Total Thoughts (November 23, 2008) - Religion - its Utility

Religion - its Utility

• Are definitions of religion, spirituality, God, etc. required - do these definitions serve a purpose
• In what direction are these definitions going - evolving or devolving
• What is the value of rituals - rituals serve the purpose of slowly raising our minds to subtler and subtler aspects of living and concurrently greater and greater levels of joy
• The karma kanda (ritual portion) of the Vedas can be likened to religion - naturally then, the jnana kanda (Self Knowledge portion) of the Vedas can be likened to spirituality
• We have to understand that our scriptures are a finite means to understanding the Infinite - examples to understand the latter are too look beyond the branches to the moon and dropping the pole to cross the bar
• Religion is a fundamental aspect of who we are
• By questioning the root/s of our religion, Gurus, Scriptures, etc. we facilitate our learning
• Such discussions / satsangas are a refresher
• Each religion teaches the same message - it is our understanding of that message that makes it as if we have our own individual religions
• Are such discussions / satsangas escapism - by questioning we are provided with matter to think about and possibly a new perspective
• Religion is simply the analysis of man's reaction to living - and guidance accordingly
• Our discussions should focus more on everyday life
• Claiming our discussions are not for everyday life is a justification to not practice what we have explored
• "It is never too late to be what we might have been." --- George Elliot

Foundation for our upcoming discussion:  The Purpose of Life

 

Please spread the word about our discussions.  Looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday.

 

Please also take a minute out of your day today to send your sincerest prayers to the innocent victims and their family/friends who have/are suffering from actions based on a terribly wrong interpretation of religion...in our blessed Bharat.

 

" The meaning of matsarya, then, is that the wealth of possible possessions and attainments in the world of matter creates in the ego dissatisfaction, and a passion (envy) for obtaining those material enjoyments." --- Paramahansa Yogananda

 

Inspire-Love-Peace