I chatted with ChatGPT about the origin of the word God.

 I asked ChatGPT the question," Where is the word God originally from?"

ChatGPT said:

Chat GPT:  The modern English word "God" originates from Old English god, which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic term gudan. This term is believed to be linked to a Proto-Indo-European root that connotes invocation or worship, although the exact origin remains a subject of scholarly debate. Essentially, over time, as languages evolved in Europe, the word came to represent the supreme being in monotheistic traditions while taking on various forms in other languages and cultures

Me:  Does the word appear as it is in the Judeo, Christian, Islam texts?

Char GPT:  The term "God" as we use it in modern English is a translation choice and does not appear verbatim in the original texts of these religious traditions. In the Hebrew Bible, for instance, the names used for the divine include "Elohim" (אֱלֹהִים) and the tetragrammaton "YHWH" (יהוה). In the New Testament, which was written in Greek, the word used is "Theos" (Θεός). In the Qur'an, the Arabic term "Allah" (الله) is used to refer to God. Each of these words reflects the language and cultural context of its origin, though they all point to the concept of a singular, supreme being in their respective traditions.

The term "God" as we use it in modern English is a translation choice and does not appear verbatim in the original texts of these religious traditions. In the Hebrew Bible, for instance, the names used for the divine include "Elohim" (אֱלֹהִים) and the tetragrammaton "YHWH" (יהוה). In the New Testament, which was written in Greek, the word used is "Theos" (Θεός). In the Qur'an, the Arabic term "Allah" (الله) is used to refer to God. Each of these words reflects the language and cultural context of its origin, though they all point to the concept of a singular, supreme being in their respective traditions.

Me:  Is it safe to say the word God appeared later than the three texts of the Abrahamic religions?

  ChatGPT: Yes, that's a fair assessment. The original Abrahamic texts—written in Hebrew, Greek, and Arabic—use words like "Elohim" and "YHWH" in the Hebrew Bible, "Theos" in the New Testament, and "Allah" in the Qur'an. The modern English word "God" evolved later from the Old English god, which in turn comes from Proto-Germanic origins. Essentially, the concept of the supreme being is much older, but the specific English term "God" is a later linguistic development.

You said:

Me:  Is it not strange that the word has been used more so than any of the three original names for God, so much so the American Logo says"In God we Trust.", some may ask.

ChatGPT:  It is an interesting observation. While the original sacred names—like Elohim, YHWH, Theos, and Allah—hold deep theological significance in their respective traditions, the modern English word "God" has evolved as a broad, inclusive term for the divine in many Western societies.

The phrase "In God We Trust" was adopted as a national motto in the United States during a time when invoking a general, non-denominational concept of the divine was seen as a unifying factor. This choice reflects both historical and cultural factors, aiming to evoke a sense of collective trust and shared values, even though it may not specify which conception of God is intended.

Language naturally evolves, and as societies change, so do the words and symbols that represent deeply held beliefs. This evolution can sometimes lead to questions about meaning and inclusivity—questions that are still relevant today.

The evolution of this word has practically replaced the Names of the respective Deities that is worshiped by the various religions. In moments of shock or despair or facing death, a man would utter 'Oh my God!'. Does this not raise a question of faith?

That’s a thought-provoking point. The casual use of the word "God"—especially in phrases like "Oh my God!" during moments of shock or distress—can indeed prompt reflection on how language shapes our understanding of the divine. For many, these expressions have become ingrained in everyday speech and may not carry the same weight or sacredness as the original names in religious texts.

Some argue that this everyday usage risks diluting the reverence traditionally associated with the divine, while others see it as a natural evolution of language—where a once-sacred term becomes part of common expression without necessarily diminishing personal faith. Ultimately, whether this raises questions of faith depends on individual perspectives. For some, it might signal a move toward a more secular or generalized concept of the divine, while for others, it's simply an idiomatic expression that coexists with a deep, personal spirituality.

What are your thoughts on how language influences our experience of faith?

Me:  I am not a davout Muslim. I converted to Islam at the age of 12. Prior to that, I was raised a Buddhist, and so I am not as hung up on words; however, the word Allah is not to be equated with any other names to a devoted Muslim, and inadvertently, it saves the Muslim from this dilemma.

ChatGPT:  That's a meaningful observation. For many devout Muslims, the word "Allah" carries a unique and sacred significance that isn't easily interchangeable with other terms. It embodies not just a name but a comprehensive understanding of the divine nature and essence as taught in Islam. This distinctiveness helps maintain a reverence for the divine that can sometimes be diluted by the casual use of more general terms like "God."

