Contemplation #20

The Integration of Spiritual Paths

I have always found it fascinating how different spiritual paths integrate to provide  common wisdoms for personal and spiritual growth. Whether the teachings are thousands of years old (the Gita & the Gospels), or  contemporary  (A Course In Miracles), the wisdoms are the same. Equally fascinating is how modern science often serves to validate these spiritual wisdoms.

For example, clinical research over the last decade has discovered the power of mindfulness-based meditation practices for ameliorating virtually every kind of psychological suffering (see Contemplation #13). Mindfulness-based stress reduction practices are based upon traditional Buddhist meditation strategies, which teach how to gently hold one’s awareness in the present moment, rather than allowing it to drift and fixate on the past or future. This is a powerful skill to develop given that clinical research has also validated the observations of the ancient philosopher Lao Tzu who wrote several thousand years ago:

“If you are depressed, you are living in the past.

If you are anxious, you are living in the future.

If you are at peace, you are living in the present.

Of course, these wise words echo the message of Jesus to his disciples when he said to them:

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.”

(Matthew 6:34)

In fact, the benefits of regular meditation for emotional health and spiritual growth are addressed in all major spiritual texts, and by spiritual masters throughout recorded history.  What follows is an example of an integration of seven major spiritual sources on the importance of meditation for personal and spiritual well being:

“Be still and know that I am God.”

(Psalms 46:10) 

For…

“Man was meant to sit quietly and find his truth within.”

(The Tao, Verse 5) 

Realizing…

“To the unmeditative, there is no tranquility.”

(The Gita, Verse 66) 

*

“Peace come from within.

“Do not dwell on the past, do not dream of the future.

Concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

(The Buddha)

*

“Holiness does not abide with anyone attached by even a hair to the material realm.”

(The Kabbalah)

Therefore, realize…

“You are what your deep, driving desire is.”

(The Upanishads)

And so the wise,  

“Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and His righteousness.”

(Matthew 6:33) 

Knowing that…

“There is a place inside of you

where there is perfect peace.

A place inside of you

where the strength of God abides 

A place inside of you

where anything is possible.”

(ACIM) 

And so Jesus taught his disciples saying…

“… behold, the Kingdom of Heaven is within you!”

(Luke 17:21)