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Crowd of people gathering near Jama Masjid Delhi.

The Greater Good: