That's a good question, and given the global history of colonization, an important one. And of course, I can't know 100% absolutely for sure, because I haven't studied every single spiritual tradition that has ever existed. I do make a distinction between religion (dogma) and spirituality, and here, I'm talking specifically about spirituality.
Ancient spiritual traditions (Buddhism, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Sufism, Hinduism and the few Indigenous traditions I'm familiar with) use different languages, stories and metaphors to point people to the same *experience* of oneness, which is beyond language and beliefs. Integral philosopher Ken Wilber phrases it well: "The structure of any language cannot grasp the nature of unity consciousness." Or poet David Whyte, "What is precious inside us does not care to be known by the mind in ways that diminish its presence." This is also why so many traditions use silence, because this transformational experience can only happen when the mind is silent.
Each tradition evolved in a different region and uses metaphors and pointers (and prophets, and beliefs) specific to that region and language. The experience of spiritual awakening can't be captured in words, and it has nothing to do with beliefs. Not all traditions call it "spiritual awakening." Language is an attempt to "point" followers to the experience.
Contemporary religion, IMO, is like a children's game of Telephone (Operator). The original ancient words, which might have been helpful, have been misinterpreted over and over for millennia, giving rise to religions that have nothing to do with spirituality and everything to do with conquering and holding power over others--often justified by "beliefs" that are false thoughts (for example, the belief that colonials had a right to invade and settle on Indigenous land).
I realize that any language-based response will be insufficient and possibly even more confusing, but I hope this helps clarify that I'm not talking about any belief systems; I'm not telling you to believe anything, but rather, something that is beyond belief systems. Beyond that, I try only to write about things I've experienced and the practices that have helped me, like 'getting the inside right.'
Thank you for your comment, and for raising this issue.
That's a good question, and given the global history of colonization, an important one. And of course, I can't know 100% absolutely for sure, because I haven't studied every single spiritual tradition that has ever existed. I do make a distinction between religion (dogma) and spirituality, and here, I'm talking specifically about spirituality.
Ancient spiritual traditions (Buddhism, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Sufism, Hinduism and the few Indigenous traditions I'm familiar with) use different languages, stories and metaphors to point people to the same *experience* of oneness, which is beyond language and beliefs. Integral philosopher Ken Wilber phrases it well: "The structure of any language cannot grasp the nature of unity consciousness." Or poet David Whyte, "What is precious inside us does not care to be known by the mind in ways that diminish its presence." This is also why so many traditions use silence, because this transformational experience can only happen when the mind is silent.
Each tradition evolved in a different region and uses metaphors and pointers (and prophets, and beliefs) specific to that region and language. The experience of spiritual awakening can't be captured in words, and it has nothing to do with beliefs. Not all traditions call it "spiritual awakening." Language is an attempt to "point" followers to the experience.
Contemporary religion, IMO, is like a children's game of Telephone (Operator). The original ancient words, which might have been helpful, have been misinterpreted over and over for millennia, giving rise to religions that have nothing to do with spirituality and everything to do with conquering and holding power over others--often justified by "beliefs" that are false thoughts (for example, the belief that colonials had a right to invade and settle on Indigenous land).
I realize that any language-based response will be insufficient and possibly even more confusing, but I hope this helps clarify that I'm not talking about any belief systems; I'm not telling you to believe anything, but rather, something that is beyond belief systems. Beyond that, I try only to write about things I've experienced and the practices that have helped me, like 'getting the inside right.'
Thank you for your comment, and for raising this issue.
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