Journeyman Philosopher

I felt it was important to create a brief section too explain why I maintain a buddhist spirituality. As religion and philosophy often don’t get along, credibility as a philosopher is often affected by spiritual opinions.

Since I was a child I have had basic buddhist inclinations, and upon taking notice in such my parents bought me a book; I was given the book “Buddhism for Dummies” when I was 17-18. Despite the title it was a very interesting read (very organized), and what was more so interesting was that everything I read I already felt. I had a gut instinct, to say it crudely, that what buddhism purported was accurate and true in my life.

As so I began to apply more so basic teachings of buddhism in my life. I always kept in mind the eight-fold path and attempted to live my life in accordance with this.My first lesson, once applying buddhist methods to my life, was just how many people out there felt they knew what buddhism was. My actions were commonly questioned in the ‘buddhist’ light of others (ie. ‘you can’t eat that’ ‘you’re not a buddhist you have possessions!’ etc…), in a sense this actually helped assist in my development as a philosopher (I had to argue a lot). I learnt quickly as well that spirituality is more misunderstand than advanced quantum physics in my opinion (okay…. maybe slight over exageration :D).

My fear, and the fear that I believe most educated religious practitioners hold, is that my belief will eventually overtake my rationality. That perhaps one day I might say “Well because Buddha said so…” in justification.In light of this fear, I have always believed that one should find the religious view that they believe and, as well, that does teach what is right. A rightness that is defined externally from the religious texts. If someone finds something in their religion that justifies murder they should discard it (assuming it is wrong).

One thing I can say I have learnt about religion, (through experience, research, and study) is that true religious belief is malliable. It adapts to times and places, and it helps the believer. Without this flexiblity religion, just as any other belief, stagnates and dies. It becomes an archaic opinion that restricts individuals freedoms, it becomes a shackle of the human spirit chaining it down with small minded restrictions.

“Find what works for you” has been said many times by the current Dalai Lama. Always question your belief in a manner that assures it is being used correctly.I guess my point is that, despite my religious views, I will always assert rationality before spirituality. However, I believe, true spirituality is ensnared with rationality.

I accept my beliefs in light of their acceptability. After all I’m not practicing a dead religion, it’s as alive as I let it be. In accordance with this I make sure to justify all my actions in a rational manner. Although spirituality does affect my actions, I admit, I hold my belief more like a compass and my rationality more like GPS.

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