The same wind that uproots trees
makes the grass shine.

The lordly wind loves the weakness
and the lowness of grasses.
Never brag of being strong.

The axe doesn’t worry how thick the branches are.
It cuts them to pieces. But not the leaves.
It leaves the leaves alone.

― Rumi

Although anger and hatred, like compassion and love, are part of our mind, still I believe the dominant force of our mind is compassion and human affection. Therefore, usually I call these human qualities spirituality. Not necessarily as a religious message or religion in that sense. Science and technology together with human affection will be constructive. Science and technology under the control of hatred will be destructive.

If we practice religion properly, or genuinely, or religion is not something outside but in our hearts. The essence of any religion is good heart. Sometimes I call love and compassion a universal religion. This is my religion. Complicated philosophy, this and that, sometimes create more trouble and problems. If these sophisticated philosophies are useful for the development of good heart, then good: use them fully. If these complicated philosophies or systems become an obstacle to a good heart then better to leave them. This is what I feel.

If we look closely at human nature affection is the key to a good heart. I think the mother is a symbol of compassion. Every one has a seed of good heart. The only thing is whether we take care or not to realize the value of compassion. ~Dalai Lama

“We admire elephants in part because they demonstrate what we
consider the finest human traits: empathy, self-awareness, and social
intelligence. But the way we treat them puts on display the very worst
of human behavior.” ~Graydon Carter, Editor of Vanity Fair

The
escalation of poaching, habitat loss, human-elephant conflict and
mistreatment in captivity are just some of the threats to both African
and Asian elephants. Working towards better protection for wild
elephants, improving enforcement policies to prevent the illegal
poaching and trade of ivory, conserving elephant habitats, better
treatment for captive elephants and, when appropriate, reintroducing
captive elephants into natural, protected sanctuaries are the goals that
numerous elephant conservation organizations are focusing on around the
world.

World Elephant Day asks you to experience elephants in
non-exploitive and sustainable environments where elephants can thrive
under care and protection. On World Elephant Day, August 12, express
your concern, share your knowledge and support solutions for the better
care of captive and wild elephants alike.

“Elephants are simply
one more natural resource that is being caught up in human greed on the
one hand and human need on the other.  We somehow need people to become
reacquainted with nature or they can have no clue as to the
interrelatedness of cause and effect.” ~Dr. Stephen Blake, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology

This lively folk dance depicts the daily life of Khmer farmers and fishermen, who dance with traditional bamboo fish­ing equipment such as the ang rut (a braided bell-like bamboo trap), and chneang, trou, lop (braided bamboo baskets). Traditionally, fishing quarters often served as a meeting place far young couples. A charming courting scene ends the piece with playful teasing among the young men and women, making this dance very popular among audiences today.

The dance was choreographed in 1967 by Mr. Vann Sun Heng, and supervised by Prof. Chheng Phon. It was performed from 1967 until 1975, and has been revived since 1979.

Photo credit: travelfootprints

Traditional Folk Dance Refers to all kinds of dances that are passed on from one generation to another and that are often linked to an ethnic group’s traditional’ ceremonies. In Cambodia, traditional dances mostly involve animism and express beliefs in the super­natural.  Khmer DanceWhen people have problems thought to have been caused by super­natural or spirits, they offer lively dances to appease them.

Folk dances are performed at religious ceremonies, festivities, and for leisurely entertainment. Traditionally, all dances were performed in the village in large clearings or public areas at times of birth, marriage, death, during planting and harvesting, hunting, war, or at a feast. Some dances are related to Buddhist beliefs such as Kgnork Pailin and Trot dances. Others are performed once a year according to various spiritual and cere­monial calendars.

Khmer folk dances are highly spirited dances that follow popular themes with lively movements and gestures. Dance motifs are usually based on local legends and the everyday life of the people. Dancers dance with easy, improvised yet composed movements that are designed to invite humor and enthusiasm, with an upbeat music and rhythm. Many dances are accompanied by drums and instru­ments from the 111ohori and pill peat ensemble. Source: khmerguide.com

I try always to express the value of having a good heart. This simple aspect of human nature can be nourished to great power. With a good heart and wisdom you have right motivation and will automatically do what needs to be done. If people begin to act with genuine compassion for every one, we can still protect each other and the natural environment. This is much easier than having to adapt to the severe and incomprehensible environmental conditions projected for the future. ~Dalai lama

The “Aldabra giant tortoise” from the islands of the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, is one of the largest tortoises in the world. Many of these Tortoises live over 100 years.

The Aldabras you are looking at here are on the famous “Prison Island” (aka Changuu) of Zanzibra, Tanzania…. Here is the story…. In 1919 the British governor of Seychelles sent a gift of four Aldabra Giant Tortoises to Changuu from the island of Aldabra.[1] These tortoises bred quickly and by 1955 they numbered around 200 animals. However people began to steal the tortoises for sale abroad as pets or for food and their numbers dropped rapidly. By 1988 there were around 100 tortoises, 50 in 1990 and just seven by 1996.[2] A further 80 hatchlings were taken to the island in 1996 to increase the numbers but 40 of them vanished. The Zanzibar government, with assistance from the World Society for the Protection of Animals built a large compound for the protection of the animals and by 2000 numbers had recovered to 17 adults, 50 juveniles and 90 hatchlings. The species is now considered vulnerable and has been placed on the IUCN Red List by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. More tortoises, mainly juveniles, continue to be brought to the island from other locations for conservation.

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