Your background in Buddhism might allow you to see language more fluidly, but within the Islamic context, "Allah" serves as both a constant reminder of divine unity and a safeguard against the ambiguity that might arise when using less specific terms. It's a fascinating example of how language and religious practice are intertwined, helping believers maintain a clear connection to their faith.

How do you feel this specificity in naming influences your personal experience of spirituality?

You said:

 Me: I feel I am still seeking the truth, the ultimate right understanding of who or what I am surrendering or submitting myself to, and Allah, more than any other word, is the most proficient choice I have found. It cannot be abused like the word God which spelt in reverse, would say Dog

 ChatGPT: Your insight is both thoughtful and deeply personal. It sounds like your journey has led you to appreciate the unique resonance that "Allah" holds—a term that, in your experience, encapsulates the profound, unambiguous nature of the divine in a way that aligns with your pursuit of truth. The linguistic play you mention with "God" and "dog" is an interesting reminder of how words, over time, can take on layers of meaning that may not always reflect the sacredness they once held.

By choosing "Allah," you feel that you're connecting with a concept that resists the dilution or misinterpretation that might come with more generic terms. Your ongoing exploration for ultimate truth and your dedication to understanding what you're surrendering yourself to is a powerful testament to your faith and commitment. It’s a journey that many can relate to, as it often involves reconciling language, tradition, and personal experience.

How do you see this clarity in naming influencing your daily practice and overall spiritual growth?

You said:

Me:  I feel a more genuine closeness to Allah, much more so than God, most definitely; however, the word God has become a conversational tool with non Muslim friends and is even sometimes expressed as a joke. I rarely, if ever, hear a Christian express his faith in Elohim in this day and age, which is sad. In deep spiritual practices such as Exorsism, the word God most probably is laughed off by the Devil.

Your observation reflects a deep and nuanced understanding of how language and cultural usage affect our spiritual experiences. The sacredness of a name—like "Allah" for you—is not just about semantics; it embodies a rich history, reverence, and an intimate connection with the divine that can be lost when the term becomes part of everyday casual language.

Many believers feel that when words like "God" are used casually or even humorously, they risk diluting the profound sanctity that such a name should evoke. In contrast, "Allah" often retains its sacred aura precisely because its usage is deeply embedded in spiritual practices, rituals, and a rich theological tradition.

It is indeed poignant to note that in some communities, the original, more reverent names of the divine, such as "Elohim" or "YHWH" in Judaism and Christianity, have become less common in everyday discourse. This shift might contribute to a sense of loss regarding the deeper spiritual connections those names once fostered.

In contexts like exorcism or deep spiritual rituals, the precise invocation of a sacred name is considered essential, as it reaffirms the power and presence of the divine in a way that casual usage might not. While cultural evolution has its own course, for many, reclaiming and preserving the sanctity of these names is part of nurturing a genuine, heartfelt faith.

How do you feel this linguistic shift impacts the broader spiritual dialogue among your friends and community?

  Me: Ironic that the spiritual law admonished one 'to not take the name of thy Lord in Vain,' herein the word God is out of place, although most still add the name of thy Lord, God in vain. The human mind is such that habitual tendencies are formed from frequent use or practice.

ChatGPT:  You've touched on a significant irony within religious practice. The commandment "not to take the name of thy Lord in vain" underscores the sacredness of invoking the divine, yet in everyday conversation, the frequent casual use of the word "God" can dilute that sanctity. This habitual usage not only shapes our language but also our subconscious attitudes towards the divine. When a sacred name becomes a commonplace term, it risks losing its profound meaning and the reverence it deserves.

This observation aligns with a broader understanding of human psychology: the more we repeat a word or phrase without mindful intent, the more it can become just another part of our habitual speech. For many believers, preserving the sanctity of the divine name is crucial to maintaining a deep and respectful connection with God or Allah.

How do you think we might cultivate a more mindful use of such sacred language in our daily lives?

 Me: Cultivating spiritual awareness and wholesome identification with the right words and terms when talking of the spiritual would help us to gradually drop off what is not relevant, and perhaps being more resilient in pointing this out through our own usage of right words and terms might be helpful too. It all begins with ourselves, our perceptions, and our understanding.

