In light of the Christmas season, I want to propose a somewhat corny but potentially highly effective meditation exercise. It will require less than an hour of your time, and a copy of the classic Rankin-Bass version of "The Little Drummer Boy" on video.

Promoted by Rain until after the Vigil

Welcome everyone. Please have a seat. Tonight's prayer vigil will celebrate the Urs Mevlana, or Rumi's "Wedding Night". This is the anniversary of the death of our Master Mevlana in 1273, in Konya, Turkey.

Promoted by Rain

Greetings to all. I am not certain how the format of this event typically goes, but as I understand it, it's a live event, lasting an hour or so. I suppose I'll either update the diary, or comment from time to time.

It has come to my attention that one of our fellow Kossacks, cynic , has recently lost his precious daughter Sandhya, who would have been four years old later this month.

Please stop over and pay your respects at Big Orange, the diary is here .

Every parent's worst nightmare has come to pass for our brother and his wife. May God bless and strengthen them in this difficult time.

From birth only knowing the need to find the answer to the Unspoken Question. In maturity did The Seeker search for what was already known. And The Seeker questioned friends and friends of friends, teachers and family and the Seeker saw they had forgotten the question.

Like tumultuous mice those who knew religion told of law and myth. Because they were empty of depth they spoke only of their own uncertainties.

The Seeker sought elsewhere.

This diary might have a fairly narrow appeal, so disregard it at your leisure. I thought I would put it up anyhow, because it's news, and it pertains to religion and politics.

I just got back from the filming of this month's installation of "The Doha Debates" a series of debates held here that are broadcast by BBC World.

Each month, a proposition is put forth in the form of a statement. Four panelists, moderated by Tim Sullivan, then debate the proposition and at the end the audience votes to accept or reject the proposal.

This month's proposal was "This House believes that the international community must accept Hamas as a political partner".

Here's a little story that I thought I'd share.

Once upon a time, there were four villages. It was a time of famine and war, and the people were terrified and starving. Fortunately, each village had hidden away a bag of seeds.

This diary was conceived as a continuation of the discussion emanating from Barbie meets Fulla.  I am grateful to all who participated there, and some interesting issues came up. I want to continue over here, but on the issue of anti-Muslim religious bias.

Two of many varieties of Islamic swimwear

Awhile back someone asked me to write a diary about traditional women's dress here in the Gulf. As you may know, women here typically wear an abaya, or black robe, over their clothes, as well as niqab or a facial veil, in addition to the traditional head-covering. Pictured below is chador, a somewhat old-fashioned version.

Rockin' Hejabi aka Mrs. Dervish

I am sure that to most folks this may seem strange or excessive, if you're not used to it. At the end of the day, it's about modesty, and defining limits to the ways that others may engage you.

It also represents a complete shift in cultural norms and values. What may seem excessive elsewhere is perfectly normal here, and makes sense.

Recently I had the distinct pleasure to attend the Third Annual Doha Educational Conference here in Qatar. The featured speakers were Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, Sheikh Hamza Yusuf, and Imam Zaid Shakir, both of the Zaytuna Institute in northern California.

Yusuf Islam aka Cat Stevens

I found a fabulous article by a Jesuit priest, John Dear, and I just had to share it with you.

Pharisee Nation

The premise is that the dominant modern religious culture has morphed into something similar to that of the Pharisees of Jesus' time. While the article is directed at Christians and Christianity, it applies equally (or better) to Islam.

This is a theme I have worked with for quite some time, mostly in my intrafaith efforts. Enjoy!

In light of all of the recent discussion about Theocracy, I have been reflecting on some things. This issue goes to the core of our identity as a nation, and harsh lines are drawn on each side. At stake is our freedom... the freedom to think, vote and worship as we please, as well as the freedom to be free of established religion or religious coercion. Traditional religionists accuse the secular left of bigotry and narrow-mindedness, while the secular left thinks that the traditional religionists are out to overthrow the republic and erect a government by clergy.