Philosophy and Claims vs. Science and Practice

Some of these posts have only been claims or philosophies, while others have been techniques that can be practiced without any intellect involved. There are some authors that talk about ascended masters or siddhas doing unbelievable things, and we aren't even sure if it's true or not. We also have different religions that have seemingly contradictory philosophies while they're actually all contacting the One behind each other's backs. But how do we know that's not made up as well? Well, the important thing is the science of religion; the practice that leads to the truths of philosophy.

This is a very important point, because it pulls away from intellectual claims and goes straight to the experience. Many people choose a religious standpoint to intellectually destroy the "competition." Hey, they could be right, but they are not even sure that what they say is true because they haven't experienced it. The arguing really stops through divine experience - you are no longer worried of being destroyed by claims when you feel the Source as strongly as a slap in the face.

Words can never explain spirituality perfectly. When different religious figures attempt to explain their experience, they still look contradictory to each other! However, it is never the case that these spiritual masters are going to argue - sorry, Jesus wouldn't jump Krishna or vice versa because you think they should! Most likely, they're buds! The reason is because they have found the same thing. How do we know? By their fruits you shall know them.

The important things from these religions are the techniques, teachings, methods, practice, science - not necessarily the philosophy or the stories. This is what has made the Zen masters so successful: their religion is completely the practice of zazen meditation and simple living. Eckhart Tolle wrote a great book, the Power of Now, by bringing together East and West and avoiding religious terms like God. Seriously, the technique of staying in the present moment is enough to make the divine connection.

Osho used an interesting example of why the "how" of science is more important than the "why" and "what" of philosophy. Let's say a blind man asks, "What is light?" Responding with words like "bright" and "illuminating" doesn't help at all. Instead, offering a technique to practice in order to see the light is what is important. Things like loving everyone unconditionally, working with no attachment to the results, staying in the present moment, meditation - this is the science of religion. This is what should be focused on. All philosophy and stories about religious figures will prove true or false through inner sight and divine experience. Keep on practicing - if you do, you will eventually let go of all limitations.