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Thursday, March 6, 2008*

well first i have to say - not all religions are perfect. they each have their own strengths and flaws, and it is really up to us to decide which path to follow. religion, i feel, should also be more of a spiritual guidance than an obsession.

every religion has its flaws and contradictions.

in buddhism, buddha isn't a god, but rather "the enlightened one", who reached enlightenment through medition and the realization of the true unimportance of our materialistic needs. through meditating, he realised that what shapes us and harbours evil, is our lustful and gluttonous desires. as such, through meditation, he left all his desires behind. but truly is this the right way? to abandon all our earthly possesions? when buddha decided to go in search of enlightenment, he left his wife and children behind? is it not selfish of him to abandon his loved ones for personal enlightenment? and moreover, is the desire to rid oneself of all desires not the ultimate desire?

about christianity, the part i do not really like is the fact that if you choose not to believe, you will be sentenced to burn in hell. is it not ironic that religions, whose basis are faith and belief, would need something like this to "scare" people into believing. some christians in this case, would not be true christians. they would only follow this religion due to fear of the unknown, the lack of knowledge of what comes after life. they would not truly be christians because of fait, but rather fear.
comparing a person who goes to church regularly but without sincerity, and a person who doesn't but prays from his heart, who is truly more faithful? we should show our religiousness not only through our actions, but really through faith.

a story my father told me:

there was once a very faithful black man, who wanted to attend church. however, as he attempted to enter, he found a large sign on the door that decreed :"no blacks and dogs allowed".
the man went back home disappointed, and prayed to god, questioning: "oh heavenly father, why is it that i am not allowed to show my faith for you? should it not be based on faith, rather than colour? why is it that my fellow believers do not allow me into your sacred home?"

to this, a loud voice boomed: "do not worry my son, the truth is, even i cannot enter that church!"

after all, the greatest temple is in the heart.

-monochromatic-4:51 AM