From smiling at strangers to feeding those in need: What different faiths say about kindness

Logo with symbols of mulitple religions


From acts of charity to compassionate thoughts, kindness takes many forms in the lives of these believers. Here, ABC Life talks to believers from several different faiths about practicing kindness.

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How to Make a Spectacular Mistake (for a Buddhist Parent)

Penguin ParentMistakes are easy. As soon as we’re born, they begin. And without fail, they mark our inevitable rite of passage in the long, drawn out business of growing up. Hot stoves hurt. Hitting your brother is not nice. What we make up in our own minds is mistaken, over and over again, for reality. What about when your kids don’t like homework?

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2020: Chinese New Year

Metal RatChinese New Year will begin a week from now on January 25 after the New Moon. This will usher in the Year of the Metal Rat. ‘The year 2020 is the Year of the Metal Rat or the Golden Rat’.The Year of the Rat is one for developing greater self-awareness.
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Online Learning: Mary Magdalene ~ Apostle to Our Own Times

Various candles

It can be difficult to find spiritual companions on the contemplative-active way. CAC offers online courses to connect seekers from around the world. Self-paced, 100% online courses engage life-long learners in studying perennial themes from the Christian mystical tradition—in-depth explorations of teachings. Here, the Centre for Action and Contemplation offers an online course about Mary Magdalene.
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Keeping the faith alive: Judaism in Bendigo, central Victoria

Howard NathanRecently, a group of people gathered in Castlemaine to celebrate on the final evening of Chanukah. They are among central Victoria’s small but long-lived Jewish community, whose roots date back to the gold rush era. Former Supreme Court judge and central Victoria resident Howard Nathan said a congregation was first founded in Bendigo in 1854 after Jews came from England and the United States.

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A National Day must Unite

Australian Flags
There have been many reflections on the nature of a national celebration in Australia on January 26. It is true – verified by the High Court of Australia – that sovereignty over this land was never ceded by any group of Indigenous people. We must now look to ways to unite our nation, gain yet more history in solidarity with the First Nations as we celebrate together. A national day must unite.
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Approaching the issues of online pornography with your teenagers

Small University of Melbourne Logo WhiteThe University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health invite you to attend a Public Lecture by Ms Jenny Walsh at The University of Melbourne, Department of Rural Health, 49 Graham St (opposite GV Health) Shepparton at 5:30 – 7:00pm on Tuesday 11th February, 2020.
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L’Arche Meeting and Film – Shepparton

L'arche AustraliaOn the weekend of February 1 and 2 the President of L’Arche Australia, Mr David Treanor, and Mrs Eileen Glass, an International advocate for L’Arche and the Director of Development and Fundraising across Australia will be in Shepparton to speak to interested persons. There will be a screening of the film, Summer in the Forest on February 2nd.
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Inspirational Quotes and Teachings of Swami Vivekananda

Swami VivekanandaBirth in India is calculated with a lunar calendar – hence, birthdays will be different in each year by Gregorian Calendar. This year, 17 January is the occasion of the birth (jayanti) of Swami Vivekananda. Here, we bring a collection of motivational thoughts, quotes and teachings from Swami Vivekananda.

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A Bushfire Prayer

A Bushfire Prayer

Courtesy of our friends at Temple Beth Israel, in East St Kilda, we have A Bushfire Prayer to share. The prayer – a Universal Prayer, it is not sectarian – prays for those who fear for the safety others, for those who have been damaged, for those with trauma and nightmare memories.

The prayer goes on to include those with concerns for the stock under their care, those who are fatigued and exhausted, and for those who have generosity and have shared. There is prayer for our harsh climate, for excellence in stewardship and for faithfulness. A rare, universal prayer directly addressing our Bushfire necessities.

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