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.