Psychologies Magazine, July 2002 —
Since the end of collective ideals, whether religious or political, the need to give meaning to our individual lives has become increasingly strong. And for the first time in history, we all have access to the spiritual heritage of humanity. We are rooted in extremely diverse religious traditions and geographical and cultural areas, but I am struck by the similarities that unite the main currents of spirituality. The answers are sometimes different, but the concerns are the same, and the emphasis is often placed on the same points, starting with the existential situation of man.
Human life contains a major challenge: that of liberation, knowledge, and salvation to be obtained. Whatever the cause (original sin for the Bible, ignorance for India or Greek wisdom, etc.), it is generally agreed that man is born in a state of incompleteness, that he is paradoxical, unhappy, divided within himself, and that he must strive towards a state of fulfillment, harmony, and inner unity. Lao-Tzu reminded us that "all contradiction is only apparent." It is then emphasized that this path, which leads from the unfulfilled to the accomplished, from ignorance to wisdom, from suffering to bliss, begins with introspection. "Know thyself," was written on the temple of Delphi. "There is only one thing
to do: look deep within yourself," the contemporary Hindu mystic Ramana Maharshi repeated to his disciples.
Another point of convergence concerns the way we welcome life. An attitude of acceptance and trust is necessary for peace of mind. There is no point, for example, in trying to change the course of events when we have no control over them. "Do not ask that things happen as you desire, but desire that they happen as they do, and you will be happy," wrote the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Similarly, the need to live in the present moment with full attention is emphasized everywhere. There is no need to perform ascetic feats to become wise or holy: spirituality is embodied in the here and now, in the way we experience the little things of everyday life. "God is in the pots and pans of your kitchen," Teresa of Avila told her sisters.
It is also recalled that freedom is conquered. Man is not born free, he becomes so, through an effort of knowledge (work of the intelligence) and self-control (effort of the will). We find everywhere the idea that the spiritual path is rooted in fundamental moral rules and flourishes in the love of others. "He who has compassion possesses all the teachings, he who does not have it possesses none," says a Tibetan proverb.
Many other similarities could be highlighted. Above all, let us remember the central idea of all the spiritualities and wisdoms of the world: man is called to work on himself, to bring about a transformation of his being. He has full responsibility for this transformation.
July 2002