A recent discussion on spirituality had degenerated to a point of discomfort for me, with much too much finger pointing and criticism of various religions. Much of this negativity was directed towards misdeeds of men claiming their actions were in the name of God and some religions supporting free will while others claimed predestination. It prompted me to write the following.
However you choose to visualize God, whether that be a human form of total enlightenment or cosmic energy such as Chi or Prana, you will hear no message of hate. Only the distorted perception of man can make such vulgar misinterpretations.
Free will is a matter of the mind. Total freedom of choice by way of action in a physical world is not. One's mindset will determine the exchange they get from their rightful choice of philosophy, spirituality or religion and ultimate limits of perception.. I find the character of an individual is due to that individual’s connection with their innate beliefs more than their conditioned beliefs. Their beliefs are a choice they have made. I have known people of many different beliefs. I have known Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Catholics, Christians, Yogis and Hindus possessing exceptional love, beauty and depth of character. Unfortunately, I have known people of selfish, angry character that follow the same beliefs.
"The mind must be developed by you alone. There is no way for others to do the work and for you to reap the results. Reading someone else's blueprint of mental progress will not transfer its realizations to you. You have to develop them yourself." - Dalai Lama
Anytime I am subjected to comparisons of the superiority of one belief as opposed to another, I pity the speaker. I am saddened by their ignorance and hope for their future broadening of perspective. We are all unique and there are infinite actual paths of enlightenment. The only absolute truth is that only we know our own individual path. Focus on the paths of others is a waste of precious energy. Although my personal belief system is based on Buddhist principles and Morehei Useshiba, the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh are personal heroes, I follow no one religion. Religious bigotry is more dangerous and widespread than racial bigotry and I intensely abhor both as I see no greater example of cowardice, hypocrisy and the expressing of man's dark side. . I instead prefer to be a part of the enlightened energy of all religions. I can feel as at home in any house of worship as I do meditating in the mountains or at home. this is not done by listening numbly to outdated stories, threats of consequence for failure or rewards for compliance to the traditions, rules and restrictions but of the common sincere respect and love for all living things.
"All major religious traditions carry, basically, the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness. The important thing is they should be part of our daily lives." - Dalai Lama
It is always necessary to remember that any written word is done so by man, with the limited perspective of that man or group of men and/or women. We must also acknowledge the limits of the written word in terms of those words always being up to interpretation of their exact context. The manipulating of words could be said to be our greatest contribution, as well as our greatest downfall. It all comes back to the mind. How objective can we be in interpreting something or someone with a mind full of preconceived preferences, dislikes and personal agendas? It is a serious mistake of many religions to take on a negative mindset of competition against other religions as well as their own ridiculous efforts to present circumstantial evidence of their guy being the only guy who has talked to God. If I have learned anything in my pursuit of enlightenment it is the joy and satisfaction of love, solely for the sake of its giving, with no constraints of fear of consequence or conditioned belief of reward for the honor of such energy and actions.
"Daily training in the Art of Peace allows you inner divinity to shine brighter and brighter. Do not concern yourself with the right and wrong of others. Do not be calculating or act unnaturally. Keep your mind set on the Art of Peace, and do not criticize other teachers or traditions. The Art of Peace never restrains, restricts, or shackles anything. It embraces all and purifies everything- Morehei Ueshiba
