There are times when we have been lucky enough to have companions on our spiritual path, but the time of parting often comes without welcome. When our friends decide to leave, we are often left with doubt, confusion, and sometimes guilt. Anyone may leave the path. They won't suffer damnation; they will only walk a different path.~ from 365 Tao: Daily Meditations, Entry 83 ~
Whether we care to admit it or not, one of the great pulls of religion is the social relationship aspect. As we humans are social, in nature, most of us generally feel the need to share beliefs with others. It goes back to the idea that there is strength in numbers. If all these other people hold beliefs similar to mine, then we can't be wrong!
Of course, numbers don't really mean anything. One million people CAN be wrong and one person can be right. But this isn't really a question about right and wrong to begin with. It's about what speaks to each of us as individuals.
It's great to share camaraderie with those who see the world as we do. At the end of the day, however, what matters most is which beliefs free our spirit to soar.
Of course, numbers don't really mean anything. One million people CAN be wrong and one person can be right. But this isn't really a question about right and wrong to begin with. It's about what speaks to each of us as individuals.
It's great to share camaraderie with those who see the world as we do. At the end of the day, however, what matters most is which beliefs free our spirit to soar.
your posts always find me at opportune times. i find myself wishing for a structured religion with a community aspect that also leaves me free to live, do, and believe what i wish. i have yet to find one, but i'm becoming more and more curious when it comes to religion. i think at this point in my life, community has become more important as i have gotten pretty depressed this winter being cooped up in the house all the time.
ReplyDeleteso this post really caught my eye, especially the last paragraph. as a non-christian living in rural wisconsin, it's really hard to find camaraderie with anyone, since my worldview is so different. at the same time, i don't want to be tied down by my newfound community focus. my spirit still needs to soar.
great post!
Actually one of the things that appeals to me about Taoism is that you don't have that "sangha" requirement...are there Buddhist hermits? I am less and less interested in being involved with people, like-minded or not, although of course the web dialogue may contradict that.
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