{"id":1559,"date":"2012-04-15T19:42:56","date_gmt":"2012-04-16T02:42:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thegatheringcincinnati.org\/?p=1559"},"modified":"2012-04-15T19:42:56","modified_gmt":"2012-04-16T02:42:56","slug":"april-15-2012-finding-spiritual-truths-from-world-religions-hindu-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/2012\/04\/15\/april-15-2012-finding-spiritual-truths-from-world-religions-hindu-change\/","title":{"rendered":"April 15, 2012, "Finding Spiritual Truths from World Religions: Hindu Change""},"content":{"rendered":"

Message 92, \u201cFinding Spiritual Truths from World Religions: Hindu Change\u201d, 4-15-12\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a9 Doug Slagle, Pastor at the Gathering UCC, All Rights Reserved<\/p>\n

Click here to listen to the message. \u00a0See below to read it.<\/p>\n\n

There is an old Hindu proverb about a master who grew weary of his ever complaining apprentice.\u00a0 \u201cLife is not fair!\u201d the young man would say.\u00a0 \u201cIt is full of pain and there are so many people who hurt me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The master finally had enough and asked the apprentice to go and grab a handful of salt.\u00a0 When he returned, the master told him to put the salt in a glass of water and then drink it.\u00a0 \u201cHow does it taste?\u201d the master asked.\u00a0 \u201cBitter.\u201d was the reply.<\/p>\n

The master then asked the boy to go and grab another handful of salt.\u00a0 When he returned, the master led the boy to a very large lake and told him to put the salt in it and swirl it around.\u00a0 \u201cNow drink from the lake\u201d the master said.<\/p>\n

As the water dripped from the boy\u2019s chin, he was asked how that water tasted.\u00a0 \u201cFresh!\u201d was the reply.\u00a0 \u201cDo you taste the salt?\u201d the master asked.\u00a0 \u201cNo.\u201d said the boy.<\/p>\n

And then the master sat down with the apprentice and took his hands in his own.\u00a0 \u201cThe pain and hurts of life are always the same\u201d the master said, \u201cno more and no less.\u00a0 How you think about such pain and whether or not you choose to be a victim depends on the vessel you put the pain into.\u00a0 The thing we must do is to enlarge<\/span><\/strong> our sense of things……..stop being a small minded glass.\u00a0 Become a lake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now, I often hate it when I read such parables and at first don\u2019t really understand what they mean – especially those of eastern religions or philosophies which are difficult for a western mind to comprehend.\u00a0 How do we enlarge our sense of things?\u00a0 How do we become something we are not \u2013 like a lake?\u00a0 How do we change for the better \u00a0– which seems to be the message of that parable – and thus find the peace and happiness we all seek?<\/p>\n

In life, we each yearn to be free of pain, failure, anger, disease, injustice, worry, fear and poverty.\u00a0 We want to be perpetually happy and most of us want that for all humanity.<\/p>\n

As we have spent the last two months examining a spiritual truth from each of various world religions, we might have lapsed into a common mistake.\u00a0 We can too often isolate one virtue or one ideal at the expense of an overriding principle \u2013 we can\u2019t see the forest in the midst of trees.\u00a0 My purpose in looking to each of the major world religions – Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Hinduism – those that represent the beliefs of over 95% of the world\u2019s population – is for us to realize that there are many truths, many ethics and many ideals we would be wise to learn from and adopt.\u00a0 In other words, each world faith calls us to reach beyond the selves we superficially know and aspire to the spiritual truth each promotes.\u00a0 Ultimately, they all point us to the same goal – total and complete peace.<\/p>\n

Another Hindu parable, one which many of you may have heard, talks about five blind folks who are asked to examine an elephant and then describe what an elephant is.\u00a0 The first feels the trunk and exclaims that an elephant is like a hose.\u00a0 The next feels a leg and declares an elephant is like a tree.\u00a0 The next person touches the ear and says an elephant is like a giant fan.\u00a0 The final person grabs a hold of the tail and proudly says an elephant is like a rope!<\/p>\n

We all know that an elephant is the totality of all those things, and more, but to isolate only one aspect and define it that way is to miss the larger picture.\u00a0 And the same holds true for spirituality and our quest for truth, peace and happiness.\u00a0 We will not find them just by grabbing a hold of a tail, or a trunk or an ear.\u00a0 We must strive to grow in ALL ways.\u00a0 We must be willing to continue learning about ourselves and our world from many sources.\u00a0 We must be willing to continuously change our perspective and understanding of life and the big picture – or elephant!<\/p>\n

And, in that way, it is fitting that we conclude this series with a look at Hinduism which emphasizes the importance of constant change in one\u2019s life – the kind of holistic and total change that will lead one eventually to perfect peace.<\/p>\n

