Free oneself by freeing others: Everyone wants to be liked and respected, but like children many try to impress materially or by striving for power and status. In other words being the best in the wrong ways, which bring out the worst in them. Failing to realize your always a winner when trying in the right ways.

Impressing others is actually quite simple: Just genuine respectfully caring through perceiving the potential and good in others or special qualities in the dull or ignorant. By doing so free up those latent qualities not only in others but oneself … always striving for the highest level of thinking and feeling, thereby transcending ... to be free.

It’s reasonable that people will have their own interpretation what is best and question “"Goodness for its Own Sake", yet when with an open mind and heart when one is purifying their motives in the broadest sense what’s of greater good will tend to converge with others of similar aspiration along with a willingness to compromise and make allowances until a better understanding is reached, as much peace and harmony possible being paramount.

Such an approach could be applied to hot spots around the world such as the middle-east in a down to a earth practical manner when both sides realize where there are clearly no winners with ultimately disaster on the horizon. Extremists minorities driving destructive agendas could then be controlled through networking by threatened stakeholders down to the neighborhood level. - brad kalita

Learning how to get along better with others:

The diversity of truth ... People have a tendency to over-simplify and see things their way more in black and white and therefore unwilling to try and work things out, let go, or rise above differences, especially when in their own minds they honestly feel in the right. Thereby feel they would lose self-respect while being unjustly treated by doing so. Yet often fail to take into the account the more serious long-term ramifications, all aspects of the situation or total picture ... That there is a "diversity of truth", which case both parties can often be right under different circumstance to varying degrees, in which case both parties need to empathize with the other and compromise accordingly.

Such a perspective and approach could not only reduce conflict on a personal basis substantial but on all levels worldwide.

You are either with us or against us, heaven or hell bound, or at best insignificant unless committed to core beliefs with little room for alternatives, logical reasoning or being unable to decide or otherwise ... Summation of Christian, Judaism and Muslim fundamentalism.

Common Characteristics: Narrow minded judgmental attitude ... not only for non-subscribers but those within their own religion who differ.

- Growth is a process of trial and error, experimentation ... failed experiments just as important as successful. - brad kalita

Life as we know it would seem not designed so much to enjoy but evolve and learn:

Human beings have multiple aspects to their nature and character, from the primal to the sublime. Some "bad", good, neutral and otherwise. We should accept our mosaic level of evolution while aspiring to our greater nature and potential in order to be in harmony with our environment as able to find fulfillment and happiness. It may very well be we are meant to be isolated on a planet such as earth with questionable guidance while ignorant of our larger past and home, so we may more fully experience unencumbered what we need in order to more readily develop character and discernment through observation, experience and effort, to thereby realize on our own what’s of greater value and consistently choose the good and true for its own sake, to achieve our potential.

Much religious dogma seems to frighten people into limiting interpretational patronage, while by its nature philosophy is prone to be more open and neutral, versus science and theology, in distilling a more inclusive perspective having the advantage of drawing from all disciplines. When pure in motive and resonant with the greater truths circumventing fear, superstition, vested interests, inherent resistance and conventional boundaries. Thereby deriving a greater more comprehensive understanding of the linear, beyond and whole of creation. For the Diversity of Truth when experienced in its entirety and highest expression is like the combined facets of a diamond ... its elating brilliance transcending all before, richly refreshing, articulately wise and inherently kind. Gently falling upon parched earthen minds to permeate, cleanse then refine. - bk

The miraculous nature of water ... and humans ?

To understand the multi-faceted elements of human beings as a whole in the larger picture it may be more comprehensible to make a comparison to the facets of water.

Solid State . . . which we know all too well.

Human similarities in the liquid state: Potential to let go, and just flow ... exempfied by the wise elder who fell into a raging river none had ever survived, and when asked how, he said; "Rather than struggle and exhaust myself I just allowed my self to flow over the rocks and rapids until reaching calmer waters" ... or another Chinese elder documented to have lived to over 250 also using Taoism based practices applied to daily living and more common circumstances.

Vaporous State . . . ethereal or spirit state, when in a state of transcendence or "passing over" - Or the timeless adage " the sum being greater than the parts" ... in scientific terms; "having continually evolving integrative emergent qualities".

