All path leads one, I agree…

Many look at the divisions caused by religions, conclude that they all teach the same and prefer to embrace all in the spirit of diversity. To the degree that all religions [does not matter which one] lead to the one and same path. I agree.

I have been exposed to a number of different religions, tried out a few, watched a few and read additional few. I have good friends from all faiths. I am therefore sharing out of observations, concerns and reason…not as an ignoramus.

Every religion teaches us how to be good and the ways to attain higher consciousness. All religions are originated by men, with good intent, and over time, they get more and more sophisticated. The desired outward external behaviours are the same for all faith such as self control, harmony, happiness, healthy and wellbeing.

They differ in the methods of attaining the outward behaviours. They differ in the issues of motivation; the origin of goodness; the existence of evil; the consequences of bad behaviour.

Some explanations are simpler, others are very deep. Some efforts are more straightforward, others are more layered and complex. 

All of them share a common detail – the effort lies on the person; a lot of self-driven efforts. The ‘self’ is a main part of the equation. 

Work harder, do more good, behave better, control yourself, etc.

The destination is the same… more of this later.

Let’s take the family as the metaphor. The divorce rate in the US is about 50% [maybe more now] and sadly it is about the same rate in all affluent societies. That means the rate is about the same regardless of faith [in affluent societies]. Couples who practice religions that place strong emphasis on harmony, may stay married in status but are divorced in the home [they do not talk to each other; sleep in separate bedrooms, etc.]. 

A Chinese saying, in literal translation: “home home has its own difficult to recite scriptures”, rightly point to the reality that every household has problems of its own, again regardless of faith. Some of the problems may be aggravated because of religious inclinations / practices / prejudice.

So what am I saying?

Religion has not helped the family to be whole, regardless of whichever faith. Religion has failed to make men good [world history speaks for itself].

Religion says I am ok and you are not.

Back to the family. Children who can have an authentic and strong relationship with their parents, who are clear of their identify, inheritance [non monetary] and destination, are the ones who are most holistically healthy. These children will, nonetheless, quarrel, challenge their parents, be disobedient, like all other normal children. Children who don’t are likely to be overly controlled and placed in fear.

So, authority that dictates and removes freewill and preaches fear / terror will produce rebels, twisted individuals and much harm to entire communities[healing takes a long long time].

Relationship is key. Even banks and service oriented organisations are spending money to train their people in building relationships.

Relationship builds, restores, empowers, cherishes, forgives, encourages…. assuming that the stronger of the relating parties behaves consistently, with integrity, and uncompromisingly. Even more beautiful, if the stronger of the relating parties holds a covenant to bring the blessings to the weaker of the relating parties.

Dads and Moms / Grandmas and Grandpas / care givers you are the stronger of the relating parties to your children. Bosses, you are the stronger of the relating parties to your staff. Husbands, you are the stronger one sometimes and wives, you are the stronger one other times.

Traditions, dos and don’ts, being good, doing good, chasing after every guru, channelling, chanting, higher consciousness are of no consequence to build a strong family.

Given today’s work schedule, and the hunger of people who endlessly chase after the promises of exotic gurus [who are becoming rich magnates], there is very little time left for good relationship building at home.

Poor relationships at home, will spill over into poor relationships in the office; neighbourhood, etc.

But most of us do not have a good role model to show us how to be the stronger of the relating parties. We do not know how to do it and we know we do not have what it takes to do it.

Light is only appreciated when there is darkness, sweetness when there is bitterness, love when there is hatred, peace when there is terror.

Religion is not the solution. Godliness is not what we do, it is who we model after. Who is the stronger of the relating party to us, who has covenanted with us, to bring us blessings? Who has demonstrated that unconditional love, sent a down payment to proof that He will come back to redeem us.

Yes all religious endeavours eventually lead to the one and same path. Sadly, it would be disappointments [if we are honest to ourselves], hollowness, a vacuum within that cannot seem to be satisfied.

I want a solution, and whether it is the same path or not is not the point. I want an eternal change in me.

Broad is the path to destruction where many will walk into but narrow is the way of salvation where few will thread.