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 300th 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?
Spiritual heart
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 22nd January, 2016.
~Awakening The Inner Light ~
Meadow of Beauty and Light
With Gratitude to my favourite Hubbers
To Dora, Nellieanna, William D Holland, Shauna, Ruby, Miz, Bronwen, Gypsy Rose Lee, Deb Hirt, Marlene B, Ann, Mary Craig,Surabhi, Rochelle, Audrey Howitt, Bluebird, Patricia, Al, Whonunu, Chitrangada, Deergha, CrisSp, Victor Kwok, Harishprasad, Doris Dancy, Genna, Nadine, Jodah, Phyllis, Patricia Straubie, Faith Reaper, Jamie and family, and Vocal Coach, Midget and Astra Nomik, Eiddwen and S Williams, Missy, Hari, Swalia, Sakshi, Madan, who has engaged with my poems and supported me wholeheartedly.
To Missy, Brian, Nadine, Christine, ahorseback, inspired heart, wordswithlove, vellur, Desmond, Reynold, michelle (midget38), Emge, RJ Schwartz, Vasantha, Rajan, Besarien, and more recent friends ...
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.
Religion
Is Religion the Enemy?
See results without voting© 2016 manatita44
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32 comments
This was a fascinating article. I do not believe religion is the enemy, but I do believe that people use religion to further their own purpose.
For me, my most important connection is my connection to God. That spiritual relationship is separate from formal religion and is something I can enjoy every day, where ever I am.
Thank you for writing.
Namaste
Congratulations on your 300th, my friend. No, religion is never the enemy....never was and never was meant to be. Loved this piece of writing.
blessings always
A few months ago, I received an e-mail from a friend of mine who sent me the God’s analogy. It was written by a Hungarian writer. It’s a perfect analogy about the existence of the invisible God I have ever heard.
There were two kids in a mother’s womb. One asked the other: “Do you believe there’s life after delivery?”
The other replied, “Yes, of course. There has to be something beyond. Perhaps we’re here to prepare ourselves for what we will be later.”
“What nonsense! There’s no life after delivery. What kind of life we would get?” asked the first one.
The second said, “I don’t know, but there will be more Light than here, and perhaps we’ll walk with our legs and eat from our mouths. Maybe we’ll have other senses that we can’t understand now.”
The first replied, “Absurd! Walking is impossible. And eating with our mouths? Ridiculous! The umbilical cord supplies nutrition and everything we need. Life after delivery is to be logically excluded.”
The second insisted, “Well, I think there is something. Maybe we don’t need this physical cord anymore.”
The first scolded, “Idiot! If there is life, then why didn’t anyone come here to see us? Delivery is the end of life, and there is no life after delivery, except darkness, silence and oblivion. We simply die.”
“Well, I don’t know,” said the second,” but we will certainly meet Mother and she will take care of us.
The first said, “Laugh out Loud! You believe in Mother? If She exists, then where is She now?”
The second said, “She is all around us. We are surrounded by Her. We are a part of Her. It is in Her that we live. This world would not and could not exist without Her.
“I don’t see Her, so it’s logical that She does not exist,” said the first.
To which the second replied, “Sometimes, when you’re in silence and you focus, and you really listen, you can perceive Her presence, and you can hear Her loving voice, calling down from above.”
Awesome, isn’t it?
Let me congratulate you on your 300th Hub. It’s written with all your Heart and Soul, and I appreciate your wisdom put into this Hub. A pinnacle of beauty! I love how you mention about a child’s smile and nature’s beauty with your poetic thoughts – that’s when we experience God, and that’s when we feel His presence. God dwells in every living creature. We need a Heart to feel, not a mind. When reasons fail, faith begins. Now I must run to the office… thought I’d quickly congratulate you and say ‘Hi’ ha ha! Celebrations… celebrations… heartiest congratulations!! What a fascinating read! Thumbs up!
Congrats on your 300th hub. I'm sure all 300 have been published and of great stature. Religion is not the enemy and that is so true. Keep up the good work of writing great hubs, my friend.
Congratulations on your achievement! Getting from two to three hundred didn't take you real long. A great message on this milestone: "It is not the things without that defile the man, but that which is within." May the Light within you propel you forward into still greater achievements on HP and everywhere!
Namaste, Surabhi!
Yes, it is a Crest Jewel of Discrimination, my Sweet. Exquisitely done!
One done, one more (here), so now I'll focus on the two books.
The spiritual life is the language of the Heart. We won't find it in the mind, hence my cute examples which you so rightly perceived and felt. Thank you for the congratulations. I wish you a pleasant day. Om Shanti!
Dee, would be nice. But ...
I need to bring out Blossoms of The Heart (poetry) and Maxims For Our Children: A Look At The Teaching's Of Jesus, The Christ (prose) so I'm afraid that I will focus on them from now on. Thank you so much for your continued support! Your're a true and Dear Friend.
Congrats Manatita on your 300th hub! Beautiful pearls of wisdom in this thought-provoking hub. As my Guruji says, “Religion is the banana skin and spirituality is the banana. The misery in the world is because we throw away the banana and are holding on to the skin.”
I like that! Great! Much love and thank you. Out to poetry. Will catch up in about 6 hrs. Much Peace.
"Religion Is Not The Enemy," says a person who loves religion.
Congratulations on your 300th hub. This, as all of them, has a wonderful message that applies to everyone on earth. I like how you use the swim lesson analogy. No, religion is not the enemy. The enemy is the enemy.
Congratulations on 300 hubs. I am more spiritual than religious, but I would never think religion is the enemy. I love to attend church, but it is just a building where people can pray, sing and share.
jmarks13.
Thanks, and welcome here. Appreciations.
Marlene, I thank you. What you say is so true! Your Heart tells you, Marlene. Great. I did another for you. Have you seen it?
Ruby, yes, you're right. The church is great! I went to many and I still visit them occasionally. You get to learn to be wise, though. As some things they don't like to hear. You will know what if you slip up. But yes, we are all God's children.
Congratulations on 300 Hubs! That's amazing! As I read your article, I couldn't help but think about a statement I heard recently at a Sunday service. It is a principle we were encouraged to live by for 2016 - if something good can happen, it will. In other words, maybe the Universe is actually conspiring for me rather than against me. You said it yourself: "This Universe is very friendly." I concur! Blessings!
Thank you manatita44, I have not seen it. I am playing catch-up now that my computer is finally up and running at full speed. I'll go and search for your other work now. And, thank you, again. You are such a wonderful friend.
Thank you, Katheen. The Sage or Seer see only beauty! All's in order and this world is God's anyway, not ours. To think less of it suggests that we feel the Creator doesn't know what he is doing, and that's not only not true, but quite scary.
I treasure your visit here, and commend your loving input.
Thanks Marlene, I know that you have seen it now. Hope you continue to be well, by His Grace. Higher blessings this weekend.
Shakespeare said it best.. The answer Lies not within in our stars, but within ourselves..... Religion is there and we do with it what we want... :) Some practice in good faith.. others practice and let faith fall where it may.. congrats on your 300
Thank you for the congratulations. I'll probably take a break now and finish my two books.
Yes, Shakespeare had talent alright. A genius with words like Rumi, Tagore, Blake, a few more and my Teacher, of course. Or perhaps I should leave him out as he was a man who embodied God in a perfect flow of Love.
We will prevail one day. All is not bleak. Much Love.
Nice exposition on god. So many things are difficult to define and god is one of them
Yes, emge. Actually the Saints do it both ways. They tell us quite clearly that it is beyond words, and yet they also use words. It would appear that both are necessary. The human cannot grasp the infinite, and so the Masters take finite form. So too, we need the words, to go beyond them also.
Another loving contribution. I thank you very much.
Congratulations, Manatita. It is a great achievement. You have presented this 300th hub with such great topic about religion and existence of God. It is true that if one does not prepare himself for experiencing God, how can anybody guide or prove to him about God's existence?
Surabhi Kaura's analogy is awesome. It clearly resembles the foolishness of mind in accepting things.
Too True, my Brother. You're so right! Gratitude to you, and much Love.
Religion is not the enemy but the people who become too obssessed with only theirs as being the ultimate. All too well known, isn't it? Well, congrats on reaching a big milestone, bro!
The Heart does not rationalize and religion exists.
Thank you, my Brother. You may wish to know, that I'm trying the exercises right now. (just paused for writing) Fingers feels energetic, although I think some more work is required. Let's see what happens after one week. Thanks for your great comment here and thanks for your advice for my painful fingers.
Manatita, when you compare religion to an instructor, I see it in a different light. I've always said I'm not religious, rather I'm spiritual. I went to Catholic school from third through eighth grades. I exasperated the nuns with my questions and doubts about some of their teachings.
I understand your comparison, but don't feel spirituality needs instruction. It's something you feel within your soul. Some take it much deeper than others, as you do. Perhaps having a human guide (instructor) in one's journey brings religion into the picture. I don't know. I never cared for religion and the rules laid by men of the cloth. I prefer to have no one (and no structure) between me and God. I relate with Him in ways that feel comfortable (and true) to me. To me, religion is too structured. I think you know what I'm trying to say.
Congratulations on your 300th hub! Actually, 302 by the time I read this.
Yes, my Dear. I really wanted to do this fiction for Jodah, and Surabhi is special to me, so how could I have forgotten her birthday?
Life is a journey, and the wise know that beings are at different stages. One cannot move faster than Grace, and things generally become clear at God's chosen hour. Ideas are put out and they take root where the soil is fertile.
That said, Yoga philosophy is all about the transformation of the lower nature: Fear, resentments, greed, lust, malice, ego, doubt, attachments ... The more pristine the inner Jewel, the greater the beauty of life. This world is truly a mirror, and can only reflect what we are. This is what I was saying.
I just gave a long and lucid answer on Q's and A's, to another question and the bloke did not understand. So I simply told him that we are in fact God. Same thing here. The answer is within us, not outside.
Congrats manatita. It is always a great feeling to reach a milestone. It helps one to reach for higher goals. It also adds more responsibility.
Good going.
- Hari
Thank you Hari. What you say is true. I wish to write my books, though. Much Love.
Congratulations on publishing your 300 hubs. Somehow I missed it. As usual your writing shines in prose also as much as in poetry.
Beautiful engaging hub with wonderful quotes. Thank you for mentioning my name. You are a great hubber and a sincere and true friend.
Religion can never be the enemy. Religion is for self realization.
Thank you for sharing this!
My Pranams, Chitrangada.
You understand so well! Much appreciation. Jai Ram!
I enjoyed this hub more even more than your others and I congratulate you on this excellent 300th!
Wise words here and if we don't use the love, tolerance and understanding within us, then that's our fault.
Thank you for including me in your 'favourite hubbers'; I would like to return the compliment.
Here's to many more hubs from you!
Ann
Once man and god met and both exclaimed, 'my creator !!!'.
Congratulations manatita for 300th hub. Bro! What a milestone.
- hari
I always remember you with Love, my Dear. So glad you enjoyed the Hub. Six years ago, most of my Hubs were prose with spiritual teachings, similar to this. I am a writer with two books and two more nearly done, but I chose poetry, because they are shorter, easier to read, and carry the same message in a more succinct way.
My loving and sincere appreciations for your continued support.
Hari, very sweet; very cute; funny ...gracias a todos!
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