This article is inspired by a conversation the author recently had with a friend. The friend, from India, told the author about her recent experience. She expressed her concern about certain spiritual and religious leaders in India taking advantage of their followers and disciples.
Further, she expressed how her society, specifically, is in some sense very gullible and prone to being misled by spiritual leaders.
The friend's concern came as no surprise. When the author lived in India, he became aware of these matters unfolding in Indian society.
After the friend asked the author's thoughts on this, the author decided to write an article about it.
Even in the modern, Western world, we often see and hear about religious leaders of the church, being accused of abusing their authority.
What we conclude from this, is that it is not merely an 'Indian' problem, or a situation that is only happening in Hindu religion and culture. This is a common, global concern.
Now, identifying this happening in various religions around the world, we may think that this is purely a 'religious' issue. A problem arising in 'spirituality'. Accordingly, we may develop an aversion towards religion or spirituality. However, this is not needed. There is a place for religion and spirituality in our world.
So, what is behind this? What is the cause of this?
Investigating, we realize that the reason behind these actions is the fact that we falsely believe ourselves to be this physical body. This isolated, separate person. A 'speck' in the universe. We see 'ourself' and we see 'others'.
Wrongly believing ourselves to be this limited entity, we feel intimidated, insecure, unhappy.
Accordingly, we take advantage of others, we deceive others, trying to make ourselves happy. Or, we look at others, hoping that they can give us the happiness and fulfillment we long for.
The solution? We don't have to ban leadership, dissolve politics, renounce religion and spirituality. Our unhappiness comes from ignoring our True Nature. So, we turn our attention inwards, and we investigate who we truly are.
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Further, she expressed how her society, specifically, is in some sense very gullible and prone to being misled by spiritual leaders.
The friend's concern came as no surprise. When the author lived in India, he became aware of these matters unfolding in Indian society.
After the friend asked the author's thoughts on this, the author decided to write an article about it.
Taking advantage
The author has been aware of these matters since a young age. Being raised amongst African culture, it is not uncommon to see so-called 'traditional healers' or 'shamen' blatantly taking advantage of people in desperate situations.Even in the modern, Western world, we often see and hear about religious leaders of the church, being accused of abusing their authority.
What we conclude from this, is that it is not merely an 'Indian' problem, or a situation that is only happening in Hindu religion and culture. This is a common, global concern.
Now, identifying this happening in various religions around the world, we may think that this is purely a 'religious' issue. A problem arising in 'spirituality'. Accordingly, we may develop an aversion towards religion or spirituality. However, this is not needed. There is a place for religion and spirituality in our world.
The misunderstanding
Exploitation happens in politics, sport, finance, education, and more. It is not limited to religion only. It can even happen in our own families or households.So, what is behind this? What is the cause of this?
Investigating, we realize that the reason behind these actions is the fact that we falsely believe ourselves to be this physical body. This isolated, separate person. A 'speck' in the universe. We see 'ourself' and we see 'others'.
Wrongly believing ourselves to be this limited entity, we feel intimidated, insecure, unhappy.
Accordingly, we take advantage of others, we deceive others, trying to make ourselves happy. Or, we look at others, hoping that they can give us the happiness and fulfillment we long for.
The solution? We don't have to ban leadership, dissolve politics, renounce religion and spirituality. Our unhappiness comes from ignoring our True Nature. So, we turn our attention inwards, and we investigate who we truly are.
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| A photo taken in Varanasi, a place of pilgrimage for the Hindu tradition and religion. |
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More stuff, more happiness - 31 January 2022
Good solution.. We need to look inwards and connect with our true nature! 🌷
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