Religion

Religion is such a personal journey. I don’t believe it can be taught in a collective manner because as soon as you do, the nature of a group defeats the very personal nature of religion itself. 

I have attended group events/activities regarding religious stuff. I have also had many deep spiritual experiences all alone. Both have its advantages and group stuff isn’t all bad. It just has a specific purpose and is more like a stepping stone.

But, what I have found is that no matter how much group stuff or objective stuff you engage in externally, the real essence of religion can only be experienced deep within yourself. And only you can take the steps necessary to get yourself there. Only you. No matter how many group things you do or attend. 

It makes sense why when religion is imposed on a larger scale, conflict inevitably arises. That is one of the reasons behind the many conflicts we have had in the past, whether in myths or reality.

The most meaningful changes and realizations I have gone through have been when I was alone. By myself. No one there to guide me but myself. It forces you to realize how your journey in life, in its truest form, is one you undertake by yourself. We come into this world alone (I guess twins can be an exception kind of haha), and die alone - even twins. Everything that happens in between, we get easily lured by the temptation of feeling connected with others.

Now, I’m not saying that connecting with others isn’t real or good. I think connecting with others is actually one of the most meaningful ways to spend your time on Earth. But, what I am saying is that connecting with others is only useful when it is accompanied with the self-realizing dimension of life. 

The reason I am spotlighting this dimension is because most people neglect this part. It is easy to get distracted with the other part - connecting with other humans. This could be your parents, siblings, friends and later on spouse, partner, or children. As much as we love them, it still doesn’t change the truth that we will be at some point parting ways with all of them in one way or another. Melancholy. Bittersweet. But true. Most people, including myself, don’t pay enough attention to the reality of life, which is that we come and go from this world, alone.

At this level of realization, religion is the thing that seems to be most useful. You are not meant to debate and discuss too much about religion because the fundamental nature of it is personal. By that I mean, it is meant to be an internal dialogue within yourself. What you believe, what you don’t believe. It doesn’t matter what your mom, dad or others think. Until you have figured out what you think. And that journey is one you have to take alone. Not in a negative way. But in a way in that only you can uncover what your beliefs are and by extension, who you are. 

The purpose of religion is not to gather with people and convert others or preach. Yes, some people like priests and leaders have that role. But I have a hunch that all of them went through this journey on their own first and only when they had this realization did they end up being in the positions they are in now - one that requires detachment from the results of their efforts. As in, when they preach they don’t expect others to follow or comply. They are not upset by it. They are simply doing it for the sake of doing it, as their duty. 

The group gatherings and such are meant to help you guide yourself towards yourself - that is the point of religion. But I think the biggest oversight that ends up happening is overlooking the fact that religion is a personal journey and every single person has their own unique path to follow. Sure, some may be similar but I suspect that at some point, they will realize their path differs from every single person on this planet. Including the closest of family members. 

When you realize this, and accept it without feeling fear or sadness, then you will understand what I have been trying to convey for the last 10 paragraphs. We all have our own unique paths and, to me, the biggest responsibility you have in life is to figure out what your path is. This is where the personal essence of religion and my message in these words coalesce: find your way to yourself. It could be through any path, but be true to yourself with conviction. Make sure whatever you choose to do, you mean it with your full life force.

This is a constant struggle in life. I struggle with it too. I don’t mean to get all preachy, but in writing this I do realize that this is the point of group stuff. To point you towards yourself. But what I’m really trying to convey here is to not forget the most important part of the group stuff: the self-reflection and introspection that follows. It is most often forgotten and overlooked. This is me reminding you to take a step back and build that relationship with yourself.

For me, religion has been the most useful and kind of life-changing thing on this personal journey. In contrast, I have studied history and international relations and witnessed how religion applied to a group can lead to the very thing religion tries to avert: misunderstanding to the point of violent conflict. 

So, personally, religion has been extremely useful. Collectively, it gets complicated.