Religion is Not The Enemy. Celebrating my 300th Hub by Manatita

Recently, someone on Q’s & A’s, asked for proof for the existence of God, and I wondered whether the question was written in jest. At the same time, it can also be seen as thought-provoking and designed by nature, to entice a lot of mental responses. I will expand on this in my 300^th Hub.

It is the nature of the mind to analyse; to chop things up; to separate; rationalise ...you get my drift.

This Universe is very friendly. Whenever I take short walks in nature, I would try to smell the roses; look at the beauty of the child; take in the magnificence of nature. What a great healer!

I take delight in the kindness of friends, see the sacrifice of the flower and its fragrance; listen to elegant and inspirational symphonies and internalise my sweetness. I would wake at mornings, offer Gratitude, then inhale the crisp air. I would smile at the stunning magnificence of the dawn and listen to the soundless music of the daybreak, echoing in my Heart.

So much is around us if we look for them! Look at the lilies of the field; the tulips; the daffodils, they attract the Heart, rather than the analytical mind, and even Solomon in all his glory, was unable to match their pristine purity. (Paraphrased Matthew 6: 29) Look at the child’s smile! Do we need the mind to appreciate this?

I do not see Religion as the enemy. If I wish to learn to swim, an instructor may offer me goggles, a swimming hat, trunks, paddles for hands and feet; pull buoys ... then I would finally need to get into the water. If I say that I do not wish to get wet, how will he be able to teach me?

The life of the Spirit is an esoteric one, and as such I will not see it coming. For it is neither here nor there, but in the deepest part of the Soul, the spark that gives us life. (Paraphrased Luke17:21) So it behoves me, I feel, to pray, meditate, serve mankind, love, offer Gratitude, ceaselessly and punctually, day after day, with discipline, and evaluate myself as necessary. But it will be unfair of me, not to want to get into the water, and yet doubt the expertise of the swimming instructor.

For how will I know the essence of the mango without tasting it? Experience is the only way, and even Christ will not do it for me. God-men inspires, they help us greatly; give a taste, then point the way. We need to do the work ourselves. I feel that I should not look outward or around me, but feel the inner fire and power of the spiritual Heart, Soul and Being.

It is not the things without that defile the man, but that which is within. (Paraphrased Mark 7:15). My hatred, greed, resentments, low self-esteem …fears and insecurities are grosser experiences, which can only be diminished and extinguished, by the continuing descent of a Higher Light; a much greater Consciousness.

Slowly, slowly …poco a poco …po-le, po-le, one gradually begins to move from darkness, and emerges into the Light. It is only then, that Religion will be seen for its own necessary contribution, and the pastures will be greener, brighter, more promising, and filled with an effulgent glow. Glory be!!

-Manatita, The Lantern Carrier. ©Copyrighted 22^nd January, 2016.

~Awakening The Inner Light ~

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To: Jo, Minnetonka Twin, Graceinus, Susette, Walter Poon, Peach Purple, Kenneth, Nell Rose, Ruchira and Eric Dierker, , and DDE, Abailijah, Wayne Barrett and Rabadi, Sujaya, ahorseback, Inspired Heart, Kevin, Shampa and Flourish Anyway, Taiwokareem, venkatachari, Rod Martin, the lyric writer, Deborah Demander… and every one who have supported me here on Hub Pages. Some names I do not recall. Too many, sorry.