“Doctrines, scriptures, sutras, essays, are not to be regarded as systems to be followed.
They merely contribute to understanding. They should be for us a source of stimulation, and nothing more…
Adopted, rather than used as a stimulus, they are a hindrance.”
I like this approach to doctrines and beliefs. Surely the world needs more people to find their own way to understanding, rather than following one particular belief system.
It seems all too easy for “followers” to become fearful and closed to the unknown or other’s beliefs. Disciples bring division in the world by creating “us” and “them”.
It seems all too easy for “followers” to become fearful and closed to the unknown or other’s beliefs. Disciples bring division in the world by creating “us” and “them”.
Adopting a particular belief or point of view, may keep us on a particular path, but is limiting to our potential as human beings.
This is a time for openness and growth. Let us be curious about all doctrines. Let them stimulate and enrich our lives, rather than hinder them.
Find Your Middle Ground 
So empowering..thank you Val..this creates such expansive space.. and so true…Namaste’…
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Thank you Deb. 🙏
Empowering and expansive … what a wonderful perspective to embrace for ourselves and others 💛
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Good post, Val
“I am a finger pointing at the moon. Don’t look at me; look at the moon.” ~ The Buddha
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The Buddha is always an inspiration. Thank you Nancy 💕
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We are here to be open and learn from each other. So true Val. Namaste 🙂
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Val
This is a fine worthwhile sharing
Thank you
Big hug
john
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Good point Val – One could even extend this to the “guru mentality”
Thanks!
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It came to my mind as well! Thank you Donna 💛
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Love his statement — and your explanation.
Thank you Val for so many expansive thoughts this morning.
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Thank you Louise. So glad you enjoyed it 💛
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I couldn’t possibly agree more. I was born (literally) with the belief that not only did religion make no sense to me, but that it was a means to division. Being of an extreme spiritual nature, I subscribe to the process of respecting the beliefs and perceptions of all; however, I also subscribe to the fact that these beliefs are based upon books, which men made, yet claim to speak the word of God (I could go on and on, but won’t.). I was shaking my head “yes” throughout your entire post, and then came to the end, which I loved.
Lovely share, may it spread like wild flowers. ❤ Kimberly
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I am in complete agreement, Val. It is the path to peace, when we can all open our hearts to each others’ ways and values. Lovely post, as always.
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OMG! This is something I keep telling people (not so eloquently though). A belief that narrows our view is not helpful. It does’t allow us to grow. Thanks for a great post.
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I absolutely agree with you. It is our own experience and awakening that leads us to the Truth, everything else is just a tool.
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So wel put PD. Thank you 💕
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You are welcome.
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Wise words~ thanks, Val. ❤
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Thank you Eliza 💛
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Absolutely agree, Val. 🙏🏽
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Thank you Bela ❣️
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Well said!
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there is so much yet to be discovered. it makes me feel restless settling for something, especially a belief system. i love this. thank you for sharing.💜
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As you are aware.
There are many paths to the top of the mountain.
The only ones not making much progress are the ones telling others they are on the wrong path. 🙏
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Smiling … Thank you Jack for this insight. So true! Its good to hear your voice again. You have been missed 💛🙏
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If truth can be any thing you want it to be, it surely can’t be true… that’s like saying any path will lead you home. In reality, many will lead you the opposite direction.
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I’ll play ‘devil’s advocate’ here and suggest that this may seem so, until you realize the opposite direction may be the one to lead you home.
Our true home lies within us.
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I suspect your belief system is actually quite narrow. Most peoples are, especially people who claim their system in all inclusive. To call for tolerance, for example, is actually narrowing in itself, because you exclude all the people who have a settled belief in a certain god. Which is most of the world. To believe in everything is really to believe in nothing. But no one asked for my opinion….
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Thank you for sharing it none the less 💛
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