Origin and evolution of religions is a very interesting phenomenon , in the social evolution of human species…
It provided, moral code, consolation to those who percieve them selves as victimss, and attempted to answer unanswerable questions…
Social system and education that religion broght was a step forward for mankind at the time of its origin,but the problem is its inertiaa…We havnt been able to get rid of it , when it became useless, and indeed counterproductive..
Here are some problems with the concept of religion..
1. It causes guilt in followers, as no one can be perfect , as we cannot tolerate that guilt , we try to displace our resentment to others…i.e anyone who is different from us..
2. It supposedly answers questions, and takes away the motivation and reason for intellectual growth..
3. It causes a psudo grandiosity in the followers , who cannnot help but believe that they are better then the rest of religions…
4. since it is vague at best, it leaves a lot of room for interpretation, causing great rifts…
its a very long list and I can go on and on about this…but let me hear what other ppl think…mind you, this is not an invitation to defend religion…I am only inviting opinions reagrding the downside of this phenomenon…
Nova Yar, this is one of those “Nova” topics. You are a master craftsman. You open up a discussion with set rules that you deem fit. Let me make a lousy attempt to address your questions: I will start with making a few assumptions.
(1) Many people misunderstand Religion. Even the most learned ones (in my opinion) and the most literate ones look at just the words and interpret what the God(s) (or any supernatural being, or whatever, taught very literally. They don't understand his methods, which are the real essence of Religion(s). In my opinion, the most important aspect of any religion is its methods: how to put that religion into your own experience. The better you understand that, the more effective your religion becomes. Your practice becomes so natural, so hard-boiled; you easily come to understand your own nature, your own mind, and you don't get surprised by whatever you find in it. Then, when you understand the nature of your own mind, you'll be able to control it naturally; you won't have to push so hard; understanding naturally brings control. I hope this is not too off-sided assumption, but I think it is a valid one.
(2) Many people will imagine that control of the mind is some kind of tight, restrictive bondage. Actually, control is a natural state. But you're not going to say that, are you? You're going to say that the mind is uncontrolled by nature, that it is natural for the mind to be uncontrolled. But it's not. When you realize the nature of your uncontrolled mind, control comes as naturally as your present uncontrolled state arises. Moreover, the only way to gain control over your mind is to understand its nature. You can never force your mind, your internal world, to change. Nor can you purify your mind, by punishing yourself physically, by beating your body. That's totally impossible. Impurity, sin, negativity or whatever else you want to call it is psychological, a mental phenomenon, so you can't stop it physically. Purification requires a skillful combination of method and wisdom. I hope this also is not too off the boat assumption.
(3) To purify your mind, you don't have to believe in something special up there, God, or whatever. When you truly realize the up and down nature of your everyday life, the characteristic nature of your own mental attitude, you'll automatically want to implement a solution.
Thus, the only purpose for the existence of what we call Religion is for us to understand the nature of our own psyche, our own mind, our own feelings. Whatever name we give to our spiritual path, the most important thing is that we get to know our own experiences, our own feelings.
It's an individual thing.
Oh not again!
Might have thoughts on this laterz...
HARooN
HARooN>>>Chorr chori se jaye...haira-pehrii se na jaye<<< :)
There is little to distinguish between religion and cults. Old and successful cults are called religions. Just like successful terrorist becomes a ruler.
Thus, the only purpose for the existence of what we call Religion is for us to understand the nature of our own psyche, our own mind, our own feelings. Whatever name we give to our spiritual path, the most important thing is that we get to know our own experiences, our own feelings.<<
NYA.. What you have said is part of eastern philosphy.... "everything is inside you nothing is outside if you look outside you will get lost and end up nowhere". For most people it is very difficult to understand themselves ...it is very hard work therefore they choose easy way out and follow some book or rules blindly.
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NYA.. What you have said is part of eastern philosphy.... "everything is inside you nothing is outside if you look outside you will get lost and end up nowhere". For most people it is very difficult to understand themselves ...it is very hard work therefore they choose easy way out and follow some book or rules blindly.
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Rani,
if you mean what you say, then you should realise that Eastern philosophy has been replaced by western philosophy. Don't let your racism blind you to the truth.
Xtreme
Eastern philosophy has been replaced by western philosophy<<
I don't know what are trying to say, please explain.