John Roger Barrie
Starting today and continuing on various days over the next week, Buddhists throughout the world commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Prince Siddhartha Gautama – the Buddha – on a day of great celebration and joy known as Vesak. But we must ask: which Buddha is honored on this day? The answer depends on which branch of Buddhism does …
India’s great scripture the Bhagavad Gita contains profound lessons for us all. One verse states, “An accomplished yogi sees God in all beings, and all beings in God; that person sees the same God everywhere” (6:29). The text variously explains this key statement. In our present state, with our dualistic consciousness, when we perceive other beings we more often than …
This is the second of two Lenten-themed musings “Whoever would be my disciple must renounce themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” These memorable words of Jesus (Matthew 16:24) clearly lay out the conditions by which one may become his close disciple. “My disciple.” Jesus is indicating that a person will have an intimate, lasting spiritual relationship with …
This is the first of two Lenten-themed musings “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction, yet many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the path that leads to life, and only a few ever find it.” These enigmatic words of Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14) lend …
The ancient maxim proclaims, “As above, so below.” Jesus also said, in reverse order, “On earth as it is in heaven.” So, why is this principle relevant? Because it posits a nonphysical source to material things. Life for a materialist consists of what is perceived by the senses. Life for the spiritual aspirant consists of the mystical inner world, which …
So, what do we mean by “confession”? The word confession is derived from the Latin confessiōn meaning “to admit.” Making a confession presupposes someone has something to admit. In terms of a person walking the spiritual path, there is plenty to admit. But not simply a litany of one’s transgressions, follies, or shortcomings. True confession shines a light on what …
The simple title of the Beatles’ huge 1967 Summer Of Love hit song says it all. Not only does it stand the test of time, but this modern-day anthem to love also stands the test of eternity. Why? Because love truly is all we need, both individually and collectively. However, there are different types of love. The ancient Greeks enumerated …
“When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” This familiar adage is composed of several key components, which we will analyze in the context of spiritual realization. First, who is a student? A person who aspires to realize their full spiritual potential. What is this potential? Ideally, nothing short of full-blown enlightenment. And so, a student is a spiritual …
