Looking for a religion...
- Thread starter shays860
- Start date
(I made that very short because I just joined seconds before and some sites won't let you create new threads so soon so I didn't want to waste my time typing up a huge post and then get an error message.)
I have been looking with different degrees of intensity since I was about 17 (I'm 25). I don't like the idea of affiliating myself with any religion who thinks their way is the only way. I have been drawn to wicca, nortic religion, occultism and new ageism. More recently Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta sounds cool but when I try to read Shankara I don't feel like he is saying a whole lot. It doesn't seem like he really says why or how things are the way they are. Any Advaita Vedanta followers here?
Do you guys know of any religion that gives good sounding explanations of the why and how of the material world and the spiritual world. I know opinions are relative but I want your opinion. Has anyone else here taken such a long time to settle on a faith? If so what did you decide on? If this question has been asked a million times please refer me to those threads. I couldn't find them. Any help would be very sincerely appreciated.
I have been looking with different degrees of intensity since I was about 17 (I'm 25). I don't like the idea of affiliating myself with any religion who thinks their way is the only way. I have been drawn to wicca, nortic religion, occultism and new ageism. More recently Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta sounds cool but when I try to read Shankara I don't feel like he is saying a whole lot. It doesn't seem like he really says why or how things are the way they are. Any Advaita Vedanta followers here?
Do you guys know of any religion that gives good sounding explanations of the why and how of the material world and the spiritual world. I know opinions are relative but I want your opinion. Has anyone else here taken such a long time to settle on a faith? If so what did you decide on? If this question has been asked a million times please refer me to those threads. I couldn't find them. Any help would be very sincerely appreciated.
seattlegal
Mercuræn Buddhist
I don't think we have any "all is brahmin" followers here. Sorry.
As for the how and why of the material world, Buddhism says that speculation about origins of the world will lead to madness and vexation--which we can see is true.
Have you checked out Taoism yet?
Good luck in your search.
arthra
Baha'i
Tablet of the True Seeker:
You've been seeking with intensity from around 17 years old to where you are now at 25 years old ... and I started when I was around 14 years old and when I was 25 years old I finally settled for the Baha'i Faith..
I think your seeking is a natural part of developing and attempting to establish a foundation in your life and I encourage you! It's helped me immensely! and well I'm a lot older now..
Baha'u'llah identified some of the means of seeking and I'll share an excerpt here form His Writings..actually from a "Tablet of the True Seeker":
O My brother! When a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading unto the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. He must purge his breast, which is the sanctuary of the abiding love of the Beloved, of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hate repel him away from the truth. Even as thou dost witness in this Day how most of the people, because of such love and hate, are bereft of the immortal Face, have strayed far from the Embodiments of the Divine mysteries, and, shepherdless, are roaming through the wilderness of oblivion and error.
That seeker must, at all times, put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, must detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vain-glory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century.
That seeker should, also, regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion, inasmuch as backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire. He should treasure the companionship of them that have renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and worldly people a precious benefit. At the dawn of every day he should commune with God, and, with all his soul, persevere in the quest of his Beloved. He should consume every wayward thought with the flame of His loving mention, and, with the swiftness of lightning, pass by all else save Him. He should succor the dispossessed, and never withhold his favor from the destitute. He should show kindness to animals, how much more unto his fellow-man, to him who is endowed with the power of utterance. He should not hesitate to offer up his life for his Beloved, nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the Truth. He should not wish for others that which he doth not wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfil. With all his heart he should avoid fellowship with evil-doers, and pray for the remission of their sins. He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be.
~ Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 263
For the entire Tablet see:
Baha'u'llah's Tablet of the True Seeker
shays860;262311.... I have been looking with different degrees of intensity since I was about 17 (I'm 25). I don't like the idea of affiliating myself with any religion who thinks their way is the only way. I have been drawn to wicca said:
You've been seeking with intensity from around 17 years old to where you are now at 25 years old ... and I started when I was around 14 years old and when I was 25 years old I finally settled for the Baha'i Faith..
I think your seeking is a natural part of developing and attempting to establish a foundation in your life and I encourage you! It's helped me immensely! and well I'm a lot older now..
Baha'u'llah identified some of the means of seeking and I'll share an excerpt here form His Writings..actually from a "Tablet of the True Seeker":
O My brother! When a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading unto the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse his heart, which is the seat of the revelation of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy. He must purge his breast, which is the sanctuary of the abiding love of the Beloved, of every defilement, and sanctify his soul from all that pertaineth to water and clay, from all shadowy and ephemeral attachments. He must so cleanse his heart that no remnant of either love or hate may linger therein, lest that love blindly incline him to error, or that hate repel him away from the truth. Even as thou dost witness in this Day how most of the people, because of such love and hate, are bereft of the immortal Face, have strayed far from the Embodiments of the Divine mysteries, and, shepherdless, are roaming through the wilderness of oblivion and error.