Such deductions may be comforting as well as enlightening since they coincide with laws of physics regarding matter and energy never lost but transformed, thereby lending fascinating possibilities to human transformative potential. - brad kalita

Jesus’ grace and sacrifice was great, yet if divine he had profound advantages: He knew where he came from, was going, purpose and all things, as well as possessing the ability to perform miracles assuring eternal life and glorification.

Unlike Christ secure and fortified with all-encompassing decisive knowledge I didn’t submit to being born in ignorance into a world of damned-if-you-do-or-don’t, having to choose between the lesser of evils, resulting traumatization, contradictions, confusion, injustice and chaos and therefore naturally muddle through, make mistakes and "sin" ... It’s a wonder to be still sane! I just want the opportunity to be accepted as an imperfect work and learn and grow as I go, which any loving or decent person should nurture or accept ... and just live modestly in peace and harmony - Which should be a birthright for all things ... Nor trying by "good works to earn salvation" but rather for their own sake without further expectation of reward...so what need or logic is there to being beholden or "saved"?

Certainly if I were ever admitted to heaven upon observing the order sustained the greatest harmony and good, I would conform and uphold, such benevolence already being of foremost aspiration ... And therefore at peace in spite of personal shortcomings, which in my heart I know along with others of sincerity will overcome. - bk

Gaining a better understanding to promote greater harmony ... Something to consider and
keep in mind to broaden one’s comprehension and horizons:

Consider: Although applicable within a religious forum, goodness for its own sake or whatever brings about the most comprehensive harmony needs no further reward, religious context or approval. Its self-affirming transcendent bounty, beauty and worth standing on it own intrinsic self-purifying timeless nature.

Still it’s reasonable people will have their own interpretation what’s best and question such a perspective. Yet when with an open mind and heart what’s of greater good will tend to converge with others of similar aspirations with a willingness to compromise and make allowances until a better understanding is reached, ... As much peace and harmony possible being paramount - Extreme violent behavior restrained or dealt with in accordance to the degree.

Still it seems not uncommon for the religiously oriented to have a self-righteous attitude, lack genuine humility, open mindedness, or a sense of the diversity of truth. Thereby disregard or condemning others doctrinally or otherwise for not sharing their values or beliefs. Leading to separation, strife and conflict contrary to the truest and highest purpose of spirituality or greater good while defying Jesus statement "there are many rooms in my mansion". Yet extreme examples as in the Middle-East or world wide terrorism could be dealt with in a down to earth practical manner when both sides realize there are clearly no winners with endless violence, suffering and disaster the final outcome. - Irreconcilable extremely violent behavior restrained or dealt with in accordance to the degree (bearing in mind that in such cases even death may have the blessing of a needed fresh start, while considering nothing is really lost but rather transformed or renewed. Extremists minorities driving destructive agendas could then be controlled or at least managed through networking by threatened stakeholders down to the neighborhood level. - brad kalita

What makes the world/universe work best as a whole is open-mindedness, tolerance, give and take ... balance, rather than extremism.

Millions praise/love God, but what's decisive is why. Because of God's celebrity status, because people feel awe at "his" power and/or as an insurance policy which grants eternal life (as if God doesn't perceive one's primary motives). Many, or most religions would come under the above, and sadly, why if Jesus returned, he'd be met largely with indifference or re-crucified for disturbing the status quo, and philosophies/perspectives such as goodness for its own sake without expectation of reward, whose bounties can only be perceived deep within the heart through open minded self-honesty and purification of motive, have few subscribers. Many would state they worship because he is God, which could turn out to be a highly evolved alien who loves to be worshipped.

So what is it the truly sincere love; "His" benevolent harmonious qualities; such as compassion, kindness, wisdom, and sacrifice. Therefore it's the qualities that are of greatest value, thus placing what is of most value in proper order ... although this should not diminish our love/respect for such an entity assuming their existence, which cannot realistically be ascertained subject over the ages to exploitation, deletion, alteration or misinterpretation, but we can aspiring to their benevolent qualities for there own intrinsic innate value, thereby capture the comprehensive finer spirit and purifying essence of the divine transcending faith, religion, salvation from sacrificial debt or fear of being discarded ... lest we forget Jesus's declaration; "For ye shall do even greater things", "the truth written in your hearts", "the kingdom of God/heaven (or dimension?) at hand within". Surely a God/Great Spirit of true compassion and purity would place aspiring to such qualities above all else, including being worshipped, demonstrative sacrificial acts, or "required" technicalities. - bk

Jesus’ grace and sacrifice was great, yet if divine he had profound advantages: He knew where he came from, was going, purpose and all things, as well as possessing the ability to perform miracles assuring eternal life and glorification.

