
When si upik saw this, she said: “Well, rather than fuss, read about the many unpleasant, ugly things, doings of others around us, better busy ourselves with opening a public purse to help to heal sufferers of such terrible deceases, better take home oleh-oleh (something nice brought home after a trip) duren Parung, hear Benjamin’s gay singing in Jakartan slang, see Miing’s humorous show on TV, hear CD’s see video’s, enjoy the full moon on a beach and a lot more.”
“Doesn’t reformation starts with correcting our own bad behavior, our mistakes, our greed first.” said Pak Arif. ”And on the contrary think of all the good of others, take, bring blessings, happiness to our neighbors, instead of harboring base thoughts, of blaming, slandering about their bad behavior, illegal dealings which aren’t yet proved.”
“Suppose we’re as rich, and powerful as Soeharto, wouldn’t we do the same as he does (KKN), as though we’re spotless, honest, superior to him? And would we have the honesty, courage to sue ourselves as we prosecute as “pitiless” Soeharto with. It certainly is less risky for us to be prosecuted as we have no riches as vast as his.
“If there is proof of his wrong doings, certainly take him before the court. Don’t be keen on pursuing other’s faults, weaknesses as though they’re mere evil and have nothing good at all and forget our own wrongdoings ourselves as the Dutch saying says, Hij ziet den splinter in zijns broeders oog, maar niet de balk in zijn eigens. He sees the mote in his brother’s eye and not the beam in his own.
From Suara Karya, November 5, 1998
Comments some one:
Wow, 9 billon US dollars savings!! If counted one by one with a speed of a fourth of a second, then we need 9 billion times of a fourth of a second and calculated it would take us about 75 years counting, that is to say non-stop, 24 hours a day without sleep and other activities. If we counted 8 hours a day it would take the time till our grand, grand, grand children of the so many degree and that is without Sun- and Holidays.
If it were connected, each dollar with one another in a row (if there is, instead of a coin) and a banknote is about 20 Cm, in length, it would reach 9 billion times 20 Cm or nearing 2 million Km or a journey of 450 times around the world. If packed (and one packet of 100 banknotes is 1 Cm thick) and placed one upon the other, just calculate how many thousands of Km high it will reach, that is more than 10 Mount Everest high.
Another one comments:
Oh, it’s only 9 billion US Dollars that’s in question as published in a well known international magazine and moreover not yet proved to be so before the court. It can never buy one’s peace, health, happiness, love, isn’t it? Besides, if we compare it with the atrocities, million murders, crimes of war under the Hitler or Pol Pot regime so say those who know it. Well such huge crimes are well worth questioning.
Comments some one:
Wow, 9 billon US dollars savings!! If counted one by one with a speed of a fourth of a second, then we need 9 billion times of a fourth of a second and calculated it would take us about 75 years counting, that is to say non-stop, 24 hours a day without sleep and other activities. If we counted 8 hours a day it would take the time till our grand, grand, grand children of the so many degree and that is without Sun- and Holidays.
If it were connected, each dollar with one another in a row (if there is, instead of a coin) and a banknote is about 20 Cm, in length, it would reach 9 billion times 20 Cm or nearing 2 million Km or a journey of 450 times around the world. If packed (and one packet of 100 banknotes is 1 Cm thick) and placed one upon the other, just calculate how many thousands of Km high it will reach, that is more than 10 Mount Everest high.
Another one comments:
Oh, it’s only 9 billion US Dollars that’s in question as published in a well known international magazine and moreover not yet proved to be so before the court. It can never buy one’s peace, health, happiness, love, isn’t it? Besides, if we compare it with the atrocities, million murders, crimes of war under the Hitler or Pol Pot regime so say those who know it. Well such huge crimes are well worth questioning.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Adam And Eve 2
Song Of MM*
Should I see myself as a fallen, sinful woman?
While I have got the honor of Adam.
Should I treat my child, his child as a child of dishonor?
While I received it as a blessing instead of a misfortune.
I don’t care of the honor for an honorable woman
Though people sing and praise me
And build me a statue
If no Adam wants me
But regards, treats me
As though empty air, a stone, a piece of wood.
*Maria Magdalene of our age
Eve In Our Times
Does it make a difference
Between a promise of faithfulness
In our youth or before the altar
Or unspoken in a kiss?
For you, no difference.
You wouldn’t have broken it.
But what is your promise, your oath
Even before God to me?
Though you would always stay with me
But stop loving me.
Better free you of your vows
Yet, still love me
And sing and dream of me.
Though not forever,
Though not sanctified before God
Though others would “imprison” you
Or block your way to me.
Your ring, your promise, your vow, give it to others.
But that you’re mine, as long as you love me.
Song Of Adam In Our Age
So Eve granted me her warmth, her smile, her touch, her kiss, … and though not for as long as life, but just for a day, an hour, a minute or even a second, I would forgo all honor, renown, riches, and readily endure the greatest pains, miseries, and not, ever would regret. Is there a warmer, cosier couch than to sleep in her arms? Oh, God, am I so happy being Adam. Her treasures would otherwise have been in vain.
Her eyes are lovlier, brighter than the most precious stones.
Her whisper divine music.
When she comes I forget all
And I don’t care,
Whether tomorrow is Doomsday.
Song Of MM*
Should I see myself as a fallen, sinful woman?
While I have got the honor of Adam.
Should I treat my child, his child as a child of dishonor?
While I received it as a blessing instead of a misfortune.
I don’t care of the honor for an honorable woman
Though people sing and praise me
And build me a statue
If no Adam wants me
But regards, treats me
As though empty air, a stone, a piece of wood.
*Maria Magdalene of our age
Eve In Our Times
Does it make a difference
Between a promise of faithfulness
In our youth or before the altar
Or unspoken in a kiss?
For you, no difference.
You wouldn’t have broken it.
But what is your promise, your oath
Even before God to me?
Though you would always stay with me
But stop loving me.
Better free you of your vows
Yet, still love me
And sing and dream of me.
Though not forever,
Though not sanctified before God
Though others would “imprison” you
Or block your way to me.
Your ring, your promise, your vow, give it to others.
But that you’re mine, as long as you love me.
Song Of Adam In Our Age
So Eve granted me her warmth, her smile, her touch, her kiss, … and though not for as long as life, but just for a day, an hour, a minute or even a second, I would forgo all honor, renown, riches, and readily endure the greatest pains, miseries, and not, ever would regret. Is there a warmer, cosier couch than to sleep in her arms? Oh, God, am I so happy being Adam. Her treasures would otherwise have been in vain.
Her eyes are lovlier, brighter than the most precious stones.
Her whisper divine music.
When she comes I forget all
And I don’t care,
Whether tomorrow is Doomsday.
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