That seeker must, at all times, put his trust in God, must renounce the peoples of the earth, must detach himself from the world of dust, and cleave unto Him Who is the Lord of Lords. He must never seek to exalt himself above any one, must wash away from the tablet of his heart every trace of pride and vain-glory, must cling unto patience and resignation, observe silence and refrain from idle talk. For the tongue is a smoldering fire, and excess of speech a deadly poison. Material fire consumeth the body, whereas the fire of the tongue devoureth both heart and soul. The force of the former lasteth but for a time, whilst the effects of the latter endureth a century.
That seeker should, also, regard backbiting as grievous error, and keep himself aloof from its dominion, inasmuch as backbiting quencheth the light of the heart, and extinguisheth the life of the soul. He should be content with little, and be freed from all inordinate desire. He should treasure the companionship of them that have renounced the world, and regard avoidance of boastful and worldly people a precious benefit. At the dawn of every day he should commune with God, and, with all his soul, persevere in the quest of his Beloved. He should consume every wayward thought with the flame of His loving mention, and, with the swiftness of lightning, pass by all else save Him. He should succor the dispossessed, and never withhold his favor from the destitute. He should show kindness to animals, how much more unto his fellow-man, to him who is endowed with the power of utterance. He should not hesitate to offer up his life for his Beloved, nor allow the censure of the people to turn him away from the Truth. He should not wish for others that which he doth not wish for himself, nor promise that which he doth not fulfil. With all his heart he should avoid fellowship with evil-doers, and pray for the remission of their sins. He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be.
~ Baha'u'llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah, p. 263
For the entire Tablet see:
Baha'u'llah's Tablet of the True Seeker
A Cup Of Tea
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 3,313
- Reaction score
- 579
- Points
- 108
I liked seattlegals suggestion of Taoism, I'm slowly going through some books on it right now. Where I am now I don't find that it discusses the material world or the spiritual world at all, but since it can be practised in very different ways I only know parts of the whole. What draws me to Taoism is the focus to find a harmony with the outside through the inside.
Hi, I don't know if I have anything to add. Are looking for faith or perhaps truth. They don't seem to always co-exist. You have the time, keep reading and learning about different paths. Gather up what you need. I could be wrong but finding a one size fits all religion out there can't be done.
Sam Albion
akaFrancisKing:ViveLeRoi!
The Church of The Flying Spaghetti monster accepts all! Discounts for Pirates!
seattlegal
Mercuræn Buddhist
I love his sauciness.
The Eight I Really Wish You Rather Didn'ts of Pastafarianism:
- I'd really rather you didn't act like a sanctimonious holier-than-thou ass when describing my noodly goodness. If some people don't believe in me, that's okay. Really, I'm not that vain. Besides, this isn't about them so don't change the subject.
- I'd really rather you didn't use my existence as a means to oppress, subjugate, punish, eviscerate, and/or, you know, be mean to others. I don't require sacrifices, and purity is for drinking water, not people.
- I'd really rather you didn't judge people for the way they look, or how they dress, or the way they talk, or, well, just play nice, Okay? Oh, and get this into your thick heads: woman = person. man = person. Samey = Samey. One is not better than the other, unless we're talking about fashion and I'm sorry, but I gave that to women and some guys who know the difference between teal and fuschia.
- I'd really rather you didn't indulge in conduct that offends yourself, or your willing, consenting partner of legal age AND mental maturity. As for anyone who might object, I think the expression is go **** yourself, unless they find that offensive in which case they can turn off the TV for once and go for a walk for a change.
- I'd really rather you didn't challenge the bigoted, misogynistic, hateful ideas of others on an empty stomach. Eat, then go after the girls.
- I'd really rather you didn't build multi million-dollar churches/temples/mosques/shrines to my noodly goodness when the money could be better spent (take your pick):
- Ending poverty
- Curing diseases
- Living in peace, loving with passion, and lowering the cost of cable
I might be a complex-carbohydrate omniscient being, but I enjoy the simple things in life. I ought to know. I AM the creator.
- I'd really rather you didn't go around telling people I talk to you. You're not that interesting. Get over yourself. And I told you to love your fellow man, can't you take a hint?
- I'd really rather you didn't do unto others as you would have them do unto you if you are into, um, stuff that uses a lot of leather/lubricant/Las Vegas. If the other person is into it, however (pursuant to #4), then have at it, take pictures, and for the love of Mike, wear a CONDOM! Honestly, it's a piece of rubber. If I didn't want it to feel good when you did it I would have added spikes, or something.
radarmark
Quaker-in-the-Making
Best of luck! I just have never been much of a joiner. The pathless path or the one way of many paths are what interest me. Find your own way is the best way (IMHO).
Good luck, I also was a seeker. I believe I've found a home, but when I go to beliefnet.com and take their beliefomatic quiz I always end up Theraveda Bhuddist and Liberal Quaker up near the top... Beliefomatic won't tell you where to go to find the answers you seek, but may give you an indication of what religions your current beliefs and understandings align with...
