MBJ: Glad that you resonate on the point of misusage of terminology. In my opinions, so many mishaps were created because of misunderstanding of words. The meanings we try to convey through words are associated with many dimensions, such as time, physical context, history, personal experience ... And yet words are not efficient to transfer all that. That is probably why the Zen masters like to use non-verbal method to teach their disciples.
I am sorry that I mis-spoke about your feelings. When I see things like “craps” and “offensive”, I automatically interpret it as someone being upset. I am sorry for passing that judgment on you.
I read your article on “Rejecting Spiritualitism” and I really enjoyed it! I’d like to share some of my views on this. I am one of those who believe “God is in all”. To me, my interpretation of spirituality is totally personal (The fact that I am expressing my view does not mean that I try to have others agree with me). This belief I have is a derivative of my personal, physical experience but not from a deductive logical reasoning. Let’s take the example of pizza. I am an Asian and I tasted pizza as an exotic western food first time at age 20. I almost threw up. It was disgusting to me. For that experience, no amount of logical reasoning or convincing will reverse it; nor is it an indication of disrespect for those love pizza. (After living in US for 12 years, I did develop liking for certain kinds of pizza and I periodically crave for it). I think we all have our own “taste buds” for spirituality. Your interpretation of spirituality is just as valid to you as my interpretation of spirituality is valid to me.
Swami Vivekananda once said, I pray for the day to come when there are as many types of religions as the number of people in the world. May I extend that to, I pray for the day to come when there are as many types of interpretation of spirituality as the number of people in the world. So that no one is trying to convert or convince anyone else; and everyone will be thoroughly accepted and respected. – A “Bubblehead”, SC ;-))
On Sep 5, 2007 SC wrote :