Amma
"The reality of religion is something far beyond people's concept about it. The so-called intellectuals of all religions have taught people about a religion that they themselves have created; a religion corresponding to their own ideas, which has little to do with true religion and its essential principles.
They fool the people by making them follow only the external aspect of religion, and never the internal. If the internal oneness of religions were to be revealed, their own importance would be greatly diminished and they wouldn't be given any more attention. This is the reason why they highlight only the external differences.
Otherwise their egos will starve, which would be unbearable to them.
Also, since they, themselves, are stuck in their own intellects, they cannot assimilate the real principles of spirituality; and if they have not imbibed those principles, how can they teach anyone about spirituality?"
Amma, from Awaken Children, vol. 7
posted by isaiah @ 10:06 AM
5 Comments:
OK I have to play devils advocate ...a little...not so much a refutation but a different view point
Religion is a chest tightening subject for me, because I have yet to decide if more harm or more good has come from the concept.
What is the internal "oneness" of religion?
And if the "oneness" was revealed would it be the end of religion? or simply the end of religion as we know it to be.
Are the spiritual leaders (or intellectuals) of each religion the reason that each particular religion exists?
Would any loving God or force condemn a soul to hell when the truth is unattainable?
If we are all Gods (I use the word God to represent all forms of deity worship) children then we should not be allowed to run ram-pit. I do not let my child behave how ever he chooses. He does not have free will.
If God, Buddha, Muhammad, Yaway the human spirit, etc, etc, have any control over our existence, then they have done a terrible job. I choose not to worship any entity or force that allows such horrors that happen in this world to take place. Free will is a cop-out (Anyone can act any way they want but if you don't behave by the teachings of each particular religion then some sort of damnation or punishment will occur) That is not free will. That is black mail.
The reality of religion is the outcome of its actions.
I can have the greatest of kindness in my heart, but if I do not behave with kindness, then in reality, I am not kind at all. Actions speak louder than words.
When a suicide bomber kills, he represents all of Islam. When a southern Baptist blows up an abortion clinic, the blame lies squarely on the Church. When a priest molests a child, the Catholic Church is to blame. When a Buddhist monks storm a government building (and believe it or not there are violent groups of Buddhists) or catch themselves on fire in protest for some preserved wrong, the Buddhist religion is the root cause.
Sure Religion has done great good for many people, but the reality is, the horrors out shine the atrocities. And some crimes are too harsh for atonement.
Do I have any answers? No… I am as lost as any one else/ Maybe… I live with so much hope that most days I can hardly contain it /Yes… destroy religion
The oneness of religion is very individualistic while the reality of religion operates through the worship of the masses. Maybe, in the end, the oneness of religion lies within the extinction of mankind.
Also, since they, themselves, are stuck in their own intellects, they cannot assimilate the real principles of spirituality; and if they have not imbibed those principles, how can they teach anyone about spirituality?"
from Awaken Children, vol. 7
We are all stuck in our own intellects and no one but the individual knows the “real principles of spirituality” The author of this quote is no different than the intellectuals he condemns. We are truly lost in space and time. We are all insignificant creatures hurling through the universe filled with our own self importance. And I take great comfort in that.
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Buford, how do you really feel?
Just joking :)
Yes, I agree.
You ask, "What is the internal "oneness" of religion... if the ‘oneness’ was revealed would it be the end of religion... or simply the end of religion as we know it to be?"
Good question. I believe what Amma is saying here is that beyond all ecclesiastics we have added there is a source or intention (call it God, call it Nature, Spirit, a rock) underlying all things and we’ve bastardized and burdened "It" with concepts of what we think “It” is and should be...all in attempts to control others.
The “oneness” does reveal itself (as clear-mind, as ‘God’, as a mountain creek, even through “not getting it”) and when it is revealed it puts and end to religion. One no longer needs to be religious when one sees through.
Our struggle with religion isn’t something to be solved- it is something to be seen through.
When you lose yourself in thought while on the Catawba or French Broad or in Hot Springs, when you are filled with something you can't quite explain while in nature, you too are losing yourself in and to the "oneness" that is found at the heart of spirituality.
“The slowly drifting cloud is pitiful!
What dreamwalkers we all are!
Awakened, the one great truth:
Black rain on the temple roof.”
Zen Master Joshu
Great quote, and beautiful response. Thank you, Isaiah.
This is such WONDERFUL WISDOM!! I have never heard from Amma before and I now want to read more.
Thanks for wetting my appetite and turning me on to another teacher.
Many thanks...
Namaste.
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