taijasi
Gnōthi seauton
As I’ve pondered this post, something that comes to me is a gentle reminder regarding the nature, role and place of religion in our lives. I'm hoping generate discussion, if this triggers anything useful with people. If not, then please at least get a little chuckle out of my rambling, and see it as nothing more ...
But just in case, here goes: When I joined the Theosophical society in the late 80s, at about age 18, it was because I had been searching for something that made sense – and I was sure that I had found it! Why else, after reading several books by Theosophical authors, and after familiarizing myself with the literature offered by the Theosophical Society, would I have continued to invest my attention and interest? Why else, at age 19, would I have made the trek by motorcycle from North Carolina to Chicago (some 800 miles), after having ridden motorcycles for all of 30 days? Why would I have allowed this outward, physical journey to take on such a deep, inner significance, with all the implication and personal meaning as the pilgrimage to Mecca has in Islam, or as the pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya has in Buddhism?
Why indeed? I can answer that. It is because, having always been a fairly thoughtful individual, with keen philosophical interest and a decent grounding in the physical sciences, certain basic questions still presented themselves to me … and I was not afraid to seek the answers.
My upbringing was in the Lutheran Church, so I am quite familiar with conventional Christianity, not only from this standpoint but also through that of friends from all varieties of Christian background, denomination and mindset. I have had close friends who were devout and pious Catholics, yet I have also crossed paths with those who represent the Fundamentalist Christian way of life at its finest, if I may use such an expression.
My friends during and since college have included Mormons, Baha’is, Vaishnavas (Hare Krishnas), Hindus, Buddhists, Spiritualists, New Agers, Wiccans, agnostics, atheists, and perhaps several dozen esotericists of all backgrounds and all walks of life. It is with the last group that I share the most beliefs, ideals, and understanding regarding the nature and purpose of our existence. And it is safe to say that each and every one of the esotericists I have met has had a profound impact, by way of deep & lasting positive impression, upon my life. Were it any other way, I might well have ceased to be an esotericist long ago, or to have (re-)considered other viewpoints.
But, I have chosen to believe as I believe, and to STICK TO what I believe, for a reason. And that is because nothing else even begins to make near as much sense!!!
A basic truth that is slowly dawning upon many of us: The Wayshowers exist. People of every religious tradition have always believed this, and the idea is presented in various forms. The wise man knows that behind all outward differences, one underlying reality exists. Yes, it is good to acknowledge and celebrate the various religious traditions, especially that tradition which resonates most closely within one’s own being … but to deny the equally valid reality within other traditions, or that there is a central reality (source) from which all traditions spring, only demonstrates our ignorance (or stubbornness, pride).
Along these lines, I finally get to the seed idea that inspired my post. And that idea is that religion is a mighty and noble thing, in its purest, ideal form. The world’s religious (or spiritual) teachings were all given to us as gifts from God. In each case, in every era, in each unique presentation, a specific need on Humanity’s part was MET by the Divine. Knowing full well what was, and is the course for Humanity’s well-being, our Heavenly Father (as the Christian would put it) has always reached out to us, and through His Wayshowers, He has always given to us precisely what would help us most to understand ourselves, each other, and our purpose upon the planet. Never has God failed us in this regard, though unfortunately, we have failed ourselves, and each other, in that we have not always cooperated with the Divine Plan. Still, a PLAN exists, and Humanity has a part to play in that Plan.
So the theme is one that I feel worth reiterating … and if anyone happens to glimpse it in its beauty, the way I first did some 17 years ago, then Hallelujah! Perhaps you will have managed to set aside my presentation, if that’s what gets in the way of your recognition. Perhaps you already know well what I am about to say, and therefore you can overlook my clumsiness in going about it. In the very least, I hope that you can acknowledge that I have no desire whatsoever of arguing my point, or of seeing that people agree. It sounds a bit self-righteous if I say, “I don’t need anyone to agree, I already know it to be true.” So, I do not mean to presume – I only appeal to a reader of even mediocre wisdom, and of genuine interest in Ecumenism, to consider:
Instead of a duality, suppose for a moment that Life exists more so in a basic triplicity … when it comes to the Spiritual side of things, and from Humanity's persepective. Really this is all-embracing, all-encompassing, so I’m not just talking about religion. But in terms of our effort, our attempt, both to understand our relationship to God, as well as the active method(s) by which we seek to deepen or develop this relationship, in that sense, I would offer this perspective on religions, plural. I am indebted to my Theosophical background for helping me to understand, but not to any book, any author, or anything external for the recognition itself. I am either right, or wrong, and there is little room in between.
