"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
Buddha
Buddha
I used to read a lot on Buddhism and found it fascinating. Buddha quotes continue to inspire me to this day. I love the simplicity and effectiveness of each quote I have ever read. Some are not clear at first but if you read them and think about it, the answer becomes quite clear. I love the idea of Buddhism in the way that it is about peace and love and you are inspired to be a better person.
Religion is often hard for people to understand in this day and age. Often it isn't 'cool' to be religious or look at other avenues that don't include drink, drugs or sex. I, however, break that rule. I don't like being classed as a 16-24 year old. I hate that expression, just because I am within that age bracket does not mean I am like every other person out there, at the same age. We all seem to be deemed as yobs who have sex with a ridiculous amount of people, drink too much and take drugs. Granted I drink too much on occasion, I do have sex (and I'm not shy about talking about it) but I don't take drugs. That has never appealed to me and to be honest I am usually thoroughly disappointed in people who do.
"There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting."
From suffering with depression from around the age of 11 I could have rebelled further and done a cocktail of drugs to 'relieve' my symptoms but instead, from 17 years old, I looked upon religion and it's influence on people's lives. I was Christened at 5 years old but never really went for the whole Christianity route, I took elements of it. I am a practising Spiritualist, which isn't necessarily a religion but it is a way of life. I used to be heavily in to it, spending hours a day meditating, reading about it and studying it. Lately, I have lapsed from doing this, not through lack of interest but more because I have so little time...or it feels like it. I decided to re-read a book I have about it and have found my love for it again.
I don't like to class myself with Mediums etc as I have found people judge them too quickly. I have many beliefs on the subject but don't want to be tarred with the same brush. I believe in ghosts, spirits and obviously Angels, which is where my Spiritualism stems. Throughout religion there have been reports of Angels for hundreds, maybe thousands of years. Each religion mentions Angels and their presence, despite coming from different countries and different times which gives me the hope, and belief, that they are there. Even if they aren't, I am comforted to know that I am being looked after from above.
"Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely."
Religion for me is paramount. I believe that as long as you aren't hurting anyone and you can practise without preaching then you are on to a good thing. I have come across many people who doubt my choices and beliefs but I have never forced them on to people. If you want to hear it then listen, if you're going to argue it then you, in my opinion, are being small minded by not appreciating a different point of view.
I am not a loony who stands in town shouting about the end of the world and that the Angels will save us bla bla bla, yet I find comfort in it. Religion gives people hope, strength and the will to continue in life. What harm can come of that? People are quick to say there is no such thing as ghosts, spirits and Angels but do they have proof? It is the same as I have no proof to show their existence. My proof comes from within. My soul and spirit are real they can just be called different things such as the conscience. What's in a name? God doesn't have to mean a man sitting on a cloud throwing lightning bolts down from the Heavens; God comes from within.
"However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?"
Those who practise religion range. There are obviously extremists who clearly haven't understood the meaning of the teachings. Islam is a very peaceful religion yet has been manipulated by a select few who can't grasp it's true meaning. I am keen to learn more on Islam. So from extremists come those, like me, who take comfort from it yet keep it at a comfortable level.
Belief stems from within. Whether you call it a name or not. We all have a sense of religion within us because we 'believe' in a multitude of different things in life.
Keep your faith whether it be religiously or not. We are who we are and that will never change.
No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
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