As humans, each of us has a desire toward a higher power. Something greater than ourselves, something we can identify with to ease the burden of loneliness. Throughout the history of our species, there has always been an awareness of this desire. Every civilization, or tribe, or society in the history of our planet has had ways to satisfy this desire. It would be very difficult to cite an example of a culture without a spiritual facet. Shamans, priests, medicine men, seers, and prophets are just a few examples of integral parts of a society's spiritual aspect. Pyramids, temples, churches, pagodas, sanctuaries, and monuments all reflect human's acknowledgement of the presence of the divine. With the entire history of our species having acknowledged the existence of the spirit, and of a greater spirit, it is safe to say that we may be on to something.
Religion is a touchy subject. Religion involves people's deepest felt spiritual impressions, and their concrete beliefs and personal truths. Religious beliefs are held in such high regard in most people that, upon hearing something that doesn't fit within their parameters of acceptable spiritual truth, they will condescend, shun, and some will even become violent. Philosophy on the other hand is an ever-changing, ever-growing idea of what is true in this world. Philosophy is, and can even be translated to, a love of the truth. Religion and philosophy can find common ground since the experience of the spirit gives merit and credibility to its truth and existence. But most of the time philosophy and religion are at opposite ends of the spectrum, since truth requires proof, and personal experience can't be proven to any but the one experiencing it.
Thelema is not solely religious. It is not solely philosophical either. It seeks to bind the two together in harmony, so that religious belief is strengthened by spiritual experience and provable truth. It also implies aspects of both in the attainment of spiritual strength and knowledge. It gives merit to everyone's experienced truths and provides us with a way to coexist in harmony. It is not the only system of its kind, and it is certainly not right for everyone. But that is the point. That there are as many paths to the light as there are people to walk them. Thelema has given me the tools and guidance to grow spiritually, mentally, and intellectually, and has given me the confidence to live by my own convictions, and my own philosophy.
Thelema asks nothing of its people but to be honest with themselves. If a certain practice, or text strikes you the wrong way, there is a good chance that by exploring the reason it does you can learn something about yourself. Conversely, if a particular aspect resonates inside you, there is a good chance you can learn about yourself by exploring the reason for that, too. Knowledge of your self is the key to development and growth, and in a system like Thelema, that learning never stops.
The aim of religion is self improvement. Whether it is improvement to become closer god, or improvement in the way you treat other people. The key is improvement of the quality of life by changing your habits and outlook. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Thelema is no different in this aspect. Continual self improvement and growth positively affects ourselves and our society.
I did not start this blog to persuade anyone to become a Thelemite. I certainly did not start it to prove or disprove any religious or spiritual belief. I started this blog to open some eyes to a system of tolerance and understanding in hopes that some of that tolerance and understanding may 'rub off' on my reader. I hope that by reading about this system of thought, you are made more aware your own beliefs, and that you see the need for understanding and harmony in a world full of different views.
Love is the Law, Love Under Will.
No comments:
Post a Comment