Religions, as I see them, are truly the spokes of a great wheel. Imagine a wheel, ceaselessly turning, but now for a moment, turn that wheel sideways, instead of looking at it perpendicular. Next, realize that instead of being somewhere apart, and detached from that wheel, you are a part of this wheel, for this is the wheel of time, or of Life itself. Yes, there is a central hub, which is inescapable, just as is the wheel itself, from the present point of view. You are not simply watching it, you are – bound to this wheel. (Hmm, I almost see Kubrick's space station here, for you 2001 fans ...)
We walk, for many an incarnation, in the darkness of ignorance and unknowing. If we are aware of religion, in whichever culture or world cycle we find ourself, it is simply an aspect of our existence. At best, it provides us with some comfort, but in terms of answering the deepest of questions and showing us something of life’s ultimate truths, it serves but little. In terms of the wheel, this is like walking around and around and around the outermost circumference: We do not approach the hub, for we are not really even aware of its existence.
But there begins to dawn a realization with us that there is something more to life, and that we do not have to wander forever in the darkness of ignorance and suffering. We find ourselves awakening to the truth of the existence of the hub of this wheel, as taught to us by one or another of the world’s great religious Founders. And this is like turning the corner from the outer circumference of the wheel, and finding the path of religion, which is the Path of Return to the Center.
Every single religion teaches that essentially, it is from that Center that we all have come. Various mythologies present the tale of the Journey on the Path of Outgoing, but the theme is universal. And sometimes it is seen in a theistic, or a monotheistic context, while in other accounts the elements are shown to be impersonal. Even science itself, which has seemed to be at odds with religion in so many particulars, find itself agreeing that there is a common Source (most often called the `Singularlity’).
One of the most ancient of Hindu mantrams, the Gayatri, affirms this truth as it starts out: `O Thou, Who givest sustenance to the Universe, From Whom all things proceed, To Whom all things return … ‘ So from the Center, or hub of the wheel we all have emerged, along one or another (I’ll say of seven) of the main spokes we have traveled, and in our common experience we can all say we remember a time when we pretty much wandered the outer circumference of the wheel … in darkness, or unknowing, as if asleep ... to a deeper reality.
Where do we find ourself now? Simple. If we are consciously treading a religious or spiritual Path, then no matter which elements have gone into its making, I would submit that so long as thoughtfulness has been part of our motivation – as is the case with every seeker- we have begun the return journey … to the hub, or center, of the wheel.
This, to me, is a wholly accurate, not to mention inclusive, picture of exoteric religion. And in deference to all the great Founders of the main world religions, we should acknowledge that there have been Greater Wayshowers, and there have been Lesser Wayshowers. There have been many, many torchbearers, but all who have founded, or reformed the great religious traditions have done so according to Divine Impulse – and as esoteric study will show, this is always according to one, primary energy (the 2nd Ray of Seven), though in every case additional energies also enter the mix.
But we should not become lost in the details, if our aim is to understand the bigger picture. Many would just as soon stop here. And if that serves best, if it is more helpful, then it is surely fitting. The Sufi who can travel his own spiritual path, with an abiding respect for his Christian brother, and the same love in his heart as that which Christ demonstrated for the apostles and the people of Palestine … may have no need of an intellectual study of comparative religion. There are things he could learn, but in another sense, he has already reached the goal. He has traveled along his particular spoke so far, that the hub is already well within sight, and he can look to either side, see his Christian brothers on the one hand, and his Hindu brothers on the other, and he knows that all are about to reach the same, central Goal.
