"Divine union is possible through self-effort, and is not dependent on theological beliefs or on the arbitrary will of a 'Cosmic Dictator'".
Lahiri Mahasaya
Religion and so-called "Spirituality" are pretty much two sides of the same coin. In the end they are about finding a way to transcend the world, or our interpretation if the world, via some path laid out by another. Ironically, these paths, systems, are as much the problem as anything else. They only lead us further into the abyss of confusion and suffering.
There is no search. There is no path, because there is no where to go. Everything is right here. What is specific and real, what matters and can make a difference is action. Humans act. And it is action that determines our state and our fate.
We can get caught up in the terms of different systems, but let's be honest. There is a 'me' and an other, there is a world in which I interact. There is suffering, ignorance, wisdom, and Grace. We may misunderstand it all. In fact I am sure we do. But to get caught up in concepts such as the illusion of reality, or time, of Samsara or Maya, is just so much speculation and no different from religious beliefs, such as heaven and hell, karma, and astral realms. These beliefs can't be proven or disproved, because they are beliefs not facts.
I believe a better use of life is right action, living wisely, and embracing the unknown while being open to discovery—discovery based on pure naked experience not on another's tales or specific path. If one follows a teacher, in most cases you will be trying to replicate his/her experience, forming a theology around his/her interpretation of this mystery we are all immersed in. Better to learn the ways of self-nurture and contemplation and cut one's own path. To this end, we can benefit from teachers who can share ideas and practical techniques. However, caution is advised. We risk turning this to disadvantage when we begin to consider our teachers as different, separate from us, as masters, gurus, sifus. In such a relationship we are disciples, subordinates, striving instead of arriving. It's a fine distinction, but one worth noting.
Lahiri Mahasaya
Religion and so-called "Spirituality" are pretty much two sides of the same coin. In the end they are about finding a way to transcend the world, or our interpretation if the world, via some path laid out by another. Ironically, these paths, systems, are as much the problem as anything else. They only lead us further into the abyss of confusion and suffering.
There is no search. There is no path, because there is no where to go. Everything is right here. What is specific and real, what matters and can make a difference is action. Humans act. And it is action that determines our state and our fate.
We can get caught up in the terms of different systems, but let's be honest. There is a 'me' and an other, there is a world in which I interact. There is suffering, ignorance, wisdom, and Grace. We may misunderstand it all. In fact I am sure we do. But to get caught up in concepts such as the illusion of reality, or time, of Samsara or Maya, is just so much speculation and no different from religious beliefs, such as heaven and hell, karma, and astral realms. These beliefs can't be proven or disproved, because they are beliefs not facts.
I believe a better use of life is right action, living wisely, and embracing the unknown while being open to discovery—discovery based on pure naked experience not on another's tales or specific path. If one follows a teacher, in most cases you will be trying to replicate his/her experience, forming a theology around his/her interpretation of this mystery we are all immersed in. Better to learn the ways of self-nurture and contemplation and cut one's own path. To this end, we can benefit from teachers who can share ideas and practical techniques. However, caution is advised. We risk turning this to disadvantage when we begin to consider our teachers as different, separate from us, as masters, gurus, sifus. In such a relationship we are disciples, subordinates, striving instead of arriving. It's a fine distinction, but one worth noting.
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