Are You a Spiritual Seeker?

Cool. Sorry, I just saw your message. I'm in the same boat as you, I think. I don't subscribe to religious doctrine, especially not from institutions, which are mostly corrupt and self-serving. I used to be hard line atheist from Sam Harris and those guys, but I've since changed. I find them equally divisive, only rationally. That being said, like Sam Harris, and you, it seems, I am now profoundly interested in the essence of all these ancient practices and beliefs. Religious experience seems to be one of the most profound ways to experience the marvel that is consciousness. A few things are clear to me now. Spiritual experience is far more fulfilling than materialism and those who pursue it tend to embody much more positive and cooperative characteristics such as compassion, selflessness, sympathetic joy, etc..., than those who choose materialism.

I'm increasingly thinking that the majority of religious followers, including Hindus and Buddhists are ignorant to the essence of their own religions. Many people seem to, erroneously, subscribe to a literal understanding of teachings that are largely intended to be understood metaphorically and/or experiencially, not dogmatically. To paraphrase Buddha, "Don't believe my words, experience it yourself". I'm now on an intense journey to understand the fabric of our existence.

/r/Nepal Thread Parent