Thoughts From A Mystic

One central problem with conventional religions, is that they are driven by human want (desire), not need . Need is the more important, but people prefer to stay attached to what they want. Discord between conventional religions arises from conflict of want(s). The core of true religious teaching can be found in the simplicity of LOVE . Here's a sample quote from Hinduism, highlighting the core of true religion (as opposed to conventional religion); "I make no distinction between one religion and another. People may worship me in any form they wish. The form of worship does not matter to me; my only concern is the quality of love which is expressed in worship. I accept every kind of worship, because I am supreme." -The Bhagavad Gita (Sorry, no chapter attribution available.) Want, which focuses on outcome, is a test of one's religious allegiance. If you ask, 'Am I part of the winning side?' Or, 'Will I receive the good reward for my allegiance?' ...

From the Dhammapada_The Twin Verses: 19] Thoughtless ones , even if they can recite many sacred verses but do not follow them , have no claim to a religious life, but are like cowherders counting the cows of others. 20] Thoughtful ones , even if they can recite only a few verses, but do follow the law and, forsaking lust, hatred, and delusion, possess true knowledge and peace of mind- they, clinging to nothing in this world or the next, have indeed a claim to a religious life. A religious life is not about what one knows or thinks, 'can recite many sacred verses', rather it's about how one lives... the path one follows (remember, Cristianity has been called 'the Way'.) Jesus speaks out agains belief, as a way to God's kingdom- "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you ? Mk 6.46 Jesus was teaching a path, a way by which people would turn and live by God's law (love). It's imperative that people let go of their self-abso...

This may come as a shock to many people, but you can't love (unconditionally) unless you are empty of self. It's because the limited, protective self is always looking for a payoff. How many times can you truly say you loved, without wanting some recognition or payoff? I suspect mothers (and good fathers) can show unconditional love to their children (especially when those children are very young), but after they grown enough to 'know better', I suspect love is compromised by conditions. Conditional love is the reason we see high divorce rates in the United States. Hinduism has a wonderful way of talking about being unconditionally loving...don't act for the payoff. It's in the journey, not the end result of action, where love (I'll use this short form to mean 'unconditional love') is found. If you're always in the moment, participating with what is, you'll never get caught up, and tainted by the end result. I usually talk about this in...