I am a member of the Unity church, and quite comfortable but also find comfort when I have attended Quaker services and enjoy Buddhist thinking as well.
In our church we don't teach folks what to think, we encourage them to think, no blasphemy, or herecy....we encourage questioning everything and honoring all beliefs.
I am a member of the Unity church, and quite comfortable but also find comfort when I have attended Quaker services and enjoy Buddhist thinking as well.
In our church we don't teach folks what to think, we encourage them to think, no blasphemy, or herecy....we encourage questioning everything and honoring all beliefs.
Hi
You mention the material world. Some times it seems to be treated with religious reverence, but I find science to be rather illuminating on matters material.
Affiliating?
Sounds cool?
Oh, the levity of the young!
Regarding what might be real to you in the 'spiritual' sense, might I suggest your examinations and introspection be driven by the notion 'if I was to find out today that I was going to die tomorrow, would this matter?'
Sounds cool?
Oh, the levity of the young!
Regarding what might be real to you in the 'spiritual' sense, might I suggest your examinations and introspection be driven by the notion 'if I was to find out today that I was going to die tomorrow, would this matter?'
L
Lunitik
Guest
Taoism is really beautiful, but how could it discuss material or spiritual? These are extremes, Tao is about merging the extremes. It is about finding the very current of life and allowing it to guide you, not your moral structures or beliefs. It is quite difficult to say Taoism is even a religion, it is simply to be in tune with life.
I am not a Taoist because truth isn't only in the Taoist tradition, and for me the only true religion is truth. The Old Man teaches it with the least nonsense, yet he will seem like a nonsensical man if you do not understand him. Religion is truly about merging the opposites, realizing oneness, whatsoever helps you to experience this is the religion for you.
Bhaktajan II
Hare Krishna Yogi
- Messages
- 2,277
- Reaction score
- 115
- Points
- 63
What in hell do you consider to be a "religion"? or should I ask,
What in God's name do you consider to be a "religion"? or should I ask,
For God's sake what do you consider to be a "religion"?
Define Religion please.
Dharma = "Occupational Duties [obliged daily duties]"
How does your own daily dharma sync or conflict with a religion ---is it important connection?
There are Three Main Scriptures of the this world [along with there ancillary off-shoots aka, sects & reformation diasporas]:
1 Judeo-Christian Bible
2 Mohamedian Koran
3 India's Vedic Literatures
Each appeared during an epoch of the human experience and thus has an especial value to the later generations of those cultures.
What is religion? What is the ethomology of the word "religion"?
IMHO, my experiences see the three sequential choices to focus on:
1 Good works rather than Bad Deeds
2 Scholarly erudition
3 Devotional Vocation [civic-service-like work to "the entire Field" of affairs; or, to "other persons & living entities"; or, to the revealed face(s) of GodHead]
inre: Material Sciences ---these are the hidden "Guild-Members-Only" info that must be sought out like an archoiologist or modern inventor would.
The taste of Yoga practice is available ONLY in the tasting.
What in God's name do you consider to be a "religion"? or should I ask,
For God's sake what do you consider to be a "religion"?
Define Religion please.
Dharma = "Occupational Duties [obliged daily duties]"
How does your own daily dharma sync or conflict with a religion ---is it important connection?
There are Three Main Scriptures of the this world [along with there ancillary off-shoots aka, sects & reformation diasporas]:
1 Judeo-Christian Bible
2 Mohamedian Koran
3 India's Vedic Literatures
Each appeared during an epoch of the human experience and thus has an especial value to the later generations of those cultures.
What is religion? What is the ethomology of the word "religion"?
IMHO, my experiences see the three sequential choices to focus on:
1 Good works rather than Bad Deeds
2 Scholarly erudition
3 Devotional Vocation [civic-service-like work to "the entire Field" of affairs; or, to "other persons & living entities"; or, to the revealed face(s) of GodHead]
inre: Material Sciences ---these are the hidden "Guild-Members-Only" info that must be sought out like an archoiologist or modern inventor would.
The taste of Yoga practice is available ONLY in the tasting.
P
Princely
Guest
The Lord God says; "There is no just and saving God but me. There is no savior but me. Turn to me all you ends of the earth and be safe, for I am God there is no other. Seek the Lord so you will live. I the Lord speak the truth, I say what is right. All those who do right shall rise to live.Speak the truth to one another, judge justly and let honesty and peace be with you".
NiceCupOfTea
Pathetic earthlings
- Messages
- 1,242
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 0
religion for the most part is pretty poisonous stuff and best avoided really.
NiceCupOfTea
Pathetic earthlings
- Messages
- 1,242
- Reaction score
- 1
- Points
- 0
and just exactly who and what is this "Lord God" character ?
he sounds like a total megalomaniac if you ask me
A Cup Of Tea
Well-Known Member
- Messages
- 3,313
- Reaction score
- 579
- Points
- 108
There you go Shay, your thread is filled with the entire spectrum or religion, with the good and the bad. Welcome!