My Beliefs

I was asked by someone what standards I hold when I make decisions based on my spirituality if I don't believe in God. I guess that's a fair question. I really didn't want to offend anyone, because I honestly think anyone living a spiritual life that is loving, compassionate, and tolerant is doing what they should do, but still I have decided to post a little bit more about my own personal beliefs about a higher power and the standards I try to live by. I don't consider these things to be religious beliefs, but rather my spiritual beliefs.

I believe that there is a guiding force that dictates the course and laws of nature. It exists within everything. It can not be identified or completely understood. It is the cohesive force that draws together the spirit and physical. Its purpose it to bind all things together so that life can continue to exist. This force existed before our universe was created and will exist after it is gone.

I have faith that our spirit lives on. For so long as we need to, we return to this world to learn a lesson, once we have learned this lesson we will cease to return to this existence and pass on to another place. I believe that Love, Compassion, and Tolerance are the cornerstones of a good life. That if we commit ourselves to being loving, compassionate, and tolerant, then we can prepare ourselves to learn the lesson we need in order to transcend from this world. Until we learn this lesson we will continue to return to this world.

I also believe that morality is a concept of man. That there are certain laws that exists that man must live by and that these laws should be determined by cause and effect. If the effect of your actions harm you or another then you should not commit those acts.

I believe that one should examine his actions free of bias. That the standards of society or religious theology should be excluded, because they are not based on the laws of the guiding force that created us (our Creator).

I believe that without ugliness there can be no beauty. That without suffering we can not understand the value of joy. It is this duality that allows us to perceive the universe the way it is intended. I also believe that everything happens for a reason. When we are suffering we must first look at our own actions and not the actions of another, because in most cases we have brought suffering upon ourselves.

I believe that each person should concern themselves with their own actions and allow others to act as they please, unless another person's actions are causing them to suffer, then we should show them compassion and aid them as best we can. To decrease one's suffering is not necessarily being compassionate if that person needs to suffer in order to change the behavior that causes them to suffer. If someone is harming another or you, then you can take the necessary actions to stop them, keeping in mind compassion.

I believe that we are not here to teach others, but rather to learn ourselves. Instruct others only by your experience- do not offer advice on things that you have not experienced. Be humble and loving, do not lord your position over others. Remember that it is better to teach someone to do something, than to have to do something for them. This way they can do what they need to, without the aid of others. Offer as much assistance as you must, but be cautious that they do not become dependant on you.

There is nothing wrong with enjoying life, but we should not allow pleasure in physical things to dictate our emotional state. In all things remember moderation. Learn to discern between those things you need and those things you want. Be happy with what you have and you will know true happiness.

The hardest thing to do is to question your parent's religion, for when one does this, it is as if they are giving up their parents. Mother is the name for God on the lips of every child. Do not let yourself be held back from the truth because of sentiment, but rather move forward and decide for yourself what the truth is.

I believe that the Creator exists within all men, if we are open for guidance, then we will be set on the right path. Once we are set upon this path it is up to each of us to take the action necessary to learn the lesson that will allow us to transcend to a better place.

I believe that each person has a right to worship as they see fit, that no one should interfere in the way they worship. If someone is offended by what you speak, then don't speak with them. The lesson is for all people, but not everyone is ready to learn.

I believe that everyone has their own place in the universe and each should decide that place for themselves. However if you decide to do something that is not accepted by your fellows, do not blame them if they are upset with you, but rather ask for guidance and once you have received it, do what you know is right.

And that's it in a nutshell. I hope it didn't offend anyone, that's not my intent. I still believe that whether you believe as I do or whether you follow a different religion, that basing your life on spiritual principles will help you to find a more fulfilled life.