I want to EMPHASIZE, that never, certainly never intentionally, have I made such silly assertions on CR as, "anything goes" when it comes to religion!!! That would be quite contrary to the esoteric teachings, and pretty much the diametrical opposite of what the Elder Brothers have always indicated. If anything, they have underscored the teaching, as given by the Christ, that Narrow is the Way ... when it comes to those who can unfailingly apply the strictest of discipline, and maintain absolute purity of character. People tend to concretize this teaching, unfortunately, and see it in terms of all-or-nothing, when what was intended is more in lines with the esoteric truism:
Some may have walked a long way on the straight & narrow, be that as a Hindu or Vaishnava, in several lifetimes, or as a Catholic, Protestant, or Buddhist, in several others. But across the many lifetimes, while our outward religious observances have varied, we have remained committed, with greater or lesser success, to the spiritual Path. And in terms of the wheel metaphor, the religious or spiritual path, in terms of exoteric religion(s), refers to ALL of the many spokes which lead from the outer rim of the wheel to its center.
The person who can show some restraint, and avoid jumping into the center of the metaphor, is the person who makes the most sense of all ... for s/he is the one who can simply smile, nod, and most often, LISTEN. Each one of us will describe our various visions, encounters, longing for and understanding of the CENTER of the wheel from a slightly different perspective, yet with similar language - even occasionally with beautifully complementary terminologies, or context. We may find that we are birds of a feather, and that is very much how I see (our participation in) this Garden.
There is no race to the center, and in that sense, no one is keeping score. We are all companions on the Way, and every single person is either a Friend, or a potential Friend. To acknowledge that there are Those who already abide at the Heart of the wheel, looking outward from the Center of all being, is helpful to most. Some see, or prefer to see, only one face, or persona, while others see many. Regardless, it is helpful to remember that for Those at the Center, every single one of us has a part to play, and we are each a potential outpost of Light, Love and Strength ... to those around us.
Congratulations! You made it to the end!!!
Love and Light,
andrew
But just in case, here goes: When I joined the Theosophical society in the late 80s, at about age 18, it was because I had been searching for something that made sense – and I was sure that I had found it! Why else, after reading several books by Theosophical authors, and after familiarizing myself with the literature offered by the Theosophical Society, would I have continued to invest my attention and interest? Why else, at age 19, would I have made the trek by motorcycle from North Carolina to Chicago (some 800 miles), after having ridden motorcycles for all of 30 days? Why would I have allowed this outward, physical journey to take on such a deep, inner significance, with all the implication and personal meaning as the pilgrimage to Mecca has in Islam, or as the pilgrimage to Bodh Gaya has in Buddhism?
Why indeed? I can answer that. It is because, having always been a fairly thoughtful individual, with keen philosophical interest and a decent grounding in the physical sciences, certain basic questions still presented themselves to me … and I was not afraid to seek the answers.
My upbringing was in the Lutheran Church, so I am quite familiar with conventional Christianity, not only from this standpoint but also through that of friends from all varieties of Christian background, denomination and mindset. I have had close friends who were devout and pious Catholics, yet I have also crossed paths with those who represent the Fundamentalist Christian way of life at its finest, if I may use such an expression.
My friends during and since college have included Mormons, Baha’is, Vaishnavas (Hare Krishnas), Hindus, Buddhists, Spiritualists, New Agers, Wiccans, agnostics, atheists, and perhaps several dozen esotericists of all backgrounds and all walks of life. It is with the last group that I share the most beliefs, ideals, and understanding regarding the nature and purpose of our existence. And it is safe to say that each and every one of the esotericists I have met has had a profound impact, by way of deep & lasting positive impression, upon my life. Were it any other way, I might well have ceased to be an esotericist long ago, or to have (re-)considered other viewpoints.
But, I have chosen to believe as I believe, and to STICK TO what I believe, for a reason. And that is because nothing else even begins to make near as much sense!!!
