“They say the mystics see more commonality in religion expression than the clergy do.
The Dali Llama said all the Western refugees from Christianity need to revisit their own traditions again, to gain insight to where they have been traveling. We were each born into a faith for a reason. We will find the truth in the religion if we open and seek again; it’s in there, just worn away from (‘mindless’) repetition, like a marriage that has lost its passion.
Each tradition is Holy, and we might better treat them as such, with the seriousness of facing ‘a burning bush,’ while burning out our ignorance, or, left ‘untouched’ without our prejudice, or judge not lest we be judged”, etc.
Recognizing the presence of God potentially makes room for the sacred, religious, spiritual and interfaith experience. God is everywhere without limit. There is no place God is not. There is no time God is not. How the sacred is defined is our attitude and the ability to be humble before its vastness.
Religion, Spirituality and Interfaith Activity are organic and never static.
Religious, interfaith and spiritual dialogue is about talking and listening for more understanding, where spirituality, religion and interfaith activities are concerned with finding Common Ground. Respect and tolerance are a huge prerequisite for peace. Only through understanding can we become less afraid of each other. We may not agree with each other’s beliefs and practices but we should honor their right to practice their faith whether we understand it or not. Let us work towards giving the kind of grace and permission which God, Allah, Buddha, Krishna, Christ, Moses, Mohammad etc, have given us. Their teachings are given to their beloved and they give abundant permission to practice or not and to varying degrees. Let us realize we are all loved and we can express that love without restraint of confinement to others. There is plenty of Religion, Spirituality and Interfaith Activity practice to go around, we do not need to diminish or constrain anyone or anyone’s practice.
Maybe the next question is; where is this common and holy ground? I think it is beneath and within each of us, on the planet and in our hearts.
Art for Global Peace and interfaith understanding
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