a place to put random discourses on life
Inspired Motivation
Published on February 5, 2005 By lifehappens In Religion
In a recent article about religious zelots who are critical and judgemental of others, I realized that there needs to be a distinction made between those of faith and those who use thier faith to persecute and those who use it for the good of others. This sparked a few thoughts on the subject matter. So hang with me as I see where this leads.....

I've been practicing Yoga for several years now. i practice primarily for the physical benifits. I used to always preface my classes by telling those in attendance, "don't worry, I'm not doing anything weird...no chanting or meditation." I disregarded chi and "life energy" and similar topics as wierd and not worthy of my time. but as I have practiced yoga, I have noticed that in the teachings of many different styles, there are certain themes, mantras if you will. "Do no harm" "Live in the now" "Self mastery and compassion" And all of the principles hold true....

Since many of the yogic teachings overlap with Judeo-christian ethics, although worded differently, i began to read more about it as I studied the physical portion. I came to realize that God has indeed had his hand in other people and thier beliefs. The terminology is different and many ideas are completely foriegn to me, but the basic truth behind it is just as real as anything I have experienced in my own reliegious studies. (I don't think they have ALL the truth, but I digress....)

For example. Karma. We typically think of this as "what goes around,comes around". It actually translates to "action". It refers to all actions. The belief behind this principle is simple. The real intent is the important part of what you do. Therefore, a good action with bad intent is just as negative as no action at all. (I've heard that in other circles too! Do the right thing for the wrong reasons.....) The idea that we will be judged on our actions blends perfectly with other religions as well. Even those who believe that no action, belief alone is required for salvation, typically understand that we are judged for what we do. (If you are confused by that, let me know and I can explain what I mean.)

Back to karma. So if we are judged and rewarded/punnished as a result of our actions....what part does intent play? Real intent changes the meaning behind our actions and therefore, our actions as well. Another way to say it is, the intent behind the action is always more important than the action itself. The intention contains the seed that produces the results.

For example. Two people become social workers. Person A becomes a social worker to serve others. They appreciate the people they serve because they provide her with the oportunity to perform selfless service. Her actions result in "good carma" for her and them. Person B choses to become a social worker to "help those less fortunate." They have already set up in their mind a level of superiority and inferiority. They are more likely to become judgemental and aggravated by people they should be serving and find it difficult and frustrating. Any action taken is likely to have a negative karma.

The underlyiing intention determinse whether any act is lliberating or binding. The same action can be undertaken with a selfish intention or a selfless intention. That small difference is the the key. Whether you call it Karma or not, the principle is true.

Christians who have true faith and real intent in "following in Christ's footsteps" tend to view the world with a selfless perspective. Any influence they have on the world is done with the intent of serving others. Those who see the world with selfish eyes may also do good things and serve others, but are less likely to be reacting with true faith and real intent in their beliefs and will likely show less compassion.

I am not saying this to judge others. I know myself well enough to know that while I have faith...I am still developing the real intent in following Christ. I am far from perfect. i do not serve others selflessly as Christ would have...that's because I'm not perfect. If I was, I wouldn't be here. I think the key is to take our faith IN whatever we believe and then act on it. Teach ourselves to live up to the ideals with real intent. Not doing it for the glory of the world, but because it is the right thing to do.

Maybe as we do that, we will learn to see others as God does. Wonderful and special. Priceless beyond compare. and then we will be more likely to treat everyone with the Christlike love and compassion that He shows us.

But hey, it's just a thought.........

Comments
on Feb 05, 2005
I like what you wrote, it is quite interesting in how you see your life and your position towards others. We should not judge others because of the different religion they have faith in. Isn't religion just as a mean of transportation toward The One, who created this universe and beings including humans. All religion ultimately points toward The One.

Go inside and you will find Him, The One who created you and others around you.

on Feb 05, 2005
That was a great article LH. Really great.
on Feb 05, 2005
Spiritual Traveller....I understand the idea of looking inside to find Him (we were created by HIm so therefore we contain a bit of the divine simply because we are His) BUT I think it's important that we must look outside ourselves. How can we learn of sacrifice, love and compassion unless we learn to look outward? The only problem with looking internally, is it doesn't afford the same opportunities to grow that come with focusing attention on those around us. There is a lot that can be learned from others, through observation and interaction...that must be internalized to take affect on us, but unless it is turned outward, we can never benefit (and noone else can either) from the lessons we learned.......

Thanks BlueDev
on Feb 05, 2005
Hey girl, did you know you are the smartest person I know?
on Feb 05, 2005
Hey girl, did you know you are the smartest person I know?


Then why ain't I rich?
on Feb 06, 2005
good article, life. and smart don't equal rich - just look at jessica simpson.
on Feb 06, 2005
I love you Mamie! Good point...of course you do know I was being facetious, right?