Skip to main content

Philosophies on life and religion




Tonight James and I sat at home with some candles burning, a few pots of herbal tea shared between us and together we watched some interviews and documentaries with/of the Dalai Lama.


I love listening to him speak. 

I love how he always says to keep religion out of it to simply listen to the lessons he teaches.
He is a wise and wonderful man.

http://joe-perez.com/blog/2012/02/dalai-lama-tops-list-of-the-100-most-powerful-spiritual-people-in-the-world/


Those of you who know me, know that I am not in the slightest was swayed by religion. I don't dislike religion. In fact, I think that if faith brings solace and happiness then it is a wonderful thing and those who receive this solace and happiness are truly blessed.

I asked my friend Tif to describe her religion (Mormonism) to me in one sentence. It was a tough challenge but she did it.
She said
 It teaches of Christ's works and life, his atonement, and our salvation, it teaches that charity is the pure love of Christ and our service to our fellow men is our way to be most like Him.

I loved that answer.
Simply because charity towards others was one of the first things that came into her mind.

That's the thing 
 if you read the basic values of every religion there is something that can be learnt and valued. 
Take the religious element from it and the principle is still worthy advice

I will share with you some of my favourite ideas

Zoroastrianism teaches that we should think good thoughts, say good words and do good deeds. 
I think that is very wise.

Mormonism teaches us to value our families, value our bodies and value each other. 
Again, nothing to be sniffed at.

Catholicism and Protestantism teach very similar lessons, it is the minor details that differ and they spread the idea of loving others as we wish to be loved. Makes sense doesn't it!

Hinduism teaches that we should live a life of purity and simplicity with a sense of justice. Sounds good.

Islam focuses on good deeds for the good on mankind. No issues there!

Taoism tends to emphasize naturalness, spontaneity, simplicity and detachment from desires. I rather like that philosophy.

Janism promotes a life on non-violence to all living creatures and beings. I love that teaching also.

Buddism teaches serenity and calmness with a clear mind. Wonderful!


I want to share some of the Dalai Lama's words but to be fair I shall just share some quotes I enjoy about religion



This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness. 




Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life. 




Morality is of the highest importance - but for us, not for God. 




If I had to choose a religion, the sun as the universal giver of life would be my god. 

We are punished by our sins, not for them. 




There seems to be a terrible misunderstanding on the part of a great many people to the effect that when you cease to believe you may cease to behave. 




I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. 


Personally, I will go back to that lovely little mantra,

Good thoughts, good words, good deeds.

Comments

  1. "Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to return to live with him, which is made possible through the atonement of his son Jesus Christ." - Joe Hafen

    ps. Lu, I like how open minded and accepting you are. You're one of my very favorite people.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Farewell 2017! Farewell!

Where did 2017 go? Is it just me or did 2017 just fly by like a whirling dervish? Tomorrow we celebrate Hogmaney in all its glory and I can't wait. I am leaving 2017 on such a high, and I can't wait to see where 2018 takes me.
I got an email today from myself. It was an email I sent to myself 5 year ago via a website called www.futureme.org . You should go and have a look, it is a very peculiar thing to send your future self an email. Anyway, I digress. The email told me where I hoped to be five years ago. Some of it I have done, some of it I have not but what I found very interesting was how my perception of happiness and contentment have changed in the last five years. That got me thinking. It is amazing how much my perception of happiness and contentment have changed in the past year!

2017 was for me a year of growth and a year of self discovery.
I feel I found myself a lot this year. I found comfort in myself and a confidence in my capabilites.
It was a rollercoaster year …
Post a Comment
Read more

Day 2 - 20 facts about me

I always struggle with challenges such as these, where I have to give some facts about myself. Can I think of 20 things and if so will they be any good? Pressure! Well... here goes....

1. I love letters. Not bills and what not, I mean real, news filled letters. I have a handful of people whom I write to, and they write back in return. Alas, I am not very good at replying in a timely manner! I have had penpals since I was about 11 years old. Two of which were from Belarus. Their names were Tatiana and Irena. One of the highlights of their letters were the wee boxed stationery that they used to write on. I loved it so much.
2. I dislike sheep. Immensely.
3. I have 2 tattoos. One of a fairy, and one of a fox.
4. I love ducks and foxes. And Hairy Coos.
5. I think puns are severely underrated.
6. My favourite book is Jane Eyre.
7. My favourite author is more difficult... maybe Jasper Fforde... though the compilations of Irish tales by Sinead DeValera have a special place in my heart as do …
Post a Comment
Read more

Happy 30th birthday Marguerite

Dear Marguerite,
In an alternative reality we are preparing ourselves for the weekend of a lifetime this weekend, you turn 30 on Friday! Whoop! Happy birthday little sister! Where have the years gone? I have no doubt that we would be hitting a European city for a few cocktails and a spa weekend or I would be back in Ireland for a party to end all parties. If there was one thing you could do by the tender age of 17 it was throw a party. 
I wish more than anything that we could have that weekend together. A weekend of gossip, of laughter and probably over indulgence. No doubt you would still disapprove of my style, my ability to put on make up and my hair. No doubt your insistence on getting ready for a few hours would still drive me insane. 
I often wonder what your life is like in that alternative reality. Are you a wife? Are you a mum? Are you a career driven woman with plans of world domination? Are you a wanderer with an insatiable lust to see all the world and explore it's wo…
Post a Comment
Read more