A Quote and a Language Twist
I am sure, like me, everyone has seen their fair share of quotes on the internet, but this particular one, with its interesting twist, caught my attention...
THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH... errr, if thats all right with the rest of you.
Another funny twist of language happened a few days ago in a shopping mall... I was waiting in the checkout line behind a middle aged lady, when I heard some commotion at the back of the line. An older woman had collapsed/fallen due to dizziness or so it seemed at the moment.
It turned out that the lady in front of me had taken a CPR course few days ago and went to help after paying for her things. After I was done paying for my groceries, I saw the lady returning and asked "What happened? Is she all right?"
The answer - "Oh she is all right, but her son is an SOB". I could only mumble... "I see" and was left wondering for a moment about what she said... I am sure it was meant for the son only.
Hi Aditya
The quote you are referring to is from the world's most favorite and most read book - the Holy Bible. For a true Christain this quote has very deep connotations. It is one of the beatitudes* that was even praised and followed by Mahatma Gandhi. Interestingly, people attribute the "offer the other cheek when slapped on one" saying to Gandhiji but actually it was preached by Jesus Christ.
"The word "meek" means to be gentle, humble or considerate. It is the opposite of arrogance and violence. Those who are willing to share and sacrifice in behalf of others are meek. Those who seek for domination and will use any means to trample and crush others are the opposite of what Christ mentioned here."
* This well known statement is taken from the sermon on the mount; from the part some call "the
beatitudes". You can read the other beatitudes at: http://www.jesuschristsavior.net/Beatitudes.html
"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Gospel of St. Matthew 5:3-10
I recently saw the movie Gandhi again, and the Mahatma attributes more than just "turn the other cheek" to Jesus. It seems he learnt quiet a bit from his teachings.
Your comment about the bible reminded me of a lecture I recently saw - a lecture about copying errors in old copies of bible. I will put this as a separate commentary as more people might be interested in it.
Hey Aneesha
Thanks for this wonderful insight. I (and may be many others) did not know about the origin and the exact meaning of this quote.
And it always is great to see your comments around here, they are thought provoking and insightful.
Hi co-authors
I am glad I could be of some help in clearing the air around this commentaire. I will definitely read the other article at peace.
Talking abt the errors that have creeped into the bible, of for that matter any other text that was originally written by hand, and passed down by memory, I am reminded abt a joke that a monk visits the library and refers to an original text and faints - the word chaste in the original text is actually chase!!!!
Happy discovery and happy writing
-Aneesha.