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-absorption (I, or my chosen authority know best) in order to walk the path of religion. It's not religion that causes hate conflicts and wars; religion teaches compassion and love. It's those who hold tightly to their 'beliefs', unwilling to see other perspectives, who hate and kill. Many call themselves religious, but they are 'like cowherders counting the cows of others.' In my estimation it's how much someone loves that determines how religious that person is. Mother Theresa was very religious.
Matthew
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-absorption (I, or my chosen authority know best) in order to walk the path of religion. It's not religion that causes hate conflicts and wars; religion teaches compassion and love. It's those who hold tightly to their 'beliefs', unwilling to see other perspectives, who hate and kill. Many call themselves religious, but they are 'like cowherders counting the cows of others.' In my estimation it's how much someone loves that determines how religious that person is. Mother Theresa was very religious.
Matthew
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