A basic truth that is slowly dawning upon many of us: The Wayshowers exist. People of every religious tradition have always believed this, and the idea is presented in various forms. The wise man knows that behind all outward differences, one underlying reality exists. Yes, it is good to acknowledge and celebrate the various religious traditions, especially that tradition which resonates most closely within one’s own being … but to deny the equally valid reality within other traditions, or that there is a central reality (source) from which all traditions spring, only demonstrates our ignorance (or stubbornness, pride).
Along these lines, I finally get to the seed idea that inspired my post. And that idea is that religion is a mighty and noble thing, in its purest, ideal form. The world’s religious (or spiritual) teachings were all given to us as gifts from God. In each case, in every era, in each unique presentation, a specific need on Humanity’s part was MET by the Divine. Knowing full well what was, and is the course for Humanity’s well-being, our Heavenly Father (as the Christian would put it) has always reached out to us, and through His Wayshowers, He has always given to us precisely what would help us most to understand ourselves, each other, and our purpose upon the planet. Never has God failed us in this regard, though unfortunately, we have failed ourselves, and each other, in that we have not always cooperated with the Divine Plan. Still, a PLAN exists, and Humanity has a part to play in that Plan.
So the theme is one that I feel worth reiterating … and if anyone happens to glimpse it in its beauty, the way I first did some 17 years ago, then Hallelujah! Perhaps you will have managed to set aside my presentation, if that’s what gets in the way of your recognition. Perhaps you already know well what I am about to say, and therefore you can overlook my clumsiness in going about it. In the very least, I hope that you can acknowledge that I have no desire whatsoever of arguing my point, or of seeing that people agree. It sounds a bit self-righteous if I say, “I don’t need anyone to agree, I already know it to be true.” So, I do not mean to presume – I only appeal to a reader of even mediocre wisdom, and of genuine interest in Ecumenism, to consider:
Instead of a duality, suppose for a moment that Life exists more so in a basic triplicity … when it comes to the Spiritual side of things, and from Humanity's persepective. Really this is all-embracing, all-encompassing, so I’m not just talking about religion. But in terms of our effort, our attempt, both to understand our relationship to God, as well as the active method(s) by which we seek to deepen or develop this relationship, in that sense, I would offer this perspective on religions, plural. I am indebted to my Theosophical background for helping me to understand, but not to any book, any author, or anything external for the recognition itself. I am either right, or wrong, and there is little room in between.
Religions, as I see them, are truly the spokes of a great wheel. Imagine a wheel, ceaselessly turning, but now for a moment, turn that wheel sideways, instead of looking at it perpendicular. Next, realize that instead of being somewhere apart, and detached from that wheel, you are a part of this wheel, for this is the wheel of time, or of Life itself. Yes, there is a central hub, which is inescapable, just as is the wheel itself, from the present point of view. You are not simply watching it, you are – bound to this wheel. (Hmm, I almost see Kubrick's space station here, for you 2001 fans ...
)We walk, for many an incarnation, in the darkness of ignorance and unknowing. If we are aware of religion, in whichever culture or world cycle we find ourself, it is simply an aspect of our existence. At best, it provides us with some comfort, but in terms of answering the deepest of questions and showing us something of life’s ultimate truths, it serves but little. In terms of the wheel, this is like walking around and around and around the outermost circumference: We do not approach the hub, for we are not really even aware of its existence.
But there begins to dawn a realization with us that there is something more to life, and that we do not have to wander forever in the darkness of ignorance and suffering. We find ourselves awakening to the truth of the existence of the hub of this wheel, as taught to us by one or another of the world’s great religious Founders. And this is like turning the corner from the outer circumference of the wheel, and finding the path of religion, which is the Path of Return to the Center.
Every single religion teaches that essentially, it is from that Center that we all have come. Various mythologies present the tale of the Journey on the Path of Outgoing, but the theme is universal. And sometimes it is seen in a theistic, or a monotheistic context, while in other accounts the elements are shown to be impersonal. Even science itself, which has seemed to be at odds with religion in so many particulars, find itself agreeing that there is a common Source (most often called the `Singularlity’).
