Tehachapi News

As some of you may have noticed, I have been looking for a religion that I can relate to. A religion I can believe in and embrace fully.  Well I have come to find that there are no religions I can follow fully. As an individual thinker I can't possibly believe in any one packaged religion 100 percent.  However, recently I have found a religion that best fits my beliefs and I would like to share it with you:

I understand It takes great courage and strength to love all people regardless of, their beliefs, color or sexual preference. It is easy to hate, attack or go to war with people who we do not accept simply because they are not as we want them to be. What religion teaches that strength, courage, and love will bring us happiness?  I know that embracing fear and hate are a coward's way of living, and that hate brings much suffering to our planet and all living things.  Maintaining my courage and strength is difficult, I am not perfect.  Although I believe that each action of love and acceptance we make brings us closer together in a world of many people with different ideas and beliefs. 

I noticed with the fast pace and high stress of life many people are becoming interested in the peaceful philosophy of Buddhism. In particular there is a very deep interest in learning how to meditate, both to overcome stress and anxiety, and to deepen one's spiritual experience. I bought a few books and WOW!!!  I have become centered again, more understanding, I wonder how long that will last? I have my moments of anxiety and anger, sure I am only human. Normally this is a reaction to people who hate. What I have learned is my reaction to the haters on our planet is also a form of hate.  With the readings of Buddhism and some meditation, I am now working on this negative reaction of mine. 

In general, Buddhism is a way of finding peace within oneself. It is a religion that helps us to find the happiness and contentment we seek. Buddhists develop inner peace, kindness and wisdom through their daily practice; and then share their experience with others bringing real benefit to this world. They try not to harm others and to live peacefully and gently, working towards the ultimate goal of pure and lasting happiness for all living beings.

Every action we perform leaves an imprint, or potential, on our very subtle mind, and each karmic potential eventually gives rise to its own effect. Our mind is like a field, and performing actions is like sowing seeds in that field. Positive or virtuous actions sow the seeds of future happiness, and negative or non-virtuous actions sow the seeds of future suffering. This definite relationship between actions and their effects - virtue causing happiness and non-virtue causing suffering - is known as the 'law of karma'. 

Now this I can relate to, this I feel will make me a better person. Although, I am not sold on reincarnation, I can't think of a more wonderful religion than one that teaches love, acceptance and happiness.

I encourage all, whether atheist, religious or agnostic to read some of the teachings of Buddhism, for it is the most profound and intensely loving philosophy I know of today.