Refining Personal Philosophies

It is opined by many, and widely accepted, that our system of beliefs define who we are, as it influences our entire being, from the thoughts that are conceived in our minds to pronouncements and subsequent actions that demonstrate what we are about. The mind is constantly in a never-ending cycle of activities as the learning process continues, exposing us to vast knowledge and variables. We are then challenged to determine if what we have been exposed to have changed our view concerning our core beliefs.

My viewpoint remains constant– notwithstanding my being enlightened to a deeper sense of the philosophical mechanism, distinguished by various rationale, customs, doctrines and methodology. The reason for this is simple – there is only one absolute in life and that is pertaining to Divine matters. I still, and will forever believe that there is an afterlife, and how one lives in this temporal life, will determine what happens then.

Be that as it may – what has changed significantly is my insight into the quest of people of other persuasions, for answers to the cares of life, and the extent to which they are willing to go in search of the truth. This capacity highlights their conviction and strength of character and faculty to adjust their thinking and practices to realize what would otherwise be illusive. This quality clearly illustrate that though Christianity is the pathway to the truth, to my mind – other acceptance of truth are also built on ethical and spiritual principles that perpetuate purity.

Such freedom from spiritual contamination is what Siddhartha Gautama, for example, exhibited that touched me immensely. His sacrifice of family, material security, and the finer things of life - by secular standards, to seek enlightenment, and better the lot of ordinary people, in realizing the true purpose of life . He found his way and dedicated the remainder of his life to teaching his fellowmen and guiding them to the path. In some way his selfless acts...