When we embark upon any course of study or a new job or travel to new places, we require a level of faith. In ourselves, in the systems that support these things, and in the people that we will have to engage with. But first and foremost, the faith must lie with ourselves. If we never question, never doubt, never take any little side routes that open up... if we fail to explore... then that which we call faith is nothing more than rote learning. Blind acceptance. We may say that we are placing trust - but to do so unquestioningly is to dock ourselves of any potential for personal discovery.
How much more important this becomes when we enter the realms of spiritual need and philosophy. Nothing is more rewarding than finding a path we desire to follow, but nothing is more damaging than doing so without testing the tenets.
We should always question as we proceed! Is the path ahead OK?
ReplyDeleteAgree 100 percent with Swami and with your comments and also with Joanne comment
ReplyDeleteA born doubter here. Perhaps too much so!
ReplyDeleteCheers, Gail.
I would say that my life has been characterized in many ways by an abiding faith in myself.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was young, back in the dark ages before dirt was discovered, gals in the south were raised to accept and not make a fuss.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to learn it was ok to ask why?!
Hugs Cecilia
My observation is that for too many people faith is something that they were given in childhood and that remains for ever - without growth!
ReplyDeleteI try and question everything and at the same time believe all is possible and all will be ok. It is a lot being a human!
ReplyDelete"Testing the tenets" when I was younger, I'd see others and judge them for not practising what they preach. These days, it's all about self-reflection-- am I practising what I believe in truly or is it just lip service? It's a great place to be -- a much lighter place to be in. As always, your words make me reflect upon myself--Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe always need faith in ourselves. Completely agree on this!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week :-)
Post script: could I have your email address, Yam? ... this is mine: giorgio.russo3@virgilio.it
Hari OM
DeleteGiorgio, as your comments consistently get sent to my spam folder, you'll appreciate my not sharing details. Yxx
I don't think you are referring to religion here (could be wrong) but many do regard the word faith to mean religion - something we should take on faith being something we shouldn't question or explain with reasoning - but that is not at all what you seem to be saying; rather to examine the basis, the strength, the reasons for faith and then use what we learn to support how we develop in life- and believe that we have consiously chosen the path we walk. It makes me realize I have been stagnating for a long time....and need to reexamine what makes me feel purposeful
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