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TOGETHER IN PARADISE
Travis Slone
One World Publishing
TOGETHER IN PARADISE. Copyright © 2012 by Travis Slone. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information please address One World Publishing
Cover Design Copyright © 2012 by Summer Slone. All rights reserved.
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ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-0794-4
AUTHOR’S INTRODUCTION
In life, we all depend on one another. Yet while this is obvious to most of us, our pride makes it difficult to admit. In this follow up to my first book, The Great Mystery, I offer up a story that might feel eerily familiar. It is a story about a simple choice, and its unseen consequences.
At its heart, Together in Paradise is about “The Golden Rule”... an ancient mandate for all of mankind. In essence, to love one another, just as we love ourselves, is the highest form of integrity. To do this, one must show compassion toward others, and should possess an equal skill for both action, and restraint.
Regardless of one’s financial situation, we all have a certain amount of time to spend in the world. We can spend it however we wish, but it can only be spent once. Sometimes, this precious currency can bring happiness to both ourselves, and others. Yet it can also be the source of great sadness, and regret. If we remember the Golden Rule, we will spend our time more wisely. But some might ask, how can we serve others if we are so busy? We must look out for ourselves, or no one will! Right?
On this point, most would argue that humans are selfish by nature. It is a vital part of our survival instinct. But if so, is that such a bad thing? What if we could learn to identify, not as individuals, but as interdependent parts of something much greater? Perhaps then, we could transform our inherent “self-interest” into a more positive force. This principle can be seen at work in any successful family, sports team, or corporation. When we identify with a larger entity, it empowers everyone involved.
Some of the most inspiring images, to me at least, are those of Earth, which are taken from satellites in outer space. From way out there, no fences, walls, or borders can be seen. The Earth is pure, and there are no individuals. One could imagine, while looking down on the living planet, that forces are at work beneath the clouds... but those forces are not separate from the Earth itself. They are one with her, and dependent on her energy... A single ecosystem, rotating peacefully in a vast sea of silence. This is the perspective we must adapt, and the view that will empower us all, as we work together for a better future.
So please, enjoy the journey once again, and go forth with an attitude of service and compassion.
In an effort to lead by example, the profits made from the sale of this book will be used to promote social justice in the world. Perhaps the ripples of my few good deeds, will find one of you in your time of need. Thank you!
- Travis Slone
“THE GOLDEN RULE”
3000 year old Hindu teaching...
This is the sum of duty: Do nothing to others which, if done to you, would cause you pain. -Mahabharata 5.15.17
Buddhist wisdom...
Hurt not others with that which pains yourself. -Udanavarga 5.18
Christian teaching from the Bible...
In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law of the prophets. -Mathew 7:12
From the Traditions of Islam...
No one of you is a believer, until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
In the law of Judaism...
What is hurtful to yourself, do not to your fellow man. That is the whole of the Torah, and the rest is just commentary. -Talmud
And from the ancient Tao...
Regard your neighbor’s loss as your own. -T’ai shang kan ting p’ien
CHAPTER 1
Once upon a time, in the beautiful rocky countryside of Northern England, there lived a wealthy young family of three. Thomas and Sarah had been married for nine years, and had a five year old daughter named Janie. They had made their fortunes working long hours in London’s financial district, while Sarah’s mother raised their young child at the family’s country estate. Whenever it was possible, Thomas and Sarah would join them for weekends and holidays.
The elegant property had been handed down for six generations, and part of an inheritance when Thomas’ own parents passed away a few years back.
An eight kilometer long paved driveway led through the hills to the historic stone mansion, where flowering vines made their annual ascent up the four hundred year old walls. A pathway of neatly laid bricks led through a magnificent garden, connecting the separate three-car garage to the arched front entry.
On that breezy summer evening, smoke emanated from the main building’s two chimneys, creating a slight haze in the waning light overhead. As the sun went down over the distant hills, the home’s many glowing windows made it appear like an enormous lantern, calmly sitting in the midst of the rugged English landscape.
“Mom,” called out the little girl, “May I please have some milk before bedtime?”
But Sarah did not hear the sweet child over the telephone conversation she was having nearby.
“Mother!” she called again. “I said please. You didn’t even have to remind me this time. Can I please have some milk?”
“Shhh!” replied the girl’s mom in frustration. “Can’t you see I’m busy here? Go ask your father if you need something. This is one of my clients on the phone, and she’s very important to me.”
The cute little blue-eyed girl with long curly blond hair skipped eagerly into the den to look for her father. She hardly even noticed her mother’s lack of attention anymore, for she had grown used to it by now.