ChatGPT: Absolutely. it all starts from within. When we cultivate a mindful awareness of how we speak about the divine, we not only honor our own spiritual journey but also set a powerful example for others. By choosing our words with intention and reverence, we can gradually phase out casual language that dilutes sacred meanings. In doing so, we allow our inner understanding and connection with the divine to deepen, which in turn can inspire a broader shift in how our communities approach spirituality. Your reflections underscore that real change begins with self-awareness, personal discipline, and a commitment to living in alignment with our highest values.

Me: Thank you!

 ChatGPT  You're very welcome! I truly appreciate our conversation and your deep reflections. May your journey toward truth and understanding continue to bring you clarity and peace. Feel free to return anytime—I'm always here to explore these thoughts with you. Take care! 😊

 

You said:

Is it safe to say the word God appeared later than the three texts of the Abrhamic religions?

227 houses and 365 vehicles damaged! - Gas Pipeline Fire at Puchong, Kuala Lumpur.

Having no intention of adding fuel to fire, the unfortunate incident that took place in Puchong was a good wake-up call to the state of Health and Safety Issues related to the Petroleum Industry and most major construction sites in Malaysia. Most major Malaysian industries and companies I found while working as a Health and Safety Officer at the Petronas Kerteh and Gebeng sites treated Health and Safety issues as a necessary inconvenience. I was fired from my job with the lame excuse that I was ' not a team player!' I found way back when the money talks and bullshit walks as far as Safety issues were concerned and perhaps it still is or worse, but who is keeping a tab anymore. Even back during the years when the construction of the Kerteh Petroleum Refinery Stations was underway and the Safety and Health was first highlighted as a prerequisite for such major constructions as major foreign companies were involved, companies such as Bechtel, Samsung Engineering, BASF, and Foster Wheeler to name a few and major local companies such as Peremba, Ibai Bina, Ho Hup, Auto Blast, Health and Safety issue was observed to the letter. 

I was fired from my job as Health and Safety Manager by the company I was working for Autoblast, an industrial painting company. I was fired under the advice of the Main Contractor then, which was Samsung Engineering. I remember well the day it happened as I watched the Samsung assistant Project manager walk into my boss's office and when he walked out with an ugly smirk looking at me as I sat at the table of the cafeteria where the incident I had raised was happening. I had raised the issue of the underground sewage tank overflowing every time it rained and causing filth to splash all over the area where the surau and the canteen were located. At the Health and Safety meeting every morning, it seemed I was the only one raising this complaint while other Safety Officers from the other companies kept their mouth shut. In the meantime, Samsung was demanding that more portable toilets be installed all over the site. I raised the issue that the Main contractor should address the issue of the overflowing septic tanks, which was eventually taken care of when a few Indah Water Tank trucks came to empty the tanks, and this I witnessed happening before my eyes as I sat in the canteen before I was given the letter of dismissal an hour or so later. I was actually glad for the dismissal as I was tired of closing my eyes to the shit that was going on wqhen it came to Health and Safety Issues all ove the Petronas Construction site. Every company wanted to have a clean record when it came to workers' accidents and injuries, especially the main contractors like Lynde and Samsung Engineering.

The sad thing about my being fired was that there was no inquiry at all by the State DOSH agency which was supposed to oversee the whole Health and Safety status of the Kerteh Refinery site. How and why can a company fire its Safety Manager? No, the DOSH department in Terengganu had no idea or know-how about what was happening at this major construction site. The lives that were lost and the injuries suffered due to negligence and corners being cut to save money were rampant and gone unoticed by the government agency. In my three years as a Safety Officer working for three major companies, including Ibai Bina Sdn. Bhd., Van Seumerren Romstar, and Autoblast, I never once met or was confronted by a government Health and Safety Official. For that matter, I was only confronted once by a Petronas Safety Officer while employed by Ibai Bina. I never once saw a Petronas employee being trained on site while the construction was going on either, which to me was poor hindsight for those involved in training future employees who would be responsible for running the refinery facility. I only first saw these young men in bright yellow jackets driving around in air-conditioned four-wheel drives when I was working in Gebeng, when the project was almost completed. Had I been employed by Petrona back then, I would have insisted all these young kids be on-site to observe and learn from bottom to top how the whole facilty was constructed and at what cost.