Unlike Christ secure and fortified with all-encompassing decisive knowledge I didn’t submit to being born in ignorance into a world of damned-if-you-do-or-don’t, having to choose between the lesser of evils, resulting traumatization, contradictions, confusion, injustice and chaos and therefore naturally muddle through, make mistakes and "sin" ... It’s a wonder to be still sane! I just want the opportunity to be accepted as an imperfect work and learn and grow as I go, which any loving or decent person should nurture or accept ... and just live modestly in peace and harmony - Which should be a birthright for all things ... Nor trying by "good works to earn salvation" but rather for their own sake without further expectation of reward ... so what need or logic is there to being beholden or "saved"?

Certainly if I were ever admitted to heaven upon observing the order sustained the greatest harmony and good, I would conform and uphold, such benevolence already being of foremost aspiration ... And therefore at peace in spite of personal shortcomings, which in my heart I know along with others of sincerity will overcome. - brad kalita

Regarding local and world-wide intolerances:

It would seem, regardless of religious or philosophical affiliations, anyone cultivating purification of motive and the resulting unifying qualities, i.e. all-inclusiveness, compassion etc., would be in alignment with the divine, including the agnostic or atheist. " For there are many rooms in my mansion ".

Many are the self-limiting insecurities and distractions both cynical, righteous and otherwise on the path to the sacred. The simplest, most direct & self-purifying: To base ones motives on that which brings about the greatest sustainable harmony amongst all things without further expectation of reward.

Presently it may be essence, purification & illumination are better distilled & cultivated by disregarding the chaos of the religions, etc., of the world ... looking only to higher-self with purification of motive without expectation.

It could be that "God" on this plane or world is largely irrelevant and impersonal regarding injustice and learning important lessons of real value the bottom line.

Perhaps the universe ebbs and flows maintaining equilibrium while all are presented with creative opportunities for greater harmonious refinement.

It would seem once a lesson is learned karmic debt need no longer apply.

Always look to the higher-self in times of difficulty. To minimize suffering to self & others when initially feeling frustration, anger or despair or otherwise overwhelmed immediately return to the wisdom & serenity of the higher-self for alternatives, understanding or acceptance in order to avoid greater hardship.

Some worthwhile considerations: Progressive maturity proceeds from dependence to independence to interdependence, while real satisfaction comes from enabling someone or something to become happy.

All the principle religions & many other perspectives include those having striven for essence who have achieved great wisdom & insight through heart centered purification of motive.

Most are consoled in life by the adoption of religions and/or the gratification derived from worldly achievements. Though such endeavors may have considerable merit it is the boundless "higher-self" rising above the worldly fog unhindered by acculturation which gains the higher ground & greater perspective.

Blessings - brad kalita

Antidote for what may be a godless world:

If we find transcendent beauty and compassion in ourselves and others then surely in the vastness of the universe are evolved worlds, dimensions and beings of empathy that have manifested such benevolent harmonious qualities sustainably.

Such certainty assures great possibilities here and beyond for beings throughout the cosmos of progressive inclination. - bwk

That within the heart & which manifests outward there-from ... the qualities of kindness are of far greater value, influence & of enduring character than all other endeavors in life ... remembered & treasured above & beyond all else.

On every level all things to a degree are "alive" & in a sense possess individuality even though appearing as a whole singular. Each component or "individual" part needing continual recognition, appreciation & love for its optimal well being. It would be wise to appreciate how steadfast & wondrously one's body works together & its potential in part & whole given a multi-leveled intimate & loving relationship.

Life & Sexuality: "An angel on the bedpost or a demon in the mind ... ?"

There seems to be a great deal of attention given to sexuality especially if of a deviant nature. This is not surprising given its instinctually driven nature and the marketing opportunities present in modern societies. The logical mind finds such impulses puzzling, illogical and even humorous. The acculturated and cynical mind: often immoral, "dirty" with shades of regret/guilt etc. The heart, though fun loving ... gently conveys moderation while moving forward to ever greater compassion and refinement.

