One of my favorite spiritual metaphors of all time is The Mountain.
The idea being that the world’s different religions and ideas are many paths you can take to reach the top.
The funny thing is…. it always leads up to the same place!
Introduced to me by the same teacher who showed me The Tao Of Pooh, this idea has helped me be more accepting and compassionate towards all spiritual seekers and their chosen paths.
We really are all headed toward the same thing!
I always get amused seeing people defend their religious beliefs so adamantly. So much conflict because they feel as if their path is the only right path. Yet if you look closely at the core of every great religion, it always comes down to being grateful and kind to one another. Our relationship with ourselves and other people is the path! So if we are all headed towards the same thing, there is no right or wrong way to go. Which brings me to my next point….
it is important to help other people
Every journey is a lot more fun when shared with other people. The metaphor of The Mountain is great because it shows how connected we all are. When we can see that we’re all headed towards the same goal, it’s easier to be compassionate. Also, when we help other people, we can share each other’s maps and find out new things we have never known about.
And people might be willing to share some great food too!
When we realize that the paths we choose to take are very similar and we are all headed towards the same place, we can learn to enjoy each other’s company more.
so get going!
what is your experience when learning about people’s beliefs?
6 Comments
Hi Rocky.
I sure like mountain examples when I see them.
Solid point here. I think that those who would argue against this concept have something to gain from their specific religion or group, as there can sometimes be profits we don’t see in making fake battles between one group and another.
“My religion(or idea) is better than yours” doesn’t work well in modern times, as people look for how the person is profiting from such a line.
Good call about the destination being the important point. We don’t usually ask how someone drove to a music concert, and mostly care that they get there on time before it starts.
Armen Shirvanian´s last blog ..You Don’t Know What Works Until You Fully Try
hey Armen! yea sometimes I just don’t get people arguing over religion. I think its kind of funny sometimes.
Great point on the concerts!
I liked this post and I agree with Armen that we can’t deny what you said if we think about it.
Oscar´s last blog ..How to Read a Book
thanks Oscar!
Rocky: Great post and great point. There really are many different paths to success. It’s not about the path you take, but rather that you choose to take one and remain committed to it until you reach the top of the mountain. Very well said.
Thanks Sibyl ! commitment is everything =)