Hello.

[beatificarus]

Like Jetikus posted, “I'm here because I was curious about what is in here..”

I always blank when pressed to describe myself. My identity is far too fluid to pin down.

And I don’t think I could easily describe my “spiritual path” for the same reason.

I am curious and skeptical by nature, and I’ve been on a quest for truth since I was very young. I’ve learned many things along the way, although I don’t think I could organize them into any kind of coherent system.

My spiritual leanings are eclectic, to say the least. Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity, shamanism, etc. – I have studied them all and they all hold kernels of truth for me. I taught world religions at a university a few years ago. At the moment, I feel a peculiar affinity for Catholicism, the religion of my childhood – although it might be described as esoteric Catholicism, since I have little interest in doctrine and dogma.

I also just discovered a local branch of the Theosophical Society that is holding classes on Gurdjieff, and I’m considering attending those. Esoterica has long interested me, and I'd like to study it further.

That’s about it.

I look forward to seeing all of you in the forums.

[Celtaur]

Hi beautificaris:

It sounds like the focus of the forum will be perfect for you, with your eclectic spiritual path. It's interesting because I too was brought up catholic, and broke away from the shackles of the dogma. Now I can see there is something very mystical and spiritual about the way of catholicism at it's core, with it's ancient roots and blend of pagan influences.

As many, while learning my own spirituality, I went through the common stage of letting go of the old and letting in the new, but I've noticed that once that stage is over returning to see the old from a different perspective is freeing. Once unlocked from the dogma, a lighter perspective is unveiled. It is very freeing to be eclectic, in seeing the good and valuable in all the worlds spiritual traditions.

I'm glad you joined, and it's so nice to hear about your interests.

[beatificarus]

I think what you said about “returning to see the old from a different perspective” is very true. It has something of the archetypal journey in it, doesn’t it (i.e. the hero leaves home on a long journey, only to return home again, empowered with new wisdom)?

I went through a spiritual awakening a couple years ago that had definite Christian themes. This was profoundly upsetting to me because I’ve always had a strong aversion to Christianity. I have had definite atheistic leanings for most of my life, and the religious traditions I have always been drawn to are Eastern (particularly Buddhism). So when my awakening featured Christian elements, I was disappointed and confused. My whole worldview toppled and my epistemological foundation crumbled. I still struggle with how to interpret it, but now I do think that destruction of my old belief system was absolutely necessary. The world of the spirit does not always work in ways you want or expect, I am finding.

Additionally, I am finding that my interest in Eastern religions was often motivated by selfish interest (i.e. a desire for personal enlightenment) – and desire is exactly what the Buddha taught is the cause of all suffering! My intentions may have seemed noble, but now I can see the hypocrisy.

Christianity is exactly what my ego did not want – and that’s what the spirit gave me. Now I can see the purpose in that, but I could not at the time.

Thanks again for the opportunity to join the forum!

[Celtaur]

I think what you said about “returning to see the old from a different perspective” is very true. It has something of the archetypal journey in it, doesn’t it (i.e. the hero leaves home on a long journey, only to return home again, empowered with new wisdom)?

I love that you mentioned the archetypal journey... If you are into the power of mythology as representing aspects of our lives you may wish to view the video posts in the Mythology section.

Additionally, I am finding that my interest in Eastern religions was often motivated by selfish interest (i.e. a desire for personal enlightenment) – and desire is exactly what the Buddha taught is the cause of all suffering! My intentions may have seemed noble, but now I can see the hypocrisy.

Yes, the cause of suffering is desire. This is interesting... makes me think of the current growth of spirituality and understanding the individual self. I wonder if there is conflict in the focus of the Aquarian age in this respect... people are seeking personal, individual spirituality, yet at the same time oneness. Could many eventually be finding they are unaware their ego's are separating themselves spiritually from others by working on the individual journey to such a degree it in turn defeats the goal of union.

Great to have you here.

We should continue this conversation in the spiritual paths section

[beatificarus]

I will check out the Mythology section, and I'll post in the Spiritual Paths section.

[Drachemond]

Welcome to the forum beatificarus. It is great to have you here.

I am looking forward to sharing knowledge with you

Drachemond

[beatificarus]

Thank you, Drachemond.

I look forward to sharing knowledge with you, too!