Hinduism is the third largest religion.\u00a0 But, it is often referred to as less of a religion than a way of life – a practice and tradition that is deeply embedded in Hindu cultures.\u00a0 There are two primary Scriptures for Hindus – the ancient Rig Veda and the more recent Bhagavad Gita.\u00a0 Both are compilations of stories, parables and wise teachings.\u00a0 Hindus are henotheistic- they believe in a supreme god – the Brahman – but they also believe in a multiplicity of gods which support, but are less than, the Brahman.\u00a0 As such, Hindus will refer to the Brahman as the one true god but still pray and offer sacrifices to thousands of minor gods \u2013 those who can help them in more minor ways.<\/p>\n

The goal of Hindus is to undergo what they call \u201cmoksha\u201d or escape from constant cycle of birth and rebirth which they believe all souls experience.\u00a0 Reincarnation for Hindus is the way by which human souls evolve, or devolve, over many lifetimes – into higher states of being and happiness or into lower states of hurt and misery.\u00a0\u00a0 When one arrives at a place of true enlightenment about self, love and compassion for others, when one has the ultimate epiphany and can cry out, \u201cI get it!!\u201d, one enters eternal Nirvana.\u00a0 One then becomes a part of the Brahman.\u00a0 As imagined, this is not an easy process and a soul might spend many lifetimes before reaching this elusive goal.<\/p>\n

The key theory in all of this is not that humans are controlled by the gods and goddesses.\u00a0 We can draw on their power but only to a limited extent.\u00a0\u00a0 Human souls are NOT rewarded or punished by any Divine or supernatural force.\u00a0 Humans are in control of their OWN destiny through Karma – or a natural law of cause and effect.\u00a0 We reap what we sow, as the Bible says.\u00a0 What happens to us \u2013 good or bad \u2013 is determined by what we are BECOMING \u2013 how we are constantly changing for the good or bad.\u00a0 The goal, therefore, is to evolve and change and become a better soul – one that, as we have discussed over the last several weeks, does not simply DO good spiritual things but rather IS content, IS devoted, IS hopeful, and IS unconditionally loving.<\/p>\n

Creating positive karma is thus not about doing acts of goodness.\u00a0 It is about BECOMING and then BEING good.\u00a0 It is about moving from one imperfect state of being to a better state of being – by learning more about the self and one\u2019s flaws, by changing those flaws, by growing in compassion for all creation, by letting go of anger and hatred and learning to really love, by shedding the fear, guilt and shame of our past, by becoming a fully authentic human – a person who lives true to what he or she believes.\u00a0 Do you believe in love?\u00a0 Then become love.\u00a0\u00a0 Do you believe in justice?\u00a0 Then become just.\u00a0 Do you believe in contentment?\u00a0 Then become content.<\/p>\n

And, as I said, this is not a simple process.\u00a0 Indeed, Hindus were first aware of the human subconscious or hidden soul that really determines who we are.\u00a0 That inner soul or subconscious reflects our true nature – not the things we outwardly DO.\u00a0 That is the substance of who we really are.\u00a0 In other words, we as people are not defined by our outward appearance and actions.\u00a0 We are defined from the inside out.\u00a0 Our actions should be, therefore, reflections of the inner soul.<\/p>\n

Good or bad Karma results from a willingness to change and grow our souls.\u00a0 If we continually seek after good energy, we will find such energy attracted to us.\u00a0 Good things will naturally happen for us.<\/p>\n

And that is the essential point.\u00a0 We must always change.\u00a0 We must be ever transformed.\u00a0 We must never worship any belief or any part of ourselves as an idol – something that we refuse to question or change.\u00a0 Other than the one ethic to which we all agree, to love other people as much as we love ourselves, we should be willing to at least question and possibly change anything \u2013 our politics, our faith, our approach to life, our values.\u00a0 This is the cycle of birth and death, literal and figurative, which Hindus believe happens to every soul.\u00a0 As Bob Dylan wrote in one of his songs, \u201cThose who are not busy being born, are dying.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

All of us may believe, for instance, that we are each loving people.\u00a0 But we also know that on some deeper, subconscious level, that we could be much better.\u00a0 We alone know of hidden hatreds we harbor, the hidden anger we hold, the hidden prejudices or hurts or unforgiving attitudes that can fester within us.\u00a0 The more we dig into ourselves, discover these flaws about ourselves and then work to change them, the more we grow.\u00a0 And the more we evolve toward finding that elusive total peace.<\/p>\n

This takes us back to the parable about the master and his apprentice.\u00a0 If the boy continues to drink the bitter and angry water of a closed and small glass, that is how he will continue to experience life.\u00a0 He will be a bitter, angry and self-pitying man.\u00a0 If he chooses to instead drink the fresh water of a large and expansive lake \u2013 to see his pain in the totality of all life \u2013 he will come to realize his problems are not so bad after all.\u00a0 He will see his problems are much smaller than those of others.\u00a0 He might, indeed, develop more gratitude for the blessings he does have.\u00a0 He will be positive and hopeful that life is good.\u00a0 He will grow in compassion for the hurts of others \u2013 since he is so much better off.<\/p>\n

The key is that he must BECOME something else, as the master tells him.\u00a0 He must change his outlook and his attitude.\u00a0 Strive to stop the anger.\u00a0 Strive to stop acting like a victim.\u00a0 Stop complaining.\u00a0 Start becoming.\u00a0 Be a wide, fresh and limitless lake!<\/p>\n

