newsletterno1July2001

The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, "Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you." Elijah got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mountain of God.

It is good to be touched by the angel of the Lord on your way to the holy mountain as experienced by Elijah. But it is also good to be touched by the angel on your way down from the mountain, which was the experience of one of the participants of the 2006 Roche Miette Expedition. You can find this story in our coverage of this yearly event in the first part of the Roche Miette Newsletter (RMN). This expedition, as all before it, created a lot of positive energy. I quote from Wayne Dyer to help you understand how this positive vibration is important and to encourage you to attend the Roche Miette Expedition in 2007.

Later I give you Brother Sage and his Vu Ja De experience as well as his proof that we are all connected, we are all one. I encourage you to visit Brother Sage's web page where he offers, among others, nutritional consultation on raw foods. These foods are filled with spiritual energy and give us this joy of being alive.

Traditionally I give a material from the Interfaith Encounter Association in Jerusalem. From many wonderful activities of this organization, so important at the time of conflict, like the recent one in Lebanon, the collection of leaven breads for the poor inhabitants of East Jerusalem touched my heart. As all similar initiatives in the Middle East, this one required a lot of courage. Please, visit their page and consider donating money to this organization.

In this issue, we will also be dealing with the matters of Hell and Heaven, although this time in a bit humorous way. You will see how one chemistry student came to the scientific conclusion that all the Hell is frozen and does not accept new souls.

Please, pay attention also to our announcements. There are some fine events happening in Edmonton in the fall, such as a visit by Sri Ravi Shankar, and international conference Building World Peace: The Role of Religion and Human Rights, which takes place October 20-22, 2006. I hope to see you there.

This year expedition gathered 16 persons. Some attended for the first time and some were seasoned participants from the past. Piotr Dzięciołowski and Gabryel Budziński came with vengeance. As you may remember pouring rain stopped them from reaching the summit last year.

The brave souls of the 2006 Roche Miette Expedition (from left to right): Henryk Dąbrowski, Stan Chell, Piotr Dzięciołowski, Danuta Rajska, Piotr Anders, Gabryel Budziński, Max Boubnov, Olga Rodnyanski, Elena Boubnov, Piotr Rajski, Ryan Blush, Frank Blush, Rod Sedgwick. Kneeling in front: Grazyna Różycka, Igor Boubnov and Randy Iwanciwski.

This was also my first contact with the mountain in four years. In May 2002 I almost lost my foot trying to climb in the Hidden Valley (on the other slopes of Roche Miette). Last year I opted to lead the group to Sulphur Skyline, which was unsuccessful on account of rain. So this was the first time I was putting my (injured) foot on the mountain since my accident. And quite cautious was my attempt. After reaching the first stop, from which there was a very good view of the mountain I decided to wait with my wife for the rest of the group.

And what a wait it was. We spent eight hours meditating, breathing with the most wonderful air, smelling herbs, and in other ways drawing energy from the surrounding. My wife's presence gave me a chance for an interesting observation. What drew my attention was the apparent contrast between the sharpness of the rocks around and the softness of her body. It makes it easier to understand, I think, why after flirting with Roche Miette I go back to my wife every time.

In the meantime the action did not stop. With the exception of Olga and Elena, who stayed on the saddle, all the other participants reached the main top of Roche Miette and also the Nose.

However, as it is often the case in the high mountains, to get to the top is only half of the victory. The other half is to get safely down. And it can be a tricky thing on Roche Miette, especially on sunny days. People are tired, often lacking on water, and there is no hide from the sun.

No doubt about it! Randy puts lots of energy into making this experience as pleasant and as safe as possible. He is the "responsible one." Roche Miette Expeditions would not be possible without him. I know that Randy loves the mountain and loves taking people to the mountain. But I also know that he breathes with great relief when everybody is safe down and soaking in the warm waters of Miette Hot Springs.

That statement is what best describes this year’s Expedition. I could not put any more emphasis on how God blessed us this year with great weather, views and a wonderful safe trek.

