I think the discourse below is well worth reading with the right frame of mind. It's not intended as fuel for antagonism of organized religion, but as a helpful explanation of organized religion's proper place in one's spiritual development. Paul, of New Testament fame, said it this way: "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, thought as a child. I reasoned as a child. When I became an adult, I put the ways of childhood behind me." (fwm)
"Why do religions wither and become extinct? Because they are only the works of people. After all, religion and spirituality, though related, are not synonymous. Religion is the creation of people and cultures. Spirituality is the direct personal relationship with Tao (i.e. the Infinite and Eternal).
Religions often degenerate into convention, ritual, and corruption. They are imperfect. When their creators fade, even the holiest words gradually lose their power.
Our spiritual problems don't substantially differ from those of our ancestors, and today's truths still attempt to find the same spirituality as before. Why? Because all truths eventually point to the Infinite and Eternal, which has always existed latently, unbroken. We may begin our investigations in the realm of the religious, but once we clear away the distortions and interfering aspects of our own consciousness, we enter the realm of the Infinite and Eternal. Once that happens, there is no need for religions.
If we were to have a genuine spiritual experience, it would be lunacy to then go out and try to become religious leaders. We would only be repeating the same mistakes of countless other genuine seekers. It would be far better simply to be a nameless follower of the Tao (Infinite and Eternal)."
Deng Ming-Dao
365 Tao, #144
No comments:
Post a Comment