Befriended Stranger

I’ve tremendously enjoyed Eric Harper’s new CD “Eric Harper” but I was so taken away by the beautiful music that I could never focus on the lyrics. So I decided to ask Eric for the lyrics so I could read them as I listen to the CD. Next came the idea to ask him questions related more or less to each song of the CD. Eric generously shared his thoughts, and the result is this improvised interview:

Q. How was writing these songs different from writing for your Portuguese CD or the previous ones with your previous band, MimosA.

A. I would have to say that in one sense this album was harder to write than the Portuguese album merely because, with the Portuguese album, the lyrics were already taken care of. The MimosA albums had their challenges as well as it was a collaboration. This new album was more me on my own than anything else. I had started writing it almost 4 years ago while in a little café in Victoria, BC. The guitar idea for Rain came to me while enjoying a nice mocha. Kristian and I would later write the lyrics for that song. There is a freedom to writing alone but there’s also the risk of things sounding banal. Einstein talks about the group genius and this is also true in the Faith where the more human elements you put together on a consultative level the greater the vision can be. But as I had all these songs that didn’t quite match the MimosA sound, I thought it was a good time to get them recorded through another means, through another producer and on my own.

Next, read about Eric Harper’s song “Rain”…

I am back after five nurturing days in the wilderness of Yosemite National Park which was both a journey back to nature, and back to myself.

O thou who hast set foot in the wilderness of knowledge and taken abode within the ark of wisdom! Not until thou hast grasped the mysteries concealed in that which We shall relate unto thee canst thou hope to attain to the stations of faith and certitude in the Cause of God and in those who are the Manifestations of His Cause, the Daysprings of His Command, the Treasuries of His revelation, and the Repositories of His knowledge. Shouldst thou fail in this, thou wouldst be numbered with them that have not striven for the Cause of God, nor inhaled the fragrance of faith from the raiment of certitude, nor scaled the heights of the divine unity, nor yet recognized the stations of divine singleness within the Embodiments of praise and the Essences of sanctity.

Strive then, O My brother, to apprehend this matter, that the veils may be lifted from the face of thy heart and that thou mayest be reckoned among them whom God hath graced with such penetrating vision as to behold the most subtle realities of His dominion, to fathom the mysteries of His kingdom, to perceive the signs of His transcendent Essence in this mortal world, and to attain a station wherein one seeth no distinction amongst His creatures and findeth no flaw in the creation of the heavens and the earth.3

(Baha’u'llah, Gems of Divine Mysteries, p. 12)

O My Brother! A pure heart is as a mirror; cleanse it with the burnish of love and severance from all save God, that the true sun may shine within it and the eternal morning dawn. Then wilt thou clearly see the meaning of “Neither doth My earth nor My heaven contain Me,  but the heart of My faithful servant containeth Me.” And thou wilt take up thy life in thine hand, and with infinite longing cast it before the new Beloved One.

Whensoever the light of Manifestation of the King of Oneness settleth upon the throne of the heart and soul, His shining becometh visible in every limb and member. At that time the mystery of the famed tradition gleameth out of the darkness: “A servant is drawn unto Me in prayer until I answer him; and when I have answered him, I become the ear wherewith he heareth….” For thus the Master of the house hath appeared within His home, and all the pillars of the dwelling are ashine with His light. And the action and effect of the light are from the Light-Giver; so it is that all move through Him and arise by His will. And this is that spring whereof the near ones drink, as it is said: “A fount whereof the near unto God shall drink….”

(Baha’u'llah, The Seven Valleys, p. 21)

Last’s nights Musical Prayer Station with John Albertson and his talented daughters was truly delightful. Both girls sang sweet prayers and played on the piano, at first solo and then accompanied by their dad. After an intermission for refreshments, John Albertson shared with us a diverse selection of acoustic pieces for classical and jazz guitar. Then he transitioned into his own “Song for peace” which he had expanded earlier the same day with a beautiful meditative bridge serving as background for his lovely wife’s recitation of selected “Hidden Words” by Baha’u'llah, and concluded with an improvised blues collaboration between his guitar’s weeping voice,  Adwoa’s angelic voice and my own rock wailing, with a little percussive and vocal help from the whole group of 18 souls who had joined us for an evening of sweet cake (baked by Rochelle) and sweet music.

It was all truly a humble but true illustration of these holy words:

The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 53)

How very encouraging, that as we were making our humble attempt at human and musical harmony, the world welcomes a true anthem of unity in diversity, the inspiring “Citizens of the World” by Pangea:

As Cheng Lin elaborates, Baha’u'llah would be delighted by a song which so beautifully illustrates His message:

The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.
(Baha’u'llah)

The diversity in the human family should be the cause of love and harmony, as it is in music where many different notes blend together in the making of a perfect chord.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Paris Talks, p. 53)

Some things never change… Back in 1983, ABC Broadcasting had a 20/20 TV program on the persecution of the Baha’is of Iran. Now news sources as diverse as CNN and the Muslim Network for Baha’i Rights report that the seven leaders of the Baha’i Faith in Iran have been sentenced to 20 years in prison each! Talk about injustice… This cannot continue forever.

