Western Material View

Eastern Spiritual View

On Man as a Creature in the World – We are a physical body first and fore most, a mental body second, there is no rational or verifiable proof of the existence of a Soul or operating force behind mind and body, many disbelieve its existence. Why we inherit the circumstances of our lives is not explained or understood.

On Man as a Creature in the World – We are Spiritual creatures first and foremost, having a human experience in this lifetime. This Spiritual nature is the primary force, which operates the grosser layers of mind and body. The circumstances we inherit in our lives are based on our Soul’s karma.

On the True God: One God – one true religion – those who accept this one God will receive his grace, those who don’t will suffer, perhaps even in eternal hell. God is both loving and wrathful.

On the True God: Everything is God, including man. Religions are simply spiritual paths that ultimately arrive at the same goal. God is pure love – pure knowledge and all - powerful. It is our misunderstanding of this that brings pain.

On Knowing God: It is presumptuous for man to proclaim to know God. The linchpin of religion is not experience of God directly, but belief in his existence and faith in the teachings of his messenger. Only God’s messenger truly knows God.

On Knowing God: Each person is capable of knowing God and will come to this knowledge through a direct experience, in communion with their deeper selves. Knowledge of God is commensurate to Self - Knowledge as we are all God.

On Man’s Plight: Man’s suffering is due to disobedience and failure to adhere to God’s will and a non - acceptance of God’s laws. (Commandments) Man is inherently bad or wicked and in need of salvation; otherwise he will do wicked things.

On Man’s Plight: Our suffering is due to our karma. This karma comes from attachment to the limited effects of our actions. This attachment is the result of Self- forgetfulness, not wickedness. As we mature, we reclaim our inherent goodness.

On Virtue and Salvation: If one obeys Gods laws for a moral and ethical life and believes in God’s messenger as the agency of salvation, eternal happiness is assured in the afterlife.

On Virtue and Salvation: Virtuous conduct and right beliefs are the foundation for a Spiritual life and the first step in purification. These are necessary for a mystical communion with God to occur.

On the origin of Religion: Religion has a historical beginning with a prophet or an event in the past. From this past event, a future afterlife becomes a central theme. Time and history are linear and never repeated.

On the origin of Religion: Religion is cosmic, transcending human history. Emphasis is placed on here and now, so as to experience ourselves as God directly. Time is circular and permeates many incarnations and lifetimes.