RELIGION
James W. Patterson, Ph.D., Esogist
The purpose of this site is to present a view of religion that is perhaps a bit different than how most people view religion.
My particular path in this life was: Baptized as a child as a Presbyterian; In the Army, I discovered I was actually an Agnostic; Then attended several different religions, exploring my options. Then at age 38, while teaching at a university, a student brought me a book. I read this book and asked for more, and found in the reading that every question I had ever had regarding religion, and Spirituality was answered by those books.
I would highly recommend the following book for anyone serious about the study of religion and Spirituality: The Path of the Masters, Julian Johnson, RADHA SOAMI BOOK DEPT., P.O. Box 242, Gardena, CA, 90247.
It is perhaps helpful to explain that I have been following a Spiritual path for some 39 years. My particular path involves a daily morning meditation of 2.5 hours. But only really dedicated individuals engage in the full 2.5 hours. In addition, my profession for the last thirty years has been in the field of Esoteric Psychology, or what I refer to as "Esochology".
Esochology deals with the "Whole Human Being", which means all four dimensions of Man. By contrast, modern mental health focuses on the physical dimension of Man only. I refer to modern mental health by the symbol "BS&bp".
A part of my own research has been a study of mysticism , and the Esoteric dimensions of Man, and of Life. Basic to the study of mysticism is a study of those dimensions of Man that are not physical: The MIND, with its two non-physical dimensions; And the Spiritual dimension of Man.
This has resulted in Esochology and a more realistic view of Man as being composed of both physical and Esoteric dimensions. Of both tangible and invisible dimensions. It is the "invisible" three dimensions of Man that many religions fail to deal with, and tend to ignore. This is certainly reinforced in America when BS&bp encourages us to deny and ignore 3/4ths of Man.
Science, education, and many other fields follow the lead of BS&bp, and what we have in America today is a nation in denial of 3/4ths of Reality....and this means not particularly aware of denying three-fourths of the most crucial dimensions of Life.
Religion should perhaps be a "way of life" for a person, and not a way to ignore or avoid having to discover who and what one is, and the answer to the vital question: What is the Purpose of Life?
Many people use religion as a means of paying lip service to the "Unknown". A way of hedging their bets, so to speak. And this is perfectly acceptable, but not very courageous perhaps? We must all work on increasing our patience of others, as they struggle to find the "Truth". And to ask ourselves if we have discovered the difference between illusion and Reality... and if we have not, why not?
The problem with denial of Reality is that Mankind is naturally drawn together the more Man becomes aware of the Esoteric dimensions of the Whole of Life, and the less Mankind knows of the Esoteric dimensions of Life, the more separate, fearful, and defensive Man becomes.
Fear is a natural aspect of the MIND, and the MIND uses fear to cause people to run this way and that... as their MINDs indulge in all kinds of desires, many of which are negative... and produce negative Karma.
But, coming our way December 21, 2012, is a "forced change" that will turn life around for everyone on Earth... or those left on Earth. The Golden Age of Man is coming... all rejoice in this wonderful opportunity. And for those not ready to embrace this spectacular event? A long stay in the Astral region is also very nice.
Religion is a wonderful thing, and it is not to be discouraged. But, so also is the path that leads beyond the religions of the world a marvelous thing.. although this path is little known.
Peace