O OPPRESSORS ON EARTH!
Withdraw your hands from tyranny, for I have pledged Myself not to forgive any man’s injustice. This is My covenant which I have irrevocably decreed in the preserved tablet and sealed with My seal.
(Baha’u'llah, The Persian Hidden Words, #64)

Last night I read the powerful Tablet of Ahmad with my heart’s thoughts centered on those innocent souls so unjustly imprisoned. That same evening, a friend of mine dedicated her Yoga practice to the cause of their liberation. What would you do? Let us all pray:

Lauded be Thy name, O Thou Who beholdest all things and art hidden from all things! From every land Thou hearest the lamentations of them that love Thee, and from every direction Thou hearkenest unto the cries of such as have recognized Thy sovereignty. Were their oppressors to be asked: “Wherefore have ye oppressed them and held them in bondage in Baghdad and elsewhere? What injustice have they committed? Whom have they betrayed? Whose blood have they spilled, and whose property have they plundered?” they would know not what to answer.

Thou knowest full well, O my God, that their only crime is to have loved Thee. For this reason have their oppressors laid hold on them, and scattered them abroad. Aware as I am, O my God, that Thou wilt send down upon Thy servants only what is good for them, I nevertheless beseech Thee, by Thy name which overshadoweth all things, to raise up, for their assistance and as a sign of Thy grace and as an evidence of Thy power, those who will keep them safe from all their adversaries.

Potent art Thou to do Thy pleasure. Thou art, verily, the Supreme Ruler, the Almighty, the Help in Peril, the Self-Subsisting
(Baha’u'llah, Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u'llah, p. 23)

The word of God which the Supreme Pen hath recorded on the seventh leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: O ye men of wisdom among nations! Shut your eyes to estrangement, then fix your gaze upon unity. Cleave tenaciously unto that which will lead to the well-being and tranquility of all mankind. This span of earth is but one homeland and one habitation. It behoveth you to abandon vainglory which causeth alienation and to set your hearts on whatever will ensure harmony. In the estimation of the people of Baha man’s glory lieth in his knowledge, his upright conduct, his praiseworthy character, his wisdom, and not in his nationality or rank. O people of the earth! Appreciate the value of this heavenly word. Indeed it may be likened unto a ship for the ocean of knowledge and a shining luminary for the realm of perception.
(Baha’u'llah, Tablets of Baha’u'llah, p. 67)

With more than a little help from my friends, and particularly delicious food prepared by Sharrie (who should be running a catering business!) and very yummy fresh peach cobbler prepared by Rochelle, I hosted an Interfaith Dinner Dialogue event which was both thought provoking and delightful. Just like last year, this event presented an opportunity for dialogue while ensured each person to be heard uninterrupted and opened the door for further sharing of not just what each of the participants’ religion says but what their actual personal faith experience has been. I am particularly encouraged that the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington is in fact encouraging follow up meetings with the same, or different, group of people, later in September, and possibly in November and January. Several of my guests inquired about the Baha’i Faith and I invited all of them to the Musical Prayer Station in two week. Those who attended adhered to Judaism, Islam, several Christian denominations,  and Nature-based beliefs but were all interested in a sincere interfaith dialogue. As Sharrie and I were talking later tonight, there seems to be a need for more such events which would give a safe venue for getting to know each other and building peace through dialogue.

The civility of tonight’s dialogue contrasted dramatically with the plight of the Baha’is of Iran, whose seven leaders just got sentenced to jail for 20 years! Indeed the religious freedom we enjoy in this country, just like any freedom, can be easily taken for granted but should be even more appreciated when put in the context of the brutally intolerant experience of so many others throughout the globe.

May we all pray for the freedom of those unjustly imprisoned!

O people! Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship. Thus hath the day-star of His sanction and authority shone forth above the horizon of the decree of God, the Lord of the worlds.
(Baha’u'llah, Tablets of Baha’u'llah, p. 21)

I just received the list of the participants in this year’s Interfaith Dinner Dialogue which I will co-host on Sunday. It includes: Baha’i, Follower of Jesus, Non-denominational Christian, Nature-based (Wicca), Protestant, Jewish, Islamic. What is missing is Zoroastrian, Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist! Last year’s dialogue was wonderful and resulted in many unexpected new friendships! May the new friendship gained this year be as rewarding!

When I was growing up during the Cold War I was living in fear of the impending nuclear war. August 6th was always somberly commemorated with the sordid story of the bombing of Hiroshima (and two days later in Nagazaki). I wanted to find out the lyrics for a song which I wrong while in college, called “Do Not Kill The Rainbow” and inspired my the story of the children of Hiroshima but I could not find it. So here I am posting the lyrics of two songs that I found very inspiring back in the day (and today still):

“Hiroshima” by Gary Moore:

They still remember the day when Little Boy dropped from his womb.
They still remember how their homes became their children’s tombs.
Their suffer mourn each soul who died that August morning
Why don’t we listen, why don’t we heed the warning?

