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"After so much tapasya and austerity, I've known that the highest truth is this: He is present in all beings. These are all the manifested forms of Him. There is no other God to seek for. He alone is worshipping God who serves all beings." ~ Swami Vivekananda
From a secular perspective it might be something like recognizing our shared humanity on a strong empathetic level and honoring that.
In other words what does it matter if we can't manifest whatever philosophy or religion we subscribe to in our daily interactions?
"After so much tapasya and austerity, I've known that the highest truth is this: He is present in all beings. These are all the manifested forms of Him. There is no other God to seek for. He alone is worshipping God who serves all beings." ~ Swami Vivekananda
From a secular perspective it might be something like recognizing our shared humanity on a strong empathetic level and honoring that.
In other words what does it matter if we can't manifest whatever philosophy or religion we subscribe to in our daily interactions?
If you take paragraph 2...fine. That's great.
But then you get to paragraph 3. Now it becomes just words.
I am a Humanist.
Specifically I identify with British Humanist ideals:
Quote:
Humanists are people who shape their own lives in the here and now, because we believe it's the only life we have. We make sense of the world through logic, reason, and evidence, and always seek to treat those around us with warmth, understanding, and respect.
A Humanist:
* trusts to the scientific method when it comes to understanding how the universe works and rejects the idea of the supernatural (and is therefore an atheist or agnostic)
* makes their ethical decisions based on reason, empathy, and a concern for human beings and other sentient animals
* believes that, in the absence of an afterlife and any discernible purpose to the universe, human beings can act to give their own lives meaning by seeking happiness in this life and helping others to do the same.
"After so much tapasya and austerity, I've known that the highest truth is this: He is present in all beings. These are all the manifested forms of Him. There is no other God to seek for. He alone is worshipping God who serves all beings." ~ Swami Vivekananda
From a secular perspective it might be something like recognizing our shared humanity on a strong empathetic level and honoring that.
In other words what does it matter if we can't manifest whatever philosophy or religion we subscribe to in our daily interactions?
I suspect your not alone in this idea.
But it is utopian. No?
Perhaps we could all participate in a whirling dervish.
At least we'd be in synchrony while we spin around and around and around.
Perhaps we could all participate in a whirling dervish.
At least we'd be in synchrony while we spin around and around and around.
Getting dizzy now.⁷
I suppose it depends on how we apply that label? For instance if we mean Utopia as in it's not a livable experience unless all are fully absorbed that's a fool's errand. If we mean Utopia as in individual Liberation/Enlightenment/Nirvana I'd say it's within reach.
I suppose it depends on how we apply that label? For instance if we mean Utopia as in it's not a livable experience unless all are fully absorbed that's a fool's errand. If we mean Utopia as in individual Liberation/Enlightenment/Nirvana I'd say it's within reach.
"After so much tapasya and austerity, I've known that the highest truth is this: He is present in all beings. These are all the manifested forms of Him. There is no other God to seek for. He alone is worshipping God who serves all beings." ~ Swami Vivekananda
From a secular perspective it might be something like recognizing our shared humanity on a strong empathetic level and honoring that.
In other words what does it matter if we can't manifest whatever philosophy or religion we subscribe to in our daily interactions?
That would be ideal, but to be the voice of reason here, it's never going to happen. Murderers and pedophiles don't care about your ideal fantasy. Narcissistic people could care less. Its' not realistic to think like that and hope and wish and pray....totally futile.
Don't get me wrong, that's exactly how I would like for the world to be. Because atheism is based on logic and reason, there is no reason to believe that this will ever happen. It's just a rotten world. Those of us who DO have empathy and care for others get severely taken advantage of. Living in what would be considered hell to some, has taught me to nip that in the bud right away.
Most people can tell when someone is just wanting a hand-out or if they sincerely need a hand up. I love to see people succeed in life. Success can mean simply having a roof over your head and a job.
The last statement you made is kind of like if you're gong to talk the talk, then walk the walk. Actions are what speaks. It matters a lot to manifest this 'claim' that your making. Not with words, that's annoying. But with quiet strength and purpose.
"After so much tapasya and austerity, I've known that the highest truth is this: He is present in all beings. These are all the manifested forms of Him. There is no other God to seek for. He alone is worshipping God who serves all beings." ~ Swami Vivekananda
From a secular perspective it might be something like recognizing our shared humanity on a strong empathetic level and honoring that.
In other words what does it matter if we can't manifest whatever philosophy or religion we subscribe to in our daily interactions?
Swami Vivekananda’s words do not jive with secular ideal, whatever that means. Seeing Divinity in everything , in everyone, seeing them as manifestation of the one Divinity, requires the certainty that Divinity exists in the fist place. If that certainty is absent, then his words would hold no meaning.
One can serve humanity because one sees it as his duty, is moved to do something, anything, to ameliorate suffering, or the expectation that a good deed returns back in a good deed or karma, or for any number of reasons.
The two are not the same thing.
Of the two Swamiji’s words are more meaningful for me. It is also easier to be motivated to do good, and also gain peace and happiness.
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