Here is a flyer for a talk I’m giving here in Torrance which is in the SouthBay area of Los Angeles. click here to see a map or get directions
Religion gets a bad wrap, plain and simple. It’s easy to see why. As institutions grow in size and power they loose touch with their own roots. A hierarchy is developed over time that actually excludes those souls with the highest levels of realization. Those who found God within the Catholic Church were also the most persecuted by it.
Instead of throwing away religion altogether, we should listen carefully to the great saints. These souls are the light-bearers of truth that religious institutions can never be. Their lives are the foundation of the institutions that serve (more or less) as vehicles for their message. While it’s not the focus of my talk, I will say here that I do believe the great religions serve a useful purpose for those who feel inclined to draw from them.
Most institutions will lose their strength and influence over time. Institutional dogmatism eventually replaces righteousness until the teachings are only fit for sheep. No wave can last forever. Even as traditional religion and it’s importance diminishes, the power of Christ, Krishna, and other great masters will never fail to uplift those who tune in to them.
Many souls have turned away from religion. Some label themselves as “spiritual but not religious” and others remain within the structure of religion, but hold doubts and feel distant from God. And some who turn away from institutions find themselves lost in a sea of eclecticism afraid to commit to anything for fear of losing their “freedom.” It is to all of these seekers that I want to speak.
Life is a school and what we are going through is just part of our lesson. It doesn’t matter if you label yourself as religious, spiritual, atheist, or agnostic.
All that matters is that you are moving in the direction of your own hearts deepest yearning. That you lay your head down at night and can feel your living connection with all of life in peace.
I have so much more to say on this topic! If you can’t make the talk, I’ll have it recorded in some form and make it available to those who request it.
The inspiration for what I’ll share lies in “God is For Everyone” by Swami Kriyananda, “The Science of Religion” by Paramhansa Yoganananda, and “Religion in the New Age” by Swami Kriyananda
If you are interested I recommend reading all three of these books and have listed them in the order I would suggest to most people. The first two books are easy reads and the last one is a bit more esoteric in nature. In my opinion “Religion in the New Age” is one of the most important books of our time, especially for those who are involved in religious organizations.
Very true.
Hi Turiya, I resonate a lot with much of what you say. Although Buddhism is probably my strongest reference point, I am personally no longer interested in labeling myself as belonging to any one tradition – mostly because of what it means to other people. And I have found valuable and meaningful teachings in almost every tradition, sometimes in places that surprise me – like the medieval Christian mystics. I think this shifting relationship between perceptions of ‘spirituality’ and ‘religion’ is very critical to understand right now, especially considering all the religious divisiveness in this country. Thanks for posting-
I hear you. Truth can be found in all the great traditions. I think to limit oneself as this or that based on anything can be well, limiting.
But those who found God, did focus on one tradition to get there. Actually, not the tradition, but the guru or master of the tradition. To me, Buddha is no different than Christ, who mystics like St Francis or St Anthony worshiped.
All true paths lead to God, but once we want the destination more than the path, I think our path will be revealed to us.
You and I have the same destiny. We will realize our highest nature sooner or later.
It’s awesome.
The path is like a road we drive on, it’s not the point. But it can serve us if we keep it in perspective.
I love your website and your work by the way.
http://mommymystic.wordpress.com/
in Joy,
turiya
As a loaded term “religion” carries negative energy due to how people have exploited the Way. Religion is to be the way, the road, the way we worship or the Christ we hug when we meditate no matter what his/ her name is. the mannerisms and form of spirit worship gets lost under the rules. I am a spirit being connected to My Infinite source, i carry the same anointing as Christ did & I use Kabbalah & Tao de Ching as my Way mixed w/ the entire Biblical scripture not just the small chapters found in the Christian Bible. I cringed when people said “She’s religious” cuz they meant it in hateful terms. As my spiritual side evolves I could care less how people worship or by what name they call their God for if they bear fruit of their connection it will show as brilliant light.
Wow, I was just writing a reply above while you were posting this. I feel we are on the same page totally. It’s a pleasure to hear your view.
When I started on the yogic path, I knew nothing of and had no interest in Christ’s teachings. Then after years, I opened the Bible and found the words of Christ and it was no different than Krishna or Patanjali. It’s amazing what people can do to something so simple, in the name of “clarifying” it!
Thank you!
turiya
Wonderfully said.
I find it fascinating that there is an article on one of the news channels today discussing people changing religions and their reasoning for it (I went back but unable to locate it on the news sites atm. I will post it if I find it).
While I am a member of a religious group, I strive to be more spiritual than religious. I have always said there is a real separation between religious and spiritual; a comment that gains a few eye-rolls from those involved in the discussion. A religious person isn’t necessarily spiritual, and a spiritual person isn’t necessarily religious (but I believe you CAN be both). There is just something… enlightening about a truly spiritual person. They have a peaceful glow that warms all around them and people tend to flock to them… exactly like people used to flock to the old prophets and saints.
Excellent topic! I can’t wait to read more and would definitely be interested in an audio version of the lecture.
Good luck on Saturday.