The relevant excerpt from a comment on my recent article “Can You Really Find Your True Soulmate?” read:
“Finding connection by being skeptical and critical of other teachings, meditation techniques, and religious practices will only get us so far in building true faith and trust in others and connections with other conscious spiritual leaders.”
To which I respond:
No student who gave wrong answers on a math test would tell their teacher, “Let’s just agree to disagree.” Some things are valid and other things just aren’t. Spirituality is no exception. It’s not a no-holds barred, anything goes, let’s agree to disagree subject. Admittedly, spirituality is a very subtle topic. Different religions approach it from different angles and we certainly need to respect that. However, fundamental principles do exist and need to be respected and understood. In fact the reason so many people reject spirituality today is because it doesn’t make sense, simply because those fundamental principles are superseded by superstition and erroneous thinking.
Adi Shankara, a great saint from India, said that the spiritual path is the path of discernment. It is described as the path of Neti, Neti, Neti (not that, not that, not that). Discernment is not about being “skeptical and critical.” Discernment is about taking a deep, wise, and rational approach. In so doing, we separate the wheat from the chaff. In so doing, the light of Knowledge is no longer obscured by a garb of mysticism.
Beautiful blog. I’ve struggled with feeling judgemental and that I need to be “politically correct” and accept all spiritual viewpoints. The discernment to sort it all out comes from within, but the conditioning we all have to think and feel a certain way makes that discernment challenging. Strong viewpoints and feelings all too often come from that conditioning, not from our inner wisdom. Dr. Michael Mamas helps clear the pathway to facilitate our finding the answers from deep within our beings. Before I became a student, I had no idea how programed my thoughts were. Part of that programing and conditioning is to go along with what seems right and good on the surface, but the underlying foundation is faulty. “Discernment is about taking a deep, wise and rational approach.” Beautiful. Thank you.
Discernment, including the necessary and resulting deepening of humility and exploration of “relationship with” everything, is the greatest teaching. A fulfilling life is all discernment, a continual prayer of devotion, a beautiful work of art and craft. The opportunity to work with Michael Mamas and the Knowledge he offers is the most fortunate, blessed circumstance of this lifetime. His spiritual distinction is unfathomable!
I think this topic is sooo important yet subtle and challenging to deal with. Thank you.
Really helpful distinction. Thank you.
Great blog and well said Chick!
These comments are beautiful. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to comment on my blogs. Your comments bring many important points to light.
Wonderful
Love it