Last year the weather closed in on us and we had to turn back and not attempt the summit. There were a few participants from last year that joined us this trip; I think they were most pleased with what they saw. Last year as the clouds held us at the Saddle I tried to describe what we were missing. All I could say that it would be best to just turn back and try again next year.

This year as the mountain showed itself every step of the way; I let the mountain do the talking. I had no words, just awesome wonder and allowed all to just enjoy their own personal connection with the mountain.

This is my seventeenth trip up and down this spectacular mountain. It is so difficult to put into words what this trek means to me as I am called back each year. I cannot explain this to anyone I simply ask them to join our Expedition and find out for themselves. Some comments were: “ The extreme exertion is worth the magnificent view!” “It is more than I expected!” “I can see why you make this trip each year!”

Every year I feel overwhelmed with God’s love for all, this trip taught me something more. That creation is for all of us, it is to be taken care of, enjoyed and certainly not taken for granted. To miss out on last year’s view was disappointing but the wait was worth it.

To share this Expedition with others is a joy for me. I can only imagine what God has in store for us as we journey through life. I know that God willing I will make this trip for many years to come, with many more people so that we can all experience His love for us at Roche Miette.

By Wayne Dyer

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of optimism and a willingness to be non judgmental of others will counterbalance the negativity of 90,000 individuals who calibrate at the lower weakening levels.

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of pure love and reverence for all of life will counterbalance the negativity of 750,000 individuals who calibrate at the lower weakening levels.

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of illumination, bliss, and infinite peace will counterbalance the negativity of 10 million people who calibrate at the lower weakening levels (approximately 22 such sages are alive today).

One individual who lives and vibrates to the energy of grace, pure spirit beyond the body, in a world of non duality or complete oneness, will counterbalance the negativity of 70 million people who calibrate at the lower weakening levels (approximately 10 such sages are alive today).

In the previous story we share what happened in a study encounter that we held, in which we studied about the ways Judaism and Islam recognize the possibility of giving charity to people of other faiths. After we saw that in both religions there is recognition of giving charity and acting with kindness with any human being, even if he or she does not share your faith, we went out in the beginning of April to implement the idea.

We printed announcements in which we wrote that this year there is a solution for those who wish to get rid of their leaven before Pesach and at the same time do good with it. We publicized the phone numbers of the group's activists and their respective living areas in Jerusalem, in order to allow anyone who is interested to bring us leaven products. In addition, we appointed contact people in all three campuses of the Hebrew University. But we did more than that. In one of the evenings before Pesach we met at Nachlaot neighborhood in the city center, to collect leaven from the neighborhood's houses. We divided into pairs, each consisting of one Jew and one Muslim, one of whom is a man and one is a woman, and started our way.

Visiting the neighborhood's houses was a very special experience. Many of us took part in many interfaith encounters and events. Usually these events happen in a very good atmosphere – due to the simple reason that those who come are either already convinced or at least are open enough to make the effort and come. In this visit to the neighborhood we could not predict who will receive us with warmth and who will slam the door. It was a real "gamble". We did not look for those who are already convinced but went from door to door. Without skipping anyone. Willing to encounter any type of response. And indeed there were also unpleasant responses. There were people who refused to donate once they understood the food is designated for Arabs. Some protested: "would Arabs collect food in this way for poor Jews?" From our perspective it was a major step. It is important to remember in which environment we operate, how deep is the mutual mistrust between the two people, how long is the way ahead of us. Whoever wants to act and make impact should not delude themselves and must understand the complexity of the reality. But it is important to stress that finally we were surprised for the better. The vast majority donated. Some even added sums of money, beyond the leaven product that were meant to be burned anyway. We left the neighborhood with large quantities of food and it was clear to us that if we had more time and more volunteers we would have collected a lot more.

