http://www.care2.com/greenliving/fanaticism-or-freedom.html
Fanaticism or Freedom?
One of the greatest tricks of the mind that keeps us in suffering is the need to be right. It’s the cause of so much conflict in the world, because when we are attached to being right, we put our point of view above love, above peace, above compassion. I need to be right. Not only that, but I also need you to realize that I’m right. I need you to agree with me; then I can be happy. Because my idea, is better than your idea. My idea is more evolved, my idea is more just, my idea is more brilliant; your idea is not good!
This kind of thinking can spiral out of control: My idea is better than your idea; in fact, my god is better than your god. Your god’s got problems. I read your book, and your god isn’t the same as my god. My god is much more just, he has better ideas, and he’s the only god. I have a good god; you have a bad god. You’re fanatical about your god, and you’re affecting our freedom! So we’ll have to bomb you. That will fix the freedom! But we’re doing it in the name of god!
You create your own reality. You decide what you’re going to choose for. You can choose for the fear, or you can choose for the love. You can make that choice in every moment, and you can surrender to what is in every moment. Does that mean that “bad” things won’t happen? No. It’s not about that; it’s about how you’re being within every situation. Are you being love within the injustice? Are you being truth within the injustice? Are you taking off your masks and moving through your fears? Are you choosing for the highest point you can be in each moment? That’s the question. How you’re being. So choose for the love. When you choose for the love, everything comes in abundance.
We hope for a world free from conflict, but don’t wait for the world to change. Change yourself, and then you will be contributing in the most profound and effective way to a peaceful planet.
Isha Judd is an internationally renowned spiritual teacher and author; her latest book and movie, Why Walk When You Can Fly? explain her system for self-love and the expansion of consciousness. Learn more at www.whywalkwhenyoucanfly.com.
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7 comments
add your comment »There is a lot of difference between being right and thinking that I am right. the article ignores tis point. Being right has to be justified by logic, and it provides strength for sticking to the point.
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why is this inappropriate?
In my book, "Bible Shockers!", I discuss Paul's brilliant approach to handling disagreement, that he refers to as "The Better Approach." Unfortunately, it is not practiced by Christians, who instead insist on "The Corinthian Approach" - which Paul refers to as "carnal."
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why is this inappropriate?
I'm a Christian, and I do my best to respect all peoples' beliefs and convictions. I'm also a vegetarian, and I respect peoples' right to eat meat. I've met fanatics at both ends of the spectrum.
I think fanatacism just creates discord. Yelling your point of view more loudly rarely gets people to hear you better!
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why is this inappropriate?
If you choose to view it that way, then it is your gig. I am simply expressing my viewpoint. Agreeing or disagreeing makes no difference to me. Perhaps if I had not directed the viewpoint, hmm...excellent! Thank you Bill! Namaste!
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why is this inappropriate?
Ironically, you are disagreeing with me!
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Dear Bill,
I honor your point of view, but to me, I feel that disagreements come from the ego and having to "be right". If we are both coming from a place of love and not attaching to the outcome, then "disagreements" cannot exist. Just my opinion.
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why is this inappropriate?
Disagreement is inevitable, but one can bring a good attitude to a disagreement and make it much more useful.
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