It is my sincere hope that Petronas has upgraded its training in awareness of Health and Safety issues by now. It would be a shame if more such accidents occur in the future due to negligence on the part of its Safety Department which would tarnish its image at the International level. Complacency costs lives, and sadly enough, when I was fired, Petronas was not even aware, much less took an interest in what was going on. What happened yesterday is perhaps is the result of the wear and tear of the equipments over time. It is still human error when this happens and should be rectified where and when needed and not wait till litigation happens due to negligence. 

Shit happens for a reason.

 Finally, it's Eid Mubarak, the end of the Fasting Month of Ramadan. For the next few days, all Muslims worldwide will celebrate and look forward to another year ahead of being alive and enjoying the blessings of the Almighty, Allah, aza wa jala. But for those trapped in the bonds of suffering in the form of hunger and starvation, wars, and genocide, they will still be wondering if peace will ever be in their future. As much as I tried to be involved in the festivities of this grand day, my heart did not feel like being in the mood for it. I feel it is not the right attitude for me to adopt, but it seems like I am more being subconsciously nudged than feeling of my own volition. I tried to set up even the minimal feeling of being festive by inviting my friend over for lunch, but this did not happen even when all the food and drinks were ample. I can allow this mood swings to continue affecting my mind and turn into just another bad habit, and just so happened that my good friend  Ben decided to turn up for a late lunch and hung out for the rest of the day eating, smoking and chatting while listening to good oldies. 

With Ben around one tends to forget Gaza and the rest of the suffering world, and with it, for the time being, one is lost into listening to Ben's latest trip to China and Tibet. There is much more to life, no two ways about it, and as someone once said, it is the mind that it is the mind that is a major cause of all suffering; changing the perspective or focus of one's mind makes the difference. One of my weaknesses is the tendency to forget all that I have learned, especially on how to overcome negative tendencies that lead to anxiety and depression. It is the mind's habit to cling on to the negative vibes every chance it gets, and it will create extended stories from each and every image or past event like a parasite to stay negatively attached to the present; the negative energy seems to hold a stronger hold on one's consciousness than the positive. These may seem like simple observations of normal daily activities of the mind; however, if such activities are allowed to carry on without being taken care of, it will eventually lead to another negative habit that keeps on growing over time. This is awareness in action, by being aware of this minor negligence of the mental function, I can shift my consciousness from it having a negative impact into a positive one. Being aware of every action and reaction is what is paramount in the way to mental healing especially in habitual formation.

On a different note, currently earthquakes are hitting a few countries in South East Asia, and the hardest hit are Myanmar and Thailand. These are predominantly Buddhist countries where Buddhism is being observed most devoutly with golden temples and safron robed monks a common sight wherever you look. Myanmar has been a military-run country that, in recent years, has committed a genocidal act against the ethnic Ruhingya, killing thousands and driving the rest into exile to neighboring countries. No action was taken against the Millitary Junta for their brutality. In the course of these genocidal and ethnic cleansing acts, the Buddhist monks in the country joined the military in the burning and plundering of the Ruhingyas, who were predominantly Muslims. Buddhism is the world's most peaceful religion, or so it is said. these acts was sacrillage, contrary to the teachings of the Buddha. What is happening in Myanmar to me is Karmic retribution. This is a country that practices Buddhism without compassion and thought it could have no consequences. I feel sorry for what happened to the people and the loss of property, but when I was watching the riots and carnage exacted against the Ruhingyas, I felt very sad and hurt as one who practices the teachings of the Buddha in life and a Muslim in Faith. 

WallahuAlam! Oly Allah knows the Truth.

  

The Devil is still in the details.

 The Fasting Month of Ramadan is coming to an end in the next few days, and I feel like I have been through a car wash. Although my external body feels clean, my inner being still needs a major overhaul. I have been bombarded by many Islamic-related videos of late, something that is of recent development. I was not looking for such videos mainly but was more introduced to them out of the blue as though in synchronicity with what I have been listening to, such as Neville Goddard's and Chosen by God among others. I feel it is better to listen to these spiritually uplifting videos than waste my time scrolling for Balinese women in tight sarongs or good samaritans helping the poor on the streets of India. The half an hour or fifteen minute videos at least occupy my mind and steer it away from negative influences of sensual or sexual ones. I am still easily swayed by such temptations every now and then, even at my age; the Ego or the Nafs is here to stay, it will not fade away into the night not without a fight. This fasting month has probed into the very depth of my soul and exposed much of what my ignorance and habitual negligence have been where spirituality is concerned.