Essentially all one needs to face, resolve or rise above the travails of life & fulfill its greater purpose can be found within the "higher-self ... or heart". Drawing directly with purification of motive distills from the impurities of acculturation & ego "essence" integrating dignity & humility while lending clarity & insight to the mysteries of life.

Whether referred to as the Christ or Buddha within the "greater or higher-self" it is neither dependent or exclusive of such entities or faiths ... it's higher realms accessible to all seeking wisdom, purification of motive and goodness for its own sake.

Attachment is the fabric of illusion.

For one to acquire the right-mind to make appreciable progress it is first necessary to contemplate and understand on a deep encompassing level the value and elevating influence one's greater-self can have not only one's own well-being but all life.

To achieve a fair degree of consistency or ability to "stay in" this "greater self" it is important to realize one is not responsible for what seem the injustices of the world, only for one's responses ... favoring that which furthers harmonious relationships amongst all things.

Although ones worldly goals and aspirations may be of a high order it's important not to allow frustration or what seems the inability to manifest them to deprive one of the personal serenity of the moment - To let go or rest when weary or encountering the heaviness of what seems insurmountable. For the reasons for such deprivations may be to instill the liberation and elevated perception realized when first acquiring appropriate order and priority. Bearing in mind the greater the personal transcendence (in the moment) the greater the ability to evoke positive change on multiple levels both externally and internally leading to ever greater awareness and fulfillment.

Might it not be possible if God does indeed exist we often unknowingly see or portray "him" as ourselves ... too small? Can we presume to be able pass on such a comprehensive nature through mere words let alone understand? Would there not be a finer more inclusive sense capable of reaching beyond our mental limits and human vulnerabilities?

Regardless, with due respect for all the possibilities what would seem most crucial is not the belief in or existence of God but the belief in good - Not the promise of heaven but its manifestation - Not the securance of salvation but the greater good.

Could it be rather than our higher-natures being a reflection of God, God is really a reflection of our higher natures?

Knowledge can be limited and prideful, often acquiring much but learning little of real worth. Whereas "the timeless stone of wisdom" is comprehensive yet humble, acquiring little but learning much of enduring value.

Why are we here?

Essentially we came into this world with its full range of choices and examples as observers and experiencers to internalize and carry forward that which is of real value.

It's better not to choose as an objective a particular, but a general value as guidance, such as the cultivation of wisdom, thereby remaining open to all opportunities for optimal growth. - brad kalita

For better understanding ...

Christ was foremost spiritual, religion followed thereafter for better or worse through man.

Religion is a faith based intellectual, institutionalized interpretation of handed-down textual and often fragmented historical facts and assumptions, and when too literally interpreted rigid, morally judgmental and prone to promote alienation and conflict. Interpreted and subscribed by many as more of a paid forward insurance policy for future eternal security rather than for primarily elevating one’s principles and conduct according to a higher source.

In contrast true spirituality is more flowing, self-sustaining and orientated holistically ... Fluid, dynamic, unconfined, inclusive, and transcendental while ever fresh, revealing and enlightening, and more commonly experienced naturally and directly from a less defined inner or outer related source.

Consider: "True religion" cannot originate from religion nor exist without spirituality, but true spirituality can "live" either outside or within the context of religion through the finer character of the individual, i.e., Jesus, saints, mystics and truly inspired common man.

The diversity of truth is unthreatening to the sincere spiritual or comprehensive religious aspirant or person of higher moral character when realizing its different facets create a more harmonious ever-expanding and thereby greater truth.

Yet life’s greater truth and purpose would seem so simple: That rather than assuming divine intervention we can only ultimately assure saving ourselves and our planet by believing in and trying to live what brings sustainable balance, harmony and good to all things without seeking further reward.

- Or perhaps keep it really simple: God is Love ... So just try and do the best you can. - bk

From the Harbors of Light Collection: Inspirational writings, thoughts for the day, photographs,
poetry and prose from Brad Kalita, founder of Gathering Light ... a retreat.

Forward ~ As Nature ...

Copyright.

Back ~ The Tortoise.