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?' Know that you're in 'want' mode. Attention must shift to 'need'.
Need is in opposition to want, and puts it's emphasis on self-sacrifice. 'Want' can't pursue self-sacrifice. It's overly busy trying to support 'itself', struggling to avoid annihilation. Interestingly, annihilation is the only way to arrive at wholeness. As a seed must 'die' to become the plant (actualization of the seed); self must 'die' to discover 'its' true being/nature.
Need, focuses on LOVE; unconditional love. Need pursues wholeness. Love, as the driving force behind created things, pushes them towards wholeness. As a person approaches wholeness, you will find love flowing out of them. A person driven by want is 'needy'; in need of finding love/acceptance, and arriving at wholeness. They can't love, because they can't share what they haven't found and received.
Here's an instance of Jesus teaching need, over want-
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?...If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Mt 6.25, 30-33
I would add a clarification; for anyone who thinks foods, drink and clothing are needs (they are described as wants in the passage)...they are not to be pursued at the cost of his kingdom (which is the ONLY NEED). When one is transformed by self-sacrifice, and enters God's kingdom, all one's wants (having been transformed) are met.
Matthew
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?' Know that you're in 'want' mode. Attention must shift to 'need'.
Need is in opposition to want, and puts it's emphasis on self-sacrifice. 'Want' can't pursue self-sacrifice. It's overly busy trying to support 'itself', struggling to avoid annihilation. Interestingly, annihilation is the only way to arrive at wholeness. As a seed must 'die' to become the plant (actualization of the seed); self must 'die' to discover 'its' true being/nature.
Need, focuses on LOVE; unconditional love. Need pursues wholeness. Love, as the driving force behind created things, pushes them towards wholeness. As a person approaches wholeness, you will find love flowing out of them. A person driven by want is 'needy'; in need of finding love/acceptance, and arriving at wholeness. They can't love, because they can't share what they haven't found and received.
Here's an instance of Jesus teaching need, over want-
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?...If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Mt 6.25, 30-33
I would add a clarification; for anyone who thinks foods, drink and clothing are needs (they are described as wants in the passage)...they are not to be pursued at the cost of his kingdom (which is the ONLY NEED). When one is transformed by self-sacrifice, and enters God's kingdom, all one's wants (having been transformed) are met.
Matthew
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