We learned much from this round in the neighborhood on that evening. We were filled with hope for reconciliation and understanding when we saw that contrary to what we expected, most people agreed to donate for people of the neighboring nation, despite the on-going state of war. We think that the residents of the neighborhood also gained something from this evening, beyond the opportunity to donate to the needy. It does not occur every day that you are visited by a Jewish young man and a Muslim young woman or a Jewish young woman and a Muslim young man. It is most likely that for most of the neighborhood's residents it was the first time to see young Muslims and Jews working together for a common idea. Perhaps this too was a small contribution to the reconciliation process between us.

The last phase of this operation – which will be told next time – was the distribution of the collected food. Unfortunately, most of the Jewish members could not come. Those who could were afraid to go into the Arab neighborhood in East Jerusalem (Siluwan) where the food was distributed. And here we have another example that we should not delude ourselves. The problematic security reality caused that our original plan, of Jews and Muslims who will go together in an Arab neighborhood and will distribute food to the needy, was fulfilled only partially. Indeed the way is long but as we all know, even a journey of a thousand miles begins with one small step.

The Interfaith Encounter Association, P.O.Box 3814, Jerusalem 91037, Israel, Phone: +972-2-6510520, Fax: +972-2-6510557

Chemistry Midterm Exam

The following is an actual question given on a University of Washington chemistry mid-term. The answer by one student was so "profound" that the professor shared it with colleagues, via the Internet, which is, of course, why we now have the pleasure of enjoying it as well.

_Bonus Question_: Is Hell exothermic (gives off heat) or endothermic (absorbs heat)?

Most of the students wrote proofs of their beliefs using Boyle's Law (gas cools when it expands and heats when it is compressed) or some variant.

One student, however, wrote the following:

First, we need to know how the mass of Hell is changing in time. So we need to know the rate at which souls are moving into Hell and the rate at which they are leaving. I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to Hell, it will never leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving.

As for how many souls are entering Hell, let's look at the different Religions that exist in the world today. Most of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to Hell.

Since there is more than one of these religions and since people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all souls go to Hell.

With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in Hell to increase exponentially. Now, we look at the rate of change of the volume in Hell because Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in Hell to stay the same, the volume of Hell has to expand proportionately as souls are added.

This gives two possibilities:
1. If Hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure in Hell will increase until all Hell breaks loose.
2. If Hell is expanding at a rate faster than the rate at which souls enter Hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until Hell freezes over.

So which is it?

If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa, (Cheerleader Captain and Class Valedictorian) during my Freshman year that, "it will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you", and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night and again this morning, then number 2 must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and
has already frozen over.

The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore, extinct...leaving only Heaven, and thereby proving the existence of a divine being, which explains why Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God!!!"

THIS STUDENT RECEIVED THE ONLY "A"

The Art of Living - www.artofliving.org
Achieving inner peace in the modern world with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Dear colleague: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, famed humanitarian from India will be giving a one-day course in Edmonton on Sept. 7th 2006. The talk will focus on proven & practical stress release approaches toward success without stress.

His effective stress relieve techniques have helped millions of people improve their health & bringing peace/balance in their lives. His teachings have been taught around the globe to individuals/communities affected by stress, disease & trauma - from executives in the corporate world to hurricane victims in Louisiana and Indonesia, as well as New York residents after 9/11 and inner-city children in Chicago and Washington, DC.

The Art of Living Foundation and IAHV have already started relief operations in war-hit Lebanon. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is the founder of both organizations. The Foundation also offers regular courses & activities in Edmonton.

What: 1 day Course with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar "Success without Stress" from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Public Talk "Achieving Inner Peace in the Modern World" at 7:00 p.m.

When: Sept. 07, 2006 / Info. & Registration: 438-4742
Where: Palace Banquet Hall, 3232 Parsons Rd. (99th St.)
Note: Tickets can also be purchased on-line at: www.artofliving.org

PS. Mention The Community Networks Group and receive a free DVD about Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and the work of the Art of Living Foundation.

About: The Art of Living Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. One of the largest volunteer based NGO in the world, the Foundation's community service projects on yoga, meditation & stress elimination have benefited over 20 million representing all walks of life, religions, cultures and traditions.

Building World Peace: The Role of Religions & Human Rights
Oct. 20-22, 2006 - An International Conference in Edmonton, AB Canada.

www.buildingworldpeace.com

à Imagine yourself in a room with these people …

. John de Chastelain (Peacebroker in Northern Ireland)
. Romeo Dallaire (Author, Shake Hands with the Devil)
. Federico Mayor (Former Director-General of UNESCO)
. Irwin Cotler (Former Minister of Justice Canada)
. Lois Wilson (First Canadian President of World Council of Churches)
. Ovide Mercredi (Aboriginal Politician and Peace Activist)
. Haroon Siddiqui (Editor Emeritus, Toronto Star)

à Talking about these topics...

. Taking God to War
. Peacebuilding in a World of Change: Challenge for Canada
. Canada: Is Our Reputation for Inclusion Deserved?
. Aboriginal Traditions & Spirituality: Overcoming Tragedies?
. Violence Against Women and Children
. Information and Media: Creating a Dialogue for Peace.

à Conference Co-chairs, The Honourable Douglas Roche, O.C. & Senator Claudette Tardif.

Take advantage of early registration fees! A full list of speakers/topics, online registration, and volunteer or sponsorship opportunities can be found by visiting our website or contacting our office at:

Tel: 453-2638 / E: conferenceadmin@telus.net
Web: www.buildingworldpeace.com

. Full Conference Registration (Oct 20-22)
. Early Bird: $300 - until July 31, 2006
. Regular: $ 350 / Youth: $ 125 - to age 25

. Friday Evening Keynote Address: $ 25
. Saturday Evening Banquet & Keynote: $ 100

Note: Full Conference registrations include nutrition breaks, Friday evening Keynote and Saturday evening Banquet and Keynote.

We thank the following organizations for their commitment/support:

Canadian Heritage (Government of Canada); Alberta Human Rights, Citizenship & Multiculturalism Education Fund; City of Edmonton; University of Alberta; Campus Saint Jean; TELUS; Edmonton Journal; PageMaster; Worthington Properties; Centre High Campus; RAMP Interactive, VIP Development Group of Companies.

Presented by: the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights.

"One God Notes" consist of quotations from spiritual writings of many religious traditions. The purpose is to inspire, to open hearts, so people perceive God's Presence in and around them. In this way I hope to create a sense of human and religious unity.

Roche Miette Association is an informal group of people who try to achieve the ideals of human unity as expressed in the Roche Miette Rule. One of the characteristics of this group of enthusiasts is love of Nature and willingness to love God through His Creation. In particular, we are drawn by the beauty of Roche Miette Mountain, near Hinton, Alberta, and organize once a year a non-denominational hike/pilgrimage to this mountain. People of all religious backgrounds are invited to participate with us in this auspicious event.

If these ideals appeal to you, you may want to support them through a financial donation. Please, send checks for "Roche Miette Association" to:

Piotr Rajski
Roche Miette Association
576, Lessard Drive
Edmonton, AB, T6M 1B2
Canada

Would you like to contribute to the Roche Miette Newsletter? Please, send your text in Microsoft Word or HTML format to rajski@shaw.ca. Of special interests are stories, reflections on the following subjects:

Human and religious unity.
Harmony between different religions, cooperation between religious groups.
Examples of interfaith dialogue, tolerance, forgiveness.
Love of Nature (especially mountains).
Spirituality.
Meditation, Contemplative Prayer.
Religious life, especially Practice of the Presence of God, pilgrimage.
Mysticism, especially in the context of the mountains.
Poetry, art, music, photographs related to the mountains.

Manuscripts to be considered should be original articles (not published elsewhere). Some previously published materials may
also be considered if submitted with the info and consent of the publisher. Some promotional materials, such excerpts from books, can also be considered if related to the above topics. Announcements of interest for wider audiences are also occasionally accepted.

The Roche Miette Newsletter has a circulation of approximately 400 recipients. Copies of the newsletter are sent to National Library of Canada for research purposes. To see the previous issues you can visit http://rochemiette.ca/newsletter.html

By Brother Sage.