I am reading a book titled Jesus lived in India by Holger Kersten. I have only completed the Introduction and first chapter but I already have thoughts that I want to share.
I have read many books about religion and God and those texts have validated what I have always felt deep in my soul—religion creates followers of rules and not leaders of change. I am specifically taking about religion, not spirituality and what I mean is that religious text lay out a set of rules to be a “member” of that specific religion and relays the consequences if those rules are not followed. The rules are important but I think that most people lose sight of the message within the rules; people neglect to read between the lines.
There are so many factors that make up the human condition and it’s very difficult for most people to see reason due to the influences of the world. Think of influences like peer pressure or the media. The need to have everyone grouped together takes away the individual’s ability to see the truth or to see things as they really appear. If the media says that the sun won’t shine, some people will actually panic and think the world will end. The media has always kept the negative news coverage stories in the forefront because that is the way to keep people in control.
Religious rules are set in an attempt to keep people in line. Use the Ten Commandments for an example. There are a few about God and serving God but the others: Honor your father and your mother… You shall not murder… You shall not commit adultery… you shall not steal… You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor (Don’t lie)… you shall not covet your neighbor’s house, etc. (appreciate your own stuff)… These commandments were meant to be a guide towards being a good person and having a happy life. Most people need a list of do’s and don’ts so that they ensure the peace of others and the love and harmony of the world. There are other rules in religious texts that has nothing to do with being a good person or living a happy life and, in my opinion, create a following as opposed to more spiritual people.
My definition of a leader of change is not someone who sets out to change religious texts but someone who challenges the blind following of such texts and takes a look deeper at its purpose. There are two very BIG worldly dilemmas we face sadly today: Racism and homosexuality. I won’t get into racism (largely caused by slavery) because if you’ve read the bible, which is the basis for why Europeans thought slavery was right with God, you know that yes slavery was okay but only in certain situations (historically not followed) AND was only for a set length of time (again historically not followed). Enslaving a group of people based on their race creates a divide amongst people (one group thinking they are better than the next), which results in hate, segregation and inequality. In what realm does this create peace and harmony in the world? It doesn’t. On to homosexuality. Again, we have one group of people thinking that another group of people don’t deserve the same treatment based on some rules in a religious text. Why can’t everyone love who they want and have the same basic rights? I don’t believe Jesus treated anyone different or less. How did we get here where we are so divided and judged by things that can not be changed? Easiest answer is… people are so fast to follow. Anything in the media or written is easily taken as the truth. Without real thought or care to see the truth.
We should all be leaders of change. All we have to do is open our eyes and hearts and seek the truth. Whatever your religion or beliefs, read between the lines and see the message behind the rules. Most likely, you will find the path towards truth, love, happiness and peace.
Look Within 