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Below is my reflection based on Mirabhai Starr's excerpt:
Who am I? This is a core question asked by philosophers, spiritual seekers, mystics and scientists. Do we have oneself or multiple self? Do we have oneness in manyness? Can we transcend the dualistic, either- or -mindset and realize the Oneness of Self? We need to keep our mind and heart open to realize the underlying oneness in manyness. Sadly we have been conditioned to believe that our spiritual path is the only true path or is superior to other spiritual paths. Sadly such a mindset has caused alienation and enmity and battles in the world we live in. It is time for humanity to transcend this divisiveness and appreciate unity in diversity; oneness in manyness. It is easy to talk about spiritual unity. Implementing it in our daily life is not that easy. I was born and raised in a family in which my friends from different religious traditions were welcome. As I grew up I studied and learned spirituality from spiritual books, spiritual teachers, spiritual mystics and from weekly spiritual discourses and by implementing spirituality in my daily life. Life is a journey with highs and lows, ups and downs. I have gone through the cycle of ups and downs and I have learned to accept them gracefully. When I am in the up-cycle I do not lose the balance and when I am in the down cycle I do not lose hope. I maintain equanimity that helps me continue my journey of life. May we all walk on our path compassionately and join each other's hands for getting support and for maintaining balance! I would like to conclude my reflections by quoting the last sentence written by Richard Rohr: "Set your intention to welcome everything you are and watch your life open like a fist, like a flower, like a gate. Namaste!
3 Comments
Debbie Podwika
6/7/2025 12:15:25 pm
I agree there's too much divisiveness In the world right now in the name of religion. I think much of ithat is because people really do not know a great deal about other religions and of course people fear what they don't know or fully understand. Then there is the general mentality that there can only be one right religion or way of honoring the creator of this planet and our solar system. People think Very black and white, if you are right, then I must be wrong and vice versa, rather than understanding, there can be many possible ways and maybe even no one right way. Of course, a lot of this is also tied up with cultural and ethnic differences. It says and again much ditermination due to lack of understanding and thus fear. I'll even add in their gender. Then there's also just the resistance, I would even say fear, of change of any type. For people today To admit what they believe is wrong about anything means their foundation may feel like it's breaking. They may question what else they've been wrong about and then it may mean they have to admit who they learned this from was wrong, which may be their parents and other loved ones. That is very hard to do for many people. It may also mean they have to feel guilt and people don't like doing that as well and they will try to protect themselves from feeling guilt by saying the other person is wrong. I think people really need to become more comfortable and realize it is okay to be wrong in life. They also have to be comfortable with admitting they are wrong and learning to sincerely apologize and others sincerely accepting apologies. I think this is the only way people can learn and grow and how we will get people to love more in this world rather than hate. And then yes of course loving the animals and fauna on our planet as well! 😁
Elaine noonan
6/8/2025 04:57:47 pm
Yes, I agree that maintaining balance and inner calm when there are ups and downs is important . It happens through mindfulness and present moment / centered on breathing .
Urvi
6/14/2025 08:56:42 am
The phrase that resonants with me the most is,” ycle of ups and downs and I have learned to accept them gracefully. When I am in the up-cycle I do not lose the balance and when I am in the down cycle I do not lose hope. I maintain equanimity that helps me continue my journey of life.” this is a very powerful way to approach life Leave a Reply. |
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