Just under 40 years ago I left the rigours of religion behind me and stepped into the then (for me) unknown world of Spirit.
For much of the first half of my life I had quoted scripture – and I believed that I believed the quotes I quoted.
But I never managed to actually live many of them.
Then, as I started running self-empowerment and self-realisation workshops I found that most people (myself included) – even in the “new age/new thought” belief systems – only believed in beliefs that benefitted them….in that moment, there and then.
Everything else which was discomforting was jettisoned.
I realised that for most people we believed what worked ….when it worked…..and often only if it worked favourably for us.
So if calling on Jesus seemed to turn the tide and win that beaut new job we’d believe in Jesus – at least until the benefits of the endowment had worn off.
Or if following “the secret” and visualising ourself as a millionaire actually physically came to pass we’d promote “the secret” – at least
until a more effective technique for boosting one’s ego and credit rating came to light.
This momentarily caused me confusion: should we believe what benefits oneself…..or what benefits us all?
The answer of course is the latter.
Jesus sacrificed himself for mankind.
Buddha sacrificed a life of leisure and pleasure for mankind.
Ghandi sacrificed wealth and career for mankind.
Aquinas sacrificed the warmth of society for mankind.
Nanak sacrificed a peaceful life for mankind.
Baha’u’llah sacrificed his own safety for mankind.
Mahavira sacrificed a life of indulgent luxury for mankind.
No matter who or what we believe the answer of course is to walk the talk – rather than simply float the quote.
”The strong man is not the one who wrestles well ,but the strong man is the one who controls his anger when in a fit of rage”
Prophet Mohammad (Hadith, Book 32, no 6313)
“My Religion is simple; My Religion is kindness”
The Dalai Lama
“God does not judge.”
John 5
“A bird that you set free may be caught again, but a word thatescapes your lips will not return”.
Jewish Proverb
“There is nothing noble in being superior to some other man.
The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self.”
Hindu Proverb
“When you are full of doubt, a thousand books of scripture are not enough. When you have realized understanding, even one word is too much.”
Fen-Yang
When we truly live the wisdom of these sayings, we find wondrous changes come into being.
Life takes on immeasurable blessings.
At the shattering of our own ego, the Divine within is released and showers us with an extraordinary sense of peace, fulfilment, satisfaction and beauty.
Life becomes enriched beyond mere belief.
Try it for yourself!
Much love,
Namaste!
Les