Psychologies Magazine, July 2002 —
Since the decline of collective ideals, whether religious or political, the need to find meaning in our individual lives has become increasingly apparent. And for the first time in history, we all have access to humanity's spiritual heritage. We are rooted in extremely diverse religious traditions and geographical and cultural areas, yet I am struck by the similarities that unite the main currents of spirituality. The answers are sometimes different, but the concerns are identical, and the emphasis is often placed on the same points, beginning with the existential condition of humankind.
Human life holds a major challenge: that of liberation, knowledge, and salvation. Whatever the cause (original sin for the Bible, ignorance for India or Greek wisdom…), it is generally agreed that humankind is born in a state of incompleteness, paradoxical, unhappy, and divided within itself, and that it must strive toward 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 incompleteness to fulfillment, 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 how we welcome life. An attitude of acceptance and trust is necessary for inner peace. For example, it's pointless to try to change the course of events when we have no control over them. "Do not ask that things happen as you wish, but wish that they happen as they do, and you will be happy," wrote the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Similarly, there is a widespread emphasis on the need to live in the present moment with full attention. There's 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 small things of everyday life. "God is in the pots and pans of your kitchen," Teresa of Avila told her sisters.
It is also worth remembering that freedom is something that must be won. Humans are not born free; they become so through the pursuit of knowledge (the work of the intellect) and self-mastery (the effort of the will). The idea that the spiritual path is rooted in fundamental moral principles and flourishes in the love of others is a recurring theme. "He who has compassion possesses all teachings; he who does not possess it possesses none," says a Tibetan proverb.
Many other points of convergence could be highlighted. But let us remember above all the central idea of all the world's spiritualities and wisdom traditions: humankind is called to work on itself, to transform its being. For this, it bears full responsibility.
July 2002