Commonalities of the Great Religious/Spiritual Traditions


What are some of the of the spiritual currents or some of the similarities that recur in virtually all of the great religious traditions?  Let’s start with a short and simple list; not the last word on the topic, but an initial list of suggestions to get the conversation going.  Most of the traditions agree that:

1. Spirit, by whatever name, exists, and it is good true, beautiful, and loving.
2. Spirit, although existing “out there,” is also found “in here,” or revealed within to the open heart and mind.
3. Most of us don't realize this Spirit within because we are living in separation, sin, or duality -- that is, we are living in an illusory, fallen, or fragmented state.
4. There is a way out of this separated state (of illusion, separation, sin, or disharmony); there is a path to our liberation.
5. If we follow this path to it’s conclusion, the result is an awakening, a rebirth, salvation, or enlightenment, a direct experience of union with the Spirit both within and without (and neither), a supreme liberation.
6. This supreme liberation marks the dissolution or transcendence of illusion, sin, and/or suffering, and compassion on behalf of the whole sentient Kosmos.

Taken from INTEGRAL LIFE PRACTICE: A 21st Century Blueprint for Physical Health, Emotional Balance, Mental Clarity, and Spiritual Awakening by Ken Wilber, Terry Patten, Adam Leonard & Marco Morelli

No comments:

Post a Comment