Maya Angelou, the modern poet laureate, once said, \u201cIf you don\u2019t like something, change it!\u00a0 If you can\u2019t change it, change your attitude.\u00a0 Don\u2019t complain!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

And that also gets to a core belief of Hinduism.\u00a0 There are no victims in the world.\u00a0 We are masters of our own destiny and we create our own good or bad karma.\u00a0 We are responsible for our own lives.\u00a0 We must stop the complaining about our imperfect lives and set out, instead, to be people who overcome.<\/p>\n

This does not mean that there are not hurting people in our midst or people who suffer profoundly \u2013 because of their own actions or because of forces acting against them \u2013 disease, poverty, or injustice.\u00a0 Even so, we also know people who, while they do hurt and suffer, they refuse to be victims or complainers.\u00a0 These are people who remain positive despite their pain.\u00a0 They harbor hope for a better life.\u00a0 They continue to selflessly give and love and serve.\u00a0 They never complain.\u00a0 They never give up.\u00a0 They love others as much as they love themselves.\u00a0 They know their own flaws and ways they can still grow.\u00a0 These are people who create their own happiness and good Karma by the attitude and outlook they choose to have.\u00a0\u00a0 We are what we choose to believe and think \u2013 loser and victim OR person of great love, peace and ability to change.\u00a0 Those are inspiring people.\u00a0 Those are people I want to be like.<\/p>\n

So often in life we set out to find the perfect experience or person for ourselves.\u00a0 We spend countless hours seeking the perfect spouse, the perfect lover, the perfect friend, the perfect doctor, Pastor, accountant, house, church, vacation or whatever.\u00a0 In doing so, we are wasting our time.\u00a0 Such perfection does not exist.<\/p>\n

What we should pursue, instead, is the inner change \u2013 the ability to create a more perfect soul .\u00a0 How do we find the perfect spouse or lover?\u00a0 He or she is inside us.\u00a0 How do find the perfect friend?\u00a0 He or she is inside us.\u00a0 How do find the perfect experience that will give us happiness?\u00a0 That experience is deep within us.\u00a0 Quite simply, we must BE the change we want.\u00a0 As I alluded to last week, just imagine the kind of humanity that might exist if every person cared less about how others should change or life should change and focused more on how we ourselves<\/span><\/em><\/strong> should change?<\/p>\n

My friends, the Gathering is a small church operating without big budgets or elaborate programs and buildings.\u00a0 All of those things are superfluous.\u00a0 The great prophets of history did not require such expensive trappings.\u00a0 It was the power and force of their ideas that drew people to them and propelled the change they sought.\u00a0 For us, our purpose is not to come here every Sunday and have a nice, simple time with friends.\u00a0 If all we are about is a club in which to feel good, we should close up immediately.\u00a0 If, however, we come here because we want to change and we seek growth, and we are committed to use what this place offers, then the Gathering is serving its purpose.\u00a0 And, indeed, as much as it is my role to help you and me think, reflect and grow, we each also have a personal responsibility to change on our own.\u00a0 Doing church is not a passive exercise.\u00a0 We actively choose to come here to listen and change.\u00a0 We actively choose to be a part of the change process that goes on here \u2013 serving on Sundays, helping in our outreach efforts, giving financially to our work, sharing our own growth insights.\u00a0 And, in some big and small ways, we should be inwardly changing as a result.\u00a0 We should be growing.\u00a0 We should not be the same people we were last month or last year.\u00a0 If we are not a bit wiser than we were before we come in on any Sunday, than we have either not listened, not participated or I have failed miserably.<\/p>\n

I encourage us all to read, listen and learn about spiritual ideals.\u00a0 I encourage us to reflect, meditate and pray.\u00a0 I encourage us all to revisit the topics we discuss in here \u2013 to read or listen again to the messages in this series on contentment or hope or unconditional love.\u00a0 Our website and archive of written and audio messages is a resource for doing so.\u00a0 And there are other countless other resources, of much better insight, that we should also read or listen to.<\/p>\n

As Hindus the world over know, change is an inevitable part of existence.\u00a0 The only thing that does not change is the reality of change.\u00a0 It will happen for good or for bad, but that is ours to create<\/span><\/em><\/strong>.\u00a0 Let us spiritually look out into the heavens to glimpse, from afar, those angels of our better natures \u2013 those angels we want to become.\u00a0 To do become like them, let us ever change our minds, our hearts and our souls.<\/p>\n

I wish you all much peace and even more joy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Message 92, \u201cFinding Spiritual Truths from World Religions: Hindu Change\u201d, 4-15-12 \u00a9 Doug Slagle, Pastor at the Gathering UCC, All Rights Reserved Click here to listen to the message. \u00a0See below to read it. There is an old Hindu proverb about a master who grew weary of his ever complaining apprentice.\u00a0 \u201cLife is not fair!\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1559","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1559","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1559"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1559\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1559"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1559"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gnhuu.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1559"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}