As small children you and I are simply “here, now”.
We don’t inquire as to where we were before or worry about where we’re headed. We simply are. We’re simply here.
We eat, drink, cry, laugh, sleep, play unaware of any separation between ourselves and the world around us.
Our innocence reflects the Truth of our ‘being’.
We grow. We are taught how to function in a society that has been distorted by ignorance to embrace and operate from competition, division and violence where separation and survival are promoted as vital concepts for self-fullfillment.
Our innocence of “being” is replaced with psychosis.
Yet, deep within, our innocence and truth remains as a gentle urge.
This is the call of all religions: to embrace the oneness we have almost forgotten but know to be our “true selves”…..
We do so through song, story, prayer, ritual and community.
The word ‘religion’ comes from the latin “to go over again” and also “to bind with”. In ordinary language that means “to deeply consider and connect with”.
There are currently over 4,000 different religions on this small planet although less than 10% of people have a real understanding about even the six big ones – Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish and Taoist.
Google says just 7% of Australians and 5% of Americans regularly visit a Christian church (even ‘though they have over 300 denominations to choose from across Earth!!).
What might most of these religions have in common?
A quick study shows it boils down to a belief in a Higher Power, teachings in moral and ethical behaviour and the supportive binding of community.
All of them have at various times bizarrely encouraged death and killing of people who simply disagreed with their particular perspective.
I believe we have to respect and honour the enlightened teachings and teachers of each and every one of this planet’s religions.
From Jesus to Madame Blavatsky through Thomas Didymus, St Paul, to Osho, Yogananda,Vivekananda, Nanak, Sai Baba, Dalai Lama, Sun Tzu, Laozi, Krishnamurti, Bishop Spong, Ekhart Tolle, Louise Hay, Norman Vincent Peale, Og Mandino, Mahatma Ghandi, Zopa Rinpoche, Rumi – there are thousands of beautiful beings sharing their enlightened understandings of the ‘Inner Path’………
But believing what they teach will never be enough.
We have to LIVE their teachings.
The statement “these beliefs are my religion” needs to be replaced with “this is my everyday everyway of life”.
Religion as a club or association needs to be transformed into simply the standards and values by which one lives each moment.
Religion as a range of principles to be chosen in the same way as one chooses a movie to watch at the cinemas needs to be transformed into simply our way of living…. as natural as breathing……
No membership is necessary.
No fees.
Ultimately, no set times for gathering to affirm one’s membership.
This attitudinal change is supremely important as none of us (whilst alive) can return to the innocence of our early childhood…..
So which belief system to consider and which one to follow?
I encourage you to seek out the religion that places LOVE above all else.
Love of all mankind.
Love of the animal and plant kingdoms.
Love that respects Life.
Love that applauds compassion, kindness, selfless service to others, care, generosity, gentleness, acceptance and appreciation for all of life.
Love that delights in the wonder of existence as a sharing by the Divine.
Blessings,
Peace Be Within You!
Les Dyer
Community Of The Heart – Australia
Ever wanted to be the Minister of your own Interfaith spiritual church?
Do you have a strong desire to be of more Help in your own town or city?
Are you willing to learn more, grow more, reach out more…..?
If you answer ‘yes’ please email me so we can start a positive conversation……
Blessings!