What is heaven?
What is hell?
Those who think they know, will do their best to try and explain it to others and convince them of the benefits of heaven and drill the fear of hell into them!
These fear based concepts seem to work for a lot of people. Why is this so, can not a love based concept work better?
I read interesting articles on whether or not Gandhi was in hell or heaven…
The biggest arguments came from Christians and seeing that there are more than 30 000 denominations of Christianity, it seems ludicrous for any of them to judge on what is going on in the afterlife. My martial arts teacher always emphasizes quality over quantity, when it comes to religion, it seems like there is certainly enough quantity out there, but where is the quality?
Are we even supposed to go out and search for something resembling a true religion?
With the advent of information at our fingertips, we can safely search for and interpret the variety of different views on religion. All these questions about Atheists, Satanists, Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Druids, Shamans, Buddhists, Taoists, and any other form of religion out there, makes for a very confusing life.
I will from now on follow the way of love and listen to my inner voice for guidance. If I can reach a state where all opposites equilibrate and I can become quiet, then that voice that speaks from there must surely belong to God, and that is the path that I will follow.
This poem, Desiderata, written by Max Ehrmann in the early 1900’s is still one of the most profound things that I have read and made a great impact on me:
Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery, but let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
May these words turn a world full of darkness and confusion into one that is bathed in light and understanding!