Hiroshima, the place where innocence was burned.
Hiroshima, the memory makes my stomach turn.
Hiroshima, the world should truly feel the shame.
Hiroshima, the place where facing death became the way of life.

So many children have been born who cannot read or write.
They cannot speak, they cannot hear and some have lost their sight.
Adults with infant minds don’t know the reason why,
for they were in their mothers’ wombs when death fell from the sky.

Hiroshima, the place where innocence was burned.
Hiroshima, the memory makes my stomach turn.
Hiroshima, the world should truly feel the shame.
Hiroshima, the place where facing death became the way of life.

The rest of us should learn a lesson from their sorrow,
so we can stop it all happening tomorrow.

Hiroshima, the place where innocence was burned.
Hiroshima, the memory makes my stomach turn.
Hiroshima, the world should truly feel the shame.
Hiroshima, the rest of us must take the blame.

Hiroshima, the place where innocence was burned.
Hiroshima, the memory makes my stomach turn.
Hiroshima, men came to shadows where they stood.
Hiroshima, this kind of evil brings no good.

No, no.
No, no, no, no, no.
No, no, woah.

“Hiroshima Mon Amour” by Alcatrazz:

It was newborn and ten feet tall,
But they called it little boy,
And C7, H5, O6, N3 they called him
T-N-T.

The fireball would dim the sun,
Promising death in its cruelest form.

Hiroshima Mon Amour
As we beg to be forgiven do you spit,
In our face and curse us all.

The fireball that shamed the sun,
Burning the shadows on the ground,
As the rain falls to dry the land,
Leaving desert for the thirsty man.

They all said it would end the war,
And we thanked Christ for the bomb,
And the priests and witches all agreed,
They should die to keep them free.

The fireball that shamed the sun,
Burning the shadows on the ground,
As the rain falls to dry the land,
Leaving the desert for the thirsty man.

HIROSHIMA!!!

During the last six thousand years nations have hated one another, it is now time to stop. War must cease. Let us be united and love one another and await the result. We know the effects of war are bad. So let us try, as an experiment, peace, and if the results of peace are bad, then we can choose if it would be better to go back to the old state of war! Let us in any case make the experiment. If we see that unity brings Light we shall continue it.
(Abdu’l-Baha, Abdu’l-Baha in London, p. 61)

I just saw “I Am Legend” with Will Smith, in which he explains who Bob Marley is by saying:

He had this idea. It was kind of a virologist idea. He believed that you could cure racism and hate… literally cure it, by injecting music and love into people’s lives. When he was scheduled to perform at a peace rally, a gunman came to his house and shot him down. Two days later he walked out on that stage and sang. When they asked him why – He said, “The people, who were trying to make this world worse… are not taking a day off. How can I? Light up the darkness.“

On Saturday, Hillary Chapman came to my apartment for the now monthly Prayer Station and mesmerized 27 of us with stories of Nashville song writing, providing aural illustrations with some classic country songs. In the second half of the evening, he lead all of us into impromptu sing-alongs based mostly (but not only) on the music of Leonor Dely with multiple language improvisations sprinkled for flavor. We sang three versions of “Say God Sufficieth” in at least four languages, and as Hillary promised us, by the end of the evening, we had learned that prayer by heart:

Say: God sufficeth all things above all things, and nothing in the heavens or in the earth but God sufficeth. Verily, He is in Himself the Knower, the Sustainer, the Omnipotent.
- The Bab

It was truly an uplifting evening made particularly delightful by the presence of a very diverse group of people hailing from Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Hong Kong, Iran, Serbia and of course the U.S., who enjoyed each others’ company until quite late. The next day at the DC Baha’i Center, one of these new friends answered the call of Baha’u'llah and declared his believe in Him, joining the worldwide Baha’i community! Light up the darkness!

For a single purpose were the Prophets, each and all, sent down to earth; for this was Christ made manifest, for this did Bahá’u'lláh raise up the call of the Lord: that the world of man should become the world of God, this nether realm the Kingdom, this darkness light, this satanic wickedness all the virtues of heaven — and unity, fellowship and love be won for the whole human race, that the organic unity should reappear and the bases of discord be destroyed and life everlasting and grace everlasting become the harvest of mankind.
(Abdu’l-Baha, Selections from the Writings of Abdu’l-Baha, p. 30)

I invite you and your loves ones on Saturday, July 31st, at 8 pm to a very special Musical Prayer Station and House Concert with Hillary Chapman. He will play some Nashville songs to give us all a flavor of his own song writing, then ease into spiritual music and conclude with group singing.

You don’t want to miss this! And you should tell your friends about it too! Let me know if you need the directions!