Faith the uniting quest for the Truth
Having recently returned from the tranquil region of Chiang Mai in northwest Thailand I am filled with serenity and an appreciation for a culture founded on the teachings of compassion and tolerance of the Lord Buddha.
I was in Thailand with my meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy and many of his students, a spiritual retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the West in the land of the peaceful Buddha. I carry many lasting impressions of this culture: especially the respect, devotion and self-giving as a normal part of their daily life the Thai people offer to the Lord Buddha and his saffron robed monks. And how these monks in their quiet mindful manner walk bare-footed after their early morning meditations to humbly receive alms from the devoted Thai people.
Such a ritual leaves a deep appreciation for an ancient monastic lifestyle that is based on simplicity, mindfulness, discipline and dedication. A highly respected spiritual tradition continued by millions of Thai families whose young sons as novice monks enter thousands of temples annually learning the Buddhist dharma as taught by the Lord Buddha over 2,600 years ago.
You never have to travel far in Chiang Mai to be reminded of the Buddha's influence. Within almost every neighbourhood there is an ancient stupa or temple. The majority of Thai Buddhists are taught in Buddhist schools, monks continuing their studies at Buddhist universities dotted throughout Thailand. As a mark of devotion shopkeepers, hotel and business owners have shrines in places of prominence on their premises, where they offer daily their blessings to the Lord Buddha.
How the West would benefit with an increased appreciation, respect and admiration for the countless number of sincere individuals who start their day with prayer, contemplation and meditation in their continued devotion to the God of their religious or spiritual choice. With heart felt support for these individuals we too would show a deeper sense of community support, tolerance, compassion and self-giving.
Meditation teacher Sri Chinmoy teaches a philosophy of oneness through international oneness, faith, meditation, prayer and a service life. He teaches that, "Here on earth, in the hustle and bustle of life, we have to practise spirituality. Here on earth we have to realise the highest Truth." Spirituality is not hospitality to the others' faith in God. It is the absolute recognition of the others' faith in God as one's own."
In the West the lives of the faithful are not so different from those Buddhist monks. Through contemplation, meditation or prayer each are striving to fulfil God in their own way. Aspiring to conquer their own imperfections through self-transcendence in order to be better citizens of the world. When we can be free from judging others in their faith or devotion choice, we can open our hearts to deeper levels with love, compassion, respect, tolerance and oneness to all individuals as our true spiritual brothers and sisters.
Biography - Sahayak Plowman by nature is a positive and happy person. He attributes this to the growing experiences gained through his own meditation practice with the guidance given by his meditation teacher, Sri Chinmoy. He is a writer on spiritual topics, also the compiler of a published book of poetry, Sri Chinmoy's Heart-Garden and web master for Sri Chinmoy Books.com
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