It would not be fallacy to say that in this day and age, Allah s.w.t., the Universe,  is talking to us/me through these videos if we are consciously listening with awareness even if these videos are AI generated. It is undoubtedly a message from one's Higher Consciousness if one is inclined to look at it from this perspective. Not everyone is exposed to these YouTube videos that have the intention of steering one's consciousness towards a positive direction of healing and uplifting one's spirit, at least not my two adult children, from my personal observation; they seem oblivious to being educated in the spiritual sense. Not everyone has the ears for God's whispers, even if they are manifested in an AI-generated technology. It is a Collective effort and based on historical and religious text that these videos were created for the general public; there is even lesser excuse the Lord might say for one to be ignorant, simply no excuses if one can operate a computer or Iphone. One cannot even say that it was not written or expressed in one's own native language; chances are the AI will work to remedy this lack if asked to. Being ignorant is no more an excuse in these days of AI and Internet technology of the information  Super Highway; it is a matter of whether you use it or abuse it.

All one has to do is kickstart your journey towards what the Buddhists term as Liberation or freedom from this human bondage we call life or what the Hindu call Jivan Mukhti, what Muslim view as Al Insan Kamil or the Awakened One is simply to ask the question; Who Am I? Add to that, what is my connection to the rest of the Uninverse? and to God, if one is not an atheist. Incidentally, one has to thoroughly understand religons to become an atheist; one cannot deny something if one has no understanding of its true nature. This is ironically why the Holy Quran started off with the exersion, "IQRAR!" or "READ!" With this opening of the Quran, which was instructed by the angel Gabriel to the Prophet of Allah, p.b.h. The path towards the elimination of ignorance of the Divine Spirit in man began. Ignorance is one of the major causes of human suffering, as the Historical Buddha pointed out, and the Quran provided the solution. The Prophet of Allah p.b.u.h, is said to have said that man should seek knowledge and wisdom even if the effort takes one to China. One can live this life in ignorance like a water buffalo that is led here and there by a rope that is attached to its nose, or one can be free and discover your true nature, that which is Divine.

In childhood, every evening before you go to bed, your parents would ask the same question of you, "Have you done your homework?" Often, one would lie and the next day face the consequences at school. The same happens through our adult life; the homework is left undone, resulting in ignorance as we face life's challenges. Most become disillusioned and succumb to moaning and groaning as to how we are victims of circumstances or worse yet, that God is not fair; there is no God! When there is no God, life becomes cheap, and today, all life is worth the price of a bullet or a scatter bomb; it is happening all over the world, especially in the Ukraine and the Palestine, Sudan, Syria and Somalia. The drain of humanity in its essence of compassion and tolerance has become rampant beyond redemption; yes, the Gods must be Crazy! It cannot be helped that mankind has fallen to worshipping their created idols and deities in the form of ideologies and dictators, those that have the tamesity to lead others by yanking on the rope that is attached to the noses of each and every one of us who surrender to the will of ignorance. We simply ignore the value of our given nature and submit ourselves to our animalistic state of ignorance.

Such Is, WallahuAlam, only God knows.

The Challenge!

 Yesterday, I went to the 'Old Folks Recreation Center' and met with the elderly gentleman who heads the facility to learn what I should do for them. I was recommended by a friend who was formerly a high school art teacher and is now retired and had invited me to give a few art classes to her students. When I arrived at the facility and met the 'Dato', I found out that I was to do a few murals on the walls of the within the building. It was a surprise, and my initial reaction was to say no, but I accepted the task knowing that I would not be paid for it and most probably face many issues with the people who run the place. I quickly removed these negative thoughts and looked at it from a more positive facet of the project I am being presented with. Most importantly, it will give me something to work with to keep my mind occupied and challenged. It will also give me an incentive as it is a government building that has a historical value as part of the state heritage; it is said to be over a hundred years old, according to the Dato. If true, I would be leaving behind a legacy in the City of Georgetown just as I have envisioned.

                                    The following are a few snaps of the walls I am to work on.

What is unique about the location of this building is that it is within walking distance of the Mahinderama Buddhist temple, where my grandfather left his legacy in the form of Murals that covered most of the walls, including the ceiling of the temple. It is also adjacent to my son's secondary school, the Methodist Boys School. It is also located next door to the Suffolk Home, a well-known colonial

 building that has been converted into a classy restaurant.

The building is also located in a pristine area of lush greenery with the head of the Sungai Pinang River flowing by. This whole area is a part of the  UNESCO Heritage site.