Posted by timethief in 
Oneness is the perfect expansion
Of our inner reality.
Let our heart’s oneness only increase
To make us feel
That we belong to a universal world – family,
And this world – family
Is a fulfilled Dream of God.
Relationships are often troubled when religious differences arise but when they do we all have the choice of seeking spiritual common ground rather than dwelling on differences. We can choose to let the sun shine in. This may be harder to do in internet relationships but if we are focused on conscious living it can be done.
IMO following any spiritual path is not about pledging an allegiance to institutional doctrine, dogma or a reliance on scriptures. Scriptures from all faiths provide guidelines, inspiration and contain wisdom. At the personal level spirituality is about experience and practice. Granted that individuals and groups have different explanations for what they experience but, there are teachings and tenets for practices that can be recognized as universal, regardless of which spiritual path one may follow:
dana = authentic generosity (charitable giving of the self and sharing of possessions, donation)
metta = selfless love and good will toward all beings (loving kindness)
karuna = compassion (respect, acceptance, forgiveness)
mudita = altruistic joy filled with peace and contentment (appreciative joy at the success and good fortune of others)
sila = self discipline -abstaining from physical and vocal actions that cause harm to oneself and others
uppekka = equanimity (an inclusive state of open mind free of attachment, aversion, bigotry, craving, ignorance and intolerance)
These universals are the essence of teachings of both Buddha and of Jesus. They are also found in other traditions as well. I think they do constitute common ground for all people who are aware of their spiritual nature. And, it’s my experience that many religious people are not aware of their spiritual nature.
Readers, what do you think?
Related post: Who am I? Who are you? Who is God?
Excellent post timethief! I could go on and on, but then this is your limelight here. I see a part of you not only here, but in other places we both hang out in cyberworld, and I have a great respect you.
Yes! You are right they do constitute common ground for all spiritual people, but the problems come in, when the question is: which religion is more spiritual in all these aspects that you have listed. That is when true human nature comes out and destroys, mutalates and disfigures love (which is what all these aspects speak of), and makes it something that people run away from, instead of towards.
As always wonderful thoughts TT..I enjoy reading your writings as I know they come from your heart…
I do agree they are common ground for all spiritual people… there will be differences when it comes to religious beliefs…while I may or may not agree, I feel it is important that we allow others to believe as they see fit and come together on common spiritual ground…
Enjoy your day
Cheers
@searchingwithin
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m enjoying to getting to know both you and your blog better.
Dear Kathy,
It’s so sad how we get worked up over the things that don’t matter and turn people off when we do. I have been guilty of this on many occasions. But each time I fall I get back up and try again to be more open, accepting and loving. Thanks for commenting.
@Heather
Thanks so much for coming by and adding your words of support. I need all the help I can get when it comes to becoming more open minded and loving.
I agree that these are all necessary components of mental health and a peace-seeking and peace-producing state of mind.
Reliance on dogma is counter-intuitive, I believe, and deadening to personal authority, personal responsibility, and inter-connectedness. One can believe strongly in God and One-ness without subscribing to rigid definitions.
Lovely post!
I always enjoy reading the parallels between religions. I think we need to move towards ONE world religion. There are so many parallel themes when you study them all. Great post as per usual my dear!!!
I agree that couples from different religious prespectives have an uphill battle. Your suggestion are sound, and I believe they can work. I prefer to share my life with someone who shares my particular religious perspective. That said, my close friends: a Catholic man and his Buddhistt wife have been happily married for 12 years. Thanks, TT.
@Lynda
Thanks for sharing your viewpoint with me. Without doubt reliance on dogma or doctrine is counterintuitive and, I believe by the time we reach middle age we are keenly aware of that.
I do not experience the Christian God as depicted in the Bible and I never did. Although I was raised in the faith, and although I do believe the teachings attributed to Jesus are universal truths. I am aware that they were expressed in religions that came long before he is even alleged to have lived. I chose a different path because it reflected my experience of the divine. It was wonderful to take of the Christian fetters of trying and failing to believe in doctrine as though it was the capital “T” truth when I did not experience this to be so.
When I meditate I experience One-ness. No book nor person can convince me that I am experiencing anything else. We are one - all my relations. This is wonderful knowledge that is worth celebrating with all others.
Hi Rob,
Thanks for commenting. I hope that you do find a woman you that you love and wish to spend the rest of your life with. I hope you are open minded not to let doctrine get in the way of love for that is what God is. There is no conflict when it comes to two people loving each other in a relationship where neither one nor the other is expected or compelled to convert to another faith or to raise their kids in only one of the two faiths. Perhaps this is no longer happening in the RC church. If so, then ALLELUIA!
@DocNicole
Hi there you precious woman. In the small community where I live people of many faiths have no difficulty coming together. We are united in compassion, charity and love. I also hear of many other smaller places where this is likewise true so I will not be surprised when rigid institutions fall and we embrace the both the principles and practices associated with loving one another. I’m hoping this will occur within my lifetime. Thanks for your comment and for the good care you take of me.
That’s a wonderful quote. Your whole post reminds me of something Anais Nin said as well. “The personal life deeply lived always expands into truths beyond itself.” I love that.
I think in all relationships it’s the spiritual and emotional levels that reveal the most about us, and are also the most fragile. We have so many universal truths in common and there’s nothing sadder than seeing a relationship fall apart because two people can’t see past one particular difference - or worse, because they think society can’t.
Personally I try to be open-minded towards all beliefs and philosophies; I like to learn about what someone believes, even if I don’t share it myself. It’s not that hard to make a connection, if we try. We just have to be open to it; perhaps taking that first step is the hardest part.
@CJ
Thanks for sharing the wonderful quote. It seems to be a human perversity that we feel a need to cling to associating only with those who believe, think act and even dress the way we do. I believe that perversity is fear based and we can certainly see that some religions are fear based and exclusionary too.
Perhaps the most defensive people I have ever had to deal with are late life christian converts who have memorized the doctrine but who become zealots when questioned. Those raised in the faith seem to be able to openly and honestly converse with me about their faith. However, once defenses are dropped we can all recognize that the evidence of leading a spiritual life ie. the characteristics listed above in the post are common to all faiths.
Best wishes until we meet again
nice poem.
Germany/ Richard
@Richard
I liked the poem very much and I’m glad you did too. Thanks for saying so and please come again soon.
I agree with your sentiment, timethief. I’ve experienced this blend of eastern spirituality and christian beliefs within the practice of contemplative prayer. btw - thanks for your kind comments about my blog photos, I appreciate it.
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!