One Truth Many Paths
There are many religions and "schools of thought" out there in the world, and most share the same basic principles and beliefs. But each is presented and crafted in a different way. Historically, this has been a source of much conflict and strife among people, but as the world has become much smaller thanks to the availability of information, people can now explore different paths and discover that religions around the world are not so different after all. And if the religion of your home or country has not appealed to you, you can choose from others that will feel right to you.
I have discussed some of these "schools of thought" below and what I've learned/taken away from them:
- Buddhism
- The Toltects
- Law of Attraction
- Unitarian Universalism
Buddhism
Buddhism, like Christianity, also focuses on the TRUTH. In facts, the tenets of Buddhism are called "the Truths". Although all religions claim that they have the truth, this point is significant to me because like Christianity, Buddhism emphases that the TRUTHS about life and human nature are what will set you free and make you happy. This is one of the many things that I love about the bible's teachings, but I'm also delighted to find it in another major "religion."
To me the most powerful "truth" from Buddhism is this one "The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us, if we do not get something we want, etc. In other words, getting what you want does not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. "
This statement is very powerful to me because most of my suffering is caused by believing that I want and NEED something that I in fact don't need. If I can convince myself that I don't truly need the approval of this person, or the love of that person, then I am free to seek out the approval and those of those people who truly matter to me (those people who are not always cold and disapproving!)
Wants are different from needs of course. You have to eat, and therefore you want to eat. But when we start wanting things that go beyond physical, mental, and spiritual needs, we cause ourselves suffering and gluttony and abuse of ourselves and others.
Another thing that appeals to me about Buddhism, and the reason it's not a "religion" per se, is that you are not "obligated" to follow Buddha and believe that his ways are the only ways, and that everyone else is going to hell. On the contrary, (the website linked below states the following) "Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within ourselves not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for themselves. in this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way."
Amen!
The following site has a great summary about Buddhism and many of its wisdoms. The quoted text above has been adopted from this site: https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm
The Toltecs
One self-help book I greatly enjoyed was "The Mastery of Love" by Don Miguel Ruiz who writes about the "Toltecs". Here are a few quotes by him (from his website, not from the book):
If we take the superstition and mythology from all the philosophies and all the religions, we discover that the underlying message is the same. Because all information comes from inside of us, from Spirit.
After the accident the things my grandfather said were no longer theories for me, they were facts... I knew that I was not my physical body. I experienced myself as a force that moves the physical body. A force that is hard to talk about, but we can see its results and manifestation in everything. It is this force that opens the flowers and it is the same force that moves the stars and moves the atoms. That is what I am and what you are. There is no difference between the force that opens a flower and the force that makes us grow up and the force that makes us grow old. This is life!
This view of life can change the way you live your life, if you let it.
Law of Attraction
One movement in the world of self-help and spirituality that has been gaining a large following is the "Law of Attraction” (LOA). What LOA teaches is not really a secret as some books might claim, and it is nothing new, just old wisdoms presented in a new and unique way, which is not a bad thing since sometimes it takes a new movement to appeal to the new generations. The numerous LOA authors have put their own spin on these old truths, making them motivational in unique ways, and I have learned a lot from their books in addition to getting good refresher courses on the concepts.
The Law of Attraction movement focuses on your power to make changes in your life by thinking about what you want and making it happen just by putting your thoughts (or “vibrations”) into the universe. This is a concept that has been repeated by many other masters and authors, such as in the book "Think and Grow Rich" or in the Bible when it states "ask and you shall receive." So what is the appeal and use of LOA? For me, the most important thing that I took away from it was the emphasis on not using the negative (oops) and only focusing on the positive aspects of what you want. Many philosophies have made this point but none have driven it home for me like LOA! This has had a large impact on my prayer life because I’ve realized how many negatives I use and how I focus on my problems rather than seeking solutions. In other words, I have realized that I have to pray FOR something (such as finding love) not against something (such as not being lonely). I have also gathered from this that if I'm praying with an attitude of helplessness, hopelessness, and self-pity, then I will never get anything but more of the same! Christianity calls this concept "faith" because you have to believe that your prayers will be answered. But if you are whining and crying to God all the time about how miserable your life is, there really isn't much faith in that, even if you believe that one day your prayers will get answered. So pray with a "can-do" attitude, and believe that you will get what you ask for, be excited about it, and envision what it will be like when you get it, even the means and circumstances. I'm not saying to give yourself false hope or to live in a fantasy land, simply imagine what could happen, and by the law of attraction, you will be greatly surprised at the results!
Unitarian Universalist
I decided to check out a Unitarian Universalist church in my area today because I believe they embody the principles of the future (and the ones I believe). It's a big world out there, and any religious leaders are ignorant to say "our master and our religion is the only way or you are going to hell". This is not an ad for Unitarian churches (no ulterior motives) I just want to say that I am relieved to see that there is an ORGANIZED movement of people who believe that Unitarian values are the way to go. I know many people who believe the same thing: God is real, but it doesn't matter which religion you are. All religions have the same basic truths, just different theologies and interpretations". So I am glad to see these principles in practice, not just casually discussed among friends. To my surprise, not too many young people attend this church, but rather traditional-looking middle aged Caucasians (no offense of course)! I guess most people who grew up in my generation (in their 20s now) believe that to go to a church you have to decide on a religion, and that a church is a place where they tell you what to believe, and how to worship, and that you are basically a bad sinner. But this "church" embodies the opposite principles (and probably shouldn't be called a church at all): "Everyone finds their own truth. We celebrate all religions masters and teachers, and everyone has value and is special and good and important, salvation is for everyone". Amen and hallelujah!
note: As you can see, this site is lightly supported by banner advertisements and internal links to affiliate websites. However, if you have enjoyed or benefited from my work, please help support my time and effort directly by clicking on the secure PayPal link below and donating to the site. Although I write this contect out of the goodness of my heart as well as to improve myself (see "About Me" page), it takes much valuable time, thought, and sacrifice to do so. Thank you in advance for your support! Self-Help Coach