One of the most ancient of Hindu mantrams, the Gayatri, affirms this truth as it starts out: `O Thou, Who givest sustenance to the Universe, From Whom all things proceed, To Whom all things return … ‘ So from the Center, or hub of the wheel we all have emerged, along one or another (I’ll say of seven) of the main spokes we have traveled, and in our common experience we can all say we remember a time when we pretty much wandered the outer circumference of the wheel … in darkness, or unknowing, as if asleep ... to a deeper reality.
Where do we find ourself now? Simple. If we are consciously treading a religious or spiritual Path, then no matter which elements have gone into its making, I would submit that so long as thoughtfulness has been part of our motivation – as is the case with every seeker- we have begun the return journey … to the hub, or center, of the wheel.
This, to me, is a wholly accurate, not to mention inclusive, picture of exoteric religion. And in deference to all the great Founders of the main world religions, we should acknowledge that there have been Greater Wayshowers, and there have been Lesser Wayshowers. There have been many, many torchbearers, but all who have founded, or reformed the great religious traditions have done so according to Divine Impulse – and as esoteric study will show, this is always according to one, primary energy (the 2nd Ray of Seven), though in every case additional energies also enter the mix.
But we should not become lost in the details, if our aim is to understand the bigger picture. Many would just as soon stop here. And if that serves best, if it is more helpful, then it is surely fitting. The Sufi who can travel his own spiritual path, with an abiding respect for his Christian brother, and the same love in his heart as that which Christ demonstrated for the apostles and the people of Palestine … may have no need of an intellectual study of comparative religion. There are things he could learn, but in another sense, he has already reached the goal. He has traveled along his particular spoke so far, that the hub is already well within sight, and he can look to either side, see his Christian brothers on the one hand, and his Hindu brothers on the other, and he knows that all are about to reach the same, central Goal.
I want to EMPHASIZE, that never, certainly never intentionally, have I made such silly assertions on CR as, "anything goes" when it comes to religion!!! That would be quite contrary to the esoteric teachings, and pretty much the diametrical opposite of what the Elder Brothers have always indicated. If anything, they have underscored the teaching, as given by the Christ, that Narrow is the Way ... when it comes to those who can unfailingly apply the strictest of discipline, and maintain absolute purity of character. People tend to concretize this teaching, unfortunately, and see it in terms of all-or-nothing, when what was intended is more in lines with the esoteric truism:
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica]The Master of the Wisdom ... is the "rare efflorescence of a generation of enquirers"
[/FONT]
Every single one of us, as best I can discern, is still treading the path to the center of the hub ... at least here at CR. ALL of us evidence the fact that we have turned from the outer (portion of the) wheel, simply by being here, and having an interest in comparative religion vs. say, fishing, or rocket science. Those other things may interest us, but so does this.[/FONT]
Some may have walked a long way on the straight & narrow, be that as a Hindu or Vaishnava, in several lifetimes, or as a Catholic, Protestant, or Buddhist, in several others. But across the many lifetimes, while our outward religious observances have varied, we have remained committed, with greater or lesser success, to the spiritual Path. And in terms of the wheel metaphor, the religious or spiritual path, in terms of exoteric religion(s), refers to ALL of the many spokes which lead from the outer rim of the wheel to its center.
The person who can show some restraint, and avoid jumping into the center of the metaphor, is the person who makes the most sense of all ... for s/he is the one who can simply smile, nod, and most often, LISTEN. Each one of us will describe our various visions, encounters, longing for and understanding of the CENTER of the wheel from a slightly different perspective, yet with similar language - even occasionally with beautifully complementary terminologies, or context. We may find that we are birds of a feather, and that is very much how I see (our participation in) this Garden.
There is no race to the center, and in that sense, no one is keeping score. We are all companions on the Way, and every single person is either a Friend, or a potential Friend. To acknowledge that there are Those who already abide at the Heart of the wheel, looking outward from the Center of all being, is helpful to most. Some see, or prefer to see, only one face, or persona, while others see many. Regardless, it is helpful to remember that for Those at the Center, every single one of us has a part to play, and we are each a potential outpost of Light, Love and Strength ... to those around us.
Congratulations! You made it to the end!!!
Love and Light,
andrew