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SALAM IN THE NEWS
FOREWORD MAGAZINE ON SALAM
Rating: 4/5
Religious books abound from
all faiths, and to make one stand out is difficult. Buxani's beautifully
produced and bound volume of "revelations" certainly succeeds in appearance,
with its simple, elegant presentation and forthright title.
Salam, says the author, is his rendering of enlightenments that came to him
beginning in August of 1984, while he was fasting and praying. These
enlightenments purport to reveal the single mistake that mankind has made—visual
worship—that has separated him from God, and also the steps necessary to heal
that separation. Buxani defines visual worship as the worship of any being as
God that can be seen with the eyes, or anything that can be visualized or
"Anything merely ASSUMED to be God."
The single essential step that can restore mankind to eventual permanent reunion
with his Maker is the return to what Buxani terms "direct worship," and defines
as "worshipping…in a way/As though you do not know ‘who’ the actual God is,/But
you are simply…offering all your prayers and sacrifices/Directly to the supreme
authority of the universe…."
According to Buxani, visual worship is responsible for all the ills of mankind,
and religions that advocate worship of a being that can be visualized in any way
is evil. Direct worship is the only way to reach Paradise, and all other
religions are of the devil. There are no such things as miracles—they are the
devil's doing—and there is no need for them.
While many of the "revelations" offer sound advice for all (there are segments
that deal with protection of the earth and its natural resources, and segments
that advocate charity and kindness toward all, among other things), there is
much here that will offend members of faiths other than Buxani's. He also
advocates corporal punishment, the benefits to women who remain at home, and
refers to the non-compliance with teachings, such as, dressing in other than the
prescribed voluminous garments, shaving or cutting hair for reasons other than
health, and vegetarianism. Among the institutions he classes as absolutely evil,
interestingly enough, is income tax.
The author asserts that the opinions here are not from his own reasoning, but
instead, the contents of the book are a faithful reproduction of an
enlightenment from God. This book is aesthetically pleasing, with large, clear
type, an attractive and simple design, and eloquent language within. Believers
will find it a joy to read; nonbelievers can glean much wisdom from its pages,
but will find many of its tenets difficult.
Marlene Y. Satter
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