The Companion
by
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Purpose
When I asked “What then of my purpose in life? Why am I on this earth?”
My soul grew silent and brooding, for it was ignorant as I of the reason for these earthly shackles.
The voice of God was like chimes in the breeze. “All my children are united in purpose, like petals arranged in a flower, together and separate at once. And the only reason for your existence is to know Me and to sow love upon this earth. Bind yourself to love and you join yourself to Me. It matters not what you do; a parent does not care which game a child plays, as long as she laughs and smiles. In sowing love upon the earth, you fulfill the dream that all of Heaven dreamt when you were born.
Religion
I marvelled at the genius of the Lord of Creation, but I still contained a lifetime of questions. I asked, “Why have you divided men into different religions, so that they argue and even murder in your name? Why have you not come and declared one religion, one faith that would unite us all, or destroy the idea of religion entirely?”
My soul rose like a wounded serpent and bit me, saying, “Has it not become plain to you that our Master is not the author of any misery on this earth, but that misguided zealots sow destruction in this world? You blame the teachings of religion; I blame the inattentive students who see only the flesh of the fruit and not the seeds.” I grew pensive at my soul’s scolding.
The voice of God was hurt, and I felt guilty for offending the only one in my life who would walk with me forever. And the Almighty said, “Your words pain bitterly, not because you ask, but because it is a valid question. Why do those who magnify my name smear it with blood? How shall I speak to those who proclaim God’s majesty so loud that they drown out My peace? Nothing causes My heart to ache more than unloving acts committed in the misguided belief that they are pleasing to Me. Remember always love. Do nothing against love and you will always follow God’s truest teachings.
“You ask me why there are so many religions, and I tell you that in the garden of My heart grow innumerable flowers, all known to me, all dear to me. Why should My garden be adorned with only roses, or lotuses or jasmine? Should not they all float their perfumed scents to Heaven?
“Blessed be the people who say ‘I am a Christian, or a Hindu, Muslim or Jew’ and strive to follow the tenets of their faith. But the wise sons and daughters of Life declare ‘I am a Christian, a Muslim, a Hindu and a Jew. I am a child of God, and unto all altars do I kneel, for the Lord is not contained within one house, as the rain does not fall on a single patch of land.’”
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About the Book
The Companion is a story, told in prose poetry, about an ordinary person who believes that the existence of suffering proves that God simply does not care. This drives him to a deep despair, to the point where he questions whether to continue living. But in the darkest part of night comes hope unexpectedly; hope and the answers to bitter questions. And so he takes a journey, asking the questions people have asked forever: “Why aren’t we happy? Why are we alone? What happens when we die?” He receives answers from his companions, one who has always been with him, and one who arrives on the worst night of his life.
The Companion transcends religious boundaries; it is equally valid and inspiring regardless of what creed a person subscribes to. Its inspired passages contain a timeless wisdom available to all people, regardless of age, gender, or degree of spiritual inclination. The Companion provides evidence of faith and answers to many questions we all are silently searching for in our daily lives.
About the Author
Nikhil Joshi, a young writer, an orator, a Canadian chess champion, and a philosopher asks thought provoking questions about life, relationships and about spirituality in his book, The Companion.
As a Millennium Laureate, Nikhil has been nationally recognized by the Government of Canada for his leadership skills and for his work in improving the lives of youths experiencing challenges due to their social, economic and cultural backgrounds in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. His recent volunteer work took him to Ghana, Africa where he was working to help treat and prevent HIV, as well as teach English as a second language.
He has a background in broadcasting and worked as a freelance journalist for five years with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). His media-based company, Youth of the Nation was featured nationally on the television show Street Cents. Currently, he splits his time between attending University at the University of Calgary, volunteering with various charities, such as the Centre for Integral Economics, and conducting healthcare research with the Western Canada Waiting List Project. Working with his co- researchers, his article entitled “Health Care Guarantees: Necessity or Nemesis?” was recently published in June 2006 edition of the scholarly journal Healthcare Management.
Nikhil is passionate about furthering his ability to touch the lives of people positively. He currently lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.