Religion

Religion can be a real touchy subject, but it shouldn't have to be. I believe that there are many pathes up the same mountain. Does it matter what path U take as long as we all get to the same summit. We may a ride a donkey to get up that mountain but once we reach the summit get off your donkey and let it rest. One donkey could be a Christian donkey, one could be a Muslim donkey, another a Jewish or Zen donkey they all lead to the same place so why poke fun at another's donkey? U are probably riding one yourself.

All religions have different names for ways of getting to the holy summit. Once we reach the summit, we no longer need names, and we can experience all things directly- until then can't we agree not to agree on the names and realize that we all want the sames things.

One of the major problems with religion is that words are imperfect they can be intepretted to mean almost anything. It's no surprise that most revered profits or sages are dead. They aren't around to correct our misguided interpretations, to change their teachings or even to make mistakes that might sway our devotion to them. "Christ, Mohammed, Buddha, Lao Tzu- how many of us are actually devoted to the wisdom that they embodied? Or have we made them mere screens upon which we project our own ideas?"

Religion, prayer, and mediation should be used to bring yourself to a state of independence from your teacher. Teachings are references. They should be used as guides. Like a finger pointing to the moon, if U focus on the finger all the heavenly beauty of the moon is lost (I got that from a Bruce Lee Movie). So don't focus on the teacher; focus on how the teaching can be used to guide your life.

We shouldn't practice spiritualty due to fear of punishment we should practice to be a better person, to live a better life isn't that good enough. If you choose to pursue spiritualty do it for satisfaction not because of threats of hell, ignorance or suffering.

I will not accept a religion where the alternative to faith is punishment- that's how U train dogs not humans (nothing against those lovable K-9's just trying to make a point here) Gods or the powers that be or insert your own diety here are here to inspire us to be better people. They symbolize the choices we have- it's seconday whether we choose to believe or defy- what is important is that we are always able to choose. How can any all powerful being be mad at us for having doubts, asking quesions and exploring optins. Why would something all powerful have petty human characteristics like jealousy, anger and vengence? Practicing spiritualty shouldn't be a matter of drudgery or fear or for fitting into a social group or for status. Being spiritual should be a matter of joy and celebration. So fear not, and just start living.

Many of the thought and some quotes on this page were inspired by the book "365 TAO" by Deng Ming-Dao.

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