unlockthedoortolearning

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many.
Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.
Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders.
Do not believe in traditions simply because they have been handed down for many generations.
But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”

The words above are attributed to Shakyamuni Buddha. They are great things to ponder as you inquire or hear things about various religions, philosophies, and belief systems. They can help you discern what is worthy, truthful, helpful, and right for you to live by.

Then after much time, prayer, meditation, and sitting with what you’ve read or heard you can decide if those ideas are of value to you and if they will help you live a life of peace, love, and compassion. If they will you can determine how you will incorporate them into your daily life and share them in your communities and at your jobs.

Good luck with that! Keep me posted on what you find out…

In gassho,

Shokai