Last Word
Aurora on tour Aurora was spotted touring outback Australia on the mighty Indian Pacific!
Review By GAIL DOOLAN
William Keepin’s Belonging to God: Science, Spirituality & a Universal Path of Divine Love outlines the essence of the spiritual path of love as revealed in sacred scriptures, focusing on the Bhagavad Gita, the Qur’an, and the Gospels and demonstrating a remarkable convergence of the essential teachings of Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. All three scriptures affirm a supreme Godhead which goes by different names and is perceived in different ways. Particularly important are the common themes emphasising surrender of self, absolute trust in God, and the gift of divine grace that transforms and divinises the soul of the seeker. Keepin writes, “I do not address the complex issues of Islamophobia and extremist ‘Muslim terrorism’ here, which are two sides of a tragic coin. Suffice it to say that such terrorism is perpetrated by a tiny minority of ‘Muslims’ who profoundly betray the very heart of Islam, violate the entire thrust of the Qur’an, and evidently pay no heed to their own Prophet Muhammad’s ominous warning that “He who wrongs a Jew or a Christian will have myself as his accuser on the Day of Judgment.” The core of the Islamic faith is profound devotion for and surrender to God – nothing else and nothing less. In this regard, Islam is one of the most exalted religious traditions, because it goes straight to the very heart of spiritual life.
Inter-spiritual dialogue can serve as a catalyst not only for the growth of inter-religious dialogue, but also for the peace of the world. In his foreword, Fr Thomas Keating OCSO says that the book offers a valuable contribution to this vision. The underlying path of transformation is strikingly similar across the three traditions despite, as Keepin says, “their myriad theological, cultural and liturgical differences”. Keepin reveals a new way of understanding the deeper significance of these teachings, drawing upon scientific breakthroughs in the fields of quantum physics and fractal geometry in mathematics. In quantum physics, a single electron is believed to have some form of awareness of the universe. In fractal mathematics, the macrocosm is replicated in the microcosm. He offers a new way of understanding the oneness of human and divine consciousness across all divisions. I recommend this book for those interested in expanding their understanding of that which is bigger than we are. William Keepin Belonging to God: Science, Spirituality & a Universal Path of Divine Love 2016 Skylight Paths Publishing.
Thai chicken rissoles This easy and tasty recipe is a treat for the whole family. Omit the chilli for child-friendly rissoles and replace with a chopped spring onion. An alternative to the recipe’s chicken mince is finely diced chicken breast for added texture.
BARTHOLOMEW CONNORS Chef - The Cathedral Café
Ingredients
Method
f f 1kg chicken mince f f 1 tablespoon fish sauce f f 1 bunch coriander, finely chopped f f 1 knob ginger, finely chopped f f 1 medium chilli, finely sliced f f 1 packet Asian slaw or salad from supermarket f f 1 packet original fried noodles f f Lime wedges, 1 or 2 per person f f Sweet chilli sauce or homemade Thai dipping sauce.
Preheat oven to 180°C.
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Combine the chicken mince, fish sauce, coriander, ginger and chilli in a large bowl. Roll mixture into small rissoles. Heat a dash of oil in an ovenproof frying pan over medium heat. Add rissoles and brown on one side for 2 minutes, then turn and brown for another minute. Place frying pan into the oven and cook rissoles for 10-12 minutes. Check that rissoles are not pink in the middle and chicken is cooked through.
Chef Bart’s culinary gifts can be enjoyed at The Cathedral Café, 843 Hunter St Newcastle West, 10am–1.30pm, Monday to Friday. P 4961 0546.
Serve with salad sprinkled with fried noodles, lime wedges, a sprinkle of coriander leaves and the dipping sauce. You may also like to add homemade crispy sweet potato chips.
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Ma kes
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