06-10-2009, 12:02 PM
(06-10-2009, 05:55 AM)Taha Wrote: Regarding the quote; most religious people I've met say exactly the same thing! "I see everyone else as belonging to a branch of the truth, but we're the tree itself, reaching deep into the..." (edited by moderator)
Looks like maybe you thought I was doing the same thing many religious people do: think that my 'religion' is 'the right one.' Please allow me to clarify:
Doctrine and exclusivity are key hallmarks of religion. Doctrine is a set of beliefs that members of that religion are expected to accept. Exclusivity is an identification with that religion and no other; ie., the person can't be both a Hindu and a Christian, or even both a Mormon and a Catholic.
The point to that comment is that the Law of One is not a religion itself but transcends any religion. Religions often make the claim that they are not a religion, but still act like a religion by insisting on adherence to doctrine and demanding exclusivity. The Law of One has no doctrine; nor does it have any exclusivity. Its concepts and philosophies are found in the higher forms of all religions.
Some students of the Law of One do belong to a religion, but use the Law of One principles to add depth to their chosen spiritual path. These people find meaning and fulfillment in their chosen religion, but see the depth in it, rather than being bound by its doctrine.
For example, I have a Christian friend whose depth of understanding of his chosen religion continues to impress and astound me. He has succeeded in finding the LOVE in every facet of his spiritual path. He embodies the principles of the Law of One, even though he has never heard of it. He is undoubtedly a Wanderer, though not aware of it. He is offering a great service to those within his religion, who might never hear of the Law of One otherwise. He offers the principles of the Law of One, even though he calls them by different names that fit within his paradigm.
Another example is Paramahansa Yogananda, who taught the mystical aspects of the Hindu religion in such a profound way as to transcend it as a 'religion.'
But even those who do not explore the deeper intellectual aspects of their religion may still be living the principles of the Law of One, by truly loving their neighbors as themselves, as their teacher said to do.