Spirituality, Religions, Philosophies
Condititioning is very powerful and holds a deep sway over our thinking, feelings and actions, sometimes for a lifetime without us ever questioning.
When we do begin to question, it is like a tiny spark lights a tiny candle deep within us and we begin a journey. How far we can go and how large and bright that initial flame can become depends on many factors. If we are sincere and make a good effort, we are always rewarded with self knowledge and the reflection - universal knowledge. As the ancient hermetic saying goes "As above, So Below - As Below, So Above"
Breaking away from traditional thought and belief is fine, although we may get a bit lost. Developing our own 'inner way' is also fine, but realise that to start with this will most likely be a re-arrangement of all the same things we were conditioned into. For true and deeper changes to come, we have to be prepared to go into the crucible so to speak. In other words our new information and ideas have to be 'tested' and forged in the fire of real life experience.
Gradually, this life experience accumulates and the decisions that we make regarding that life experience will shape and steer our ship of inner principles and guidance.
Henry Ford once said "I'm not a genius, I merely stand on the shoulder of giants that came before me".
So perhaps the take away message here is to always maintain an open mind and be alert that among the ashes and cinders there are diamonds and other precious jewels to be found.
When we do begin to question, it is like a tiny spark lights a tiny candle deep within us and we begin a journey. How far we can go and how large and bright that initial flame can become depends on many factors. If we are sincere and make a good effort, we are always rewarded with self knowledge and the reflection - universal knowledge. As the ancient hermetic saying goes "As above, So Below - As Below, So Above"
Breaking away from traditional thought and belief is fine, although we may get a bit lost. Developing our own 'inner way' is also fine, but realise that to start with this will most likely be a re-arrangement of all the same things we were conditioned into. For true and deeper changes to come, we have to be prepared to go into the crucible so to speak. In other words our new information and ideas have to be 'tested' and forged in the fire of real life experience.
Gradually, this life experience accumulates and the decisions that we make regarding that life experience will shape and steer our ship of inner principles and guidance.
Henry Ford once said "I'm not a genius, I merely stand on the shoulder of giants that came before me".
So perhaps the take away message here is to always maintain an open mind and be alert that among the ashes and cinders there are diamonds and other precious jewels to be found.
