Truly Tackle This 3-23-07

 

the answers will depend on the starting point…  whatever definition for “religion” is being used. 

some consider religion to be a form of social control - so beyond religion may be cult-like control of a specific population.

another perspective is that religion is a spiritual connection and search - so beyond religion could mean venturing out from within the confines/dogma of a specific faith and searching for spiritual connections and/or meaning on your own…  through whatever means feels appropriate.

just my 2 cents…  and, btw, i think religion, as it is in the world today, is a combination of both of the above definitions.  given that, going beyond it is wholly dependent on where you start.

 

I agree that one's definition of religion influences what one may think lies beyond it.

Another way to capture your question is to ask the old favorite, “What is enlightenment?”  I wrote the following when I was an insufferable BeliefNet hack who went by the moniker “Otaku.”  You can view the original BeliefNet post entitled “The Definition of Mysticism” here.  There was not much follow up discussion.

Before on can consider the question “what is enlightenment?” one must first consider the question “what is mysticism?” This is important because enlightenment is a mystical experience, an expeirence that originates from beyond the boundaries of rational thinking. And yet, it is a completely human experience.

“Mysticism means direct, immediate experience of ultimate reality. For Christians, it is union and communication with God. For Buddhists, it is realization of enlightenment. Evelyn Underhill's classical definition is perennially true: “Mysticism, in its pure for, is the science of ultimates, the science of union with the Absolute, and nothing else, and that the mystic is the person who attains to this union, not the person who talks about it. Not to know about, but to Be, is the mark of the real initiate.”

Although all forms of mysticism are inherently part of spirituality, not all kinds of spirituality are inherently mystical. Because churchgores usually don't experience ultimate perception during the mass, liturgical spirituality (forms associated with the rituals and public prayer of the churches) is not primarily mystical. But clearly the Eucharist, through participation in the rite itself, promises a mystical relationship with Christ and the Trinity. Although much of Christian spirituality is inspired by the Eucharist, and history has seen some eucharistic mystics, mystical spirituality goes beyond this mediated form to direct relationship with God.”

from The Mystic Heart, by Wayne Teasdale

Without the framework of mysticism (i.e., a framework of an experience), what are we really talking about?

 

My formula is to BE CAUSE.

In this universe it is agreed that those having a religion or path that teaches the Supreme Being or God helps in a positive manner. We are faith! I have had greater success believing in God. I see a lot of supreme beingness in the zaadz team and members using beyond potential to create a good change.

We are here to survive as a common denominator. Beyond religion is to know that your potentials are greater than we think they are. My take is to get over myself and set goals that aim for the stars just to reach the treetops.

It’s good to know that critics will put cricicism, rejections, assholes and
pressure (C.R.A.P.) if what one is creating gets viewed from the wrong source while making your products for the world.

Knowing balance of right and wrong is beyond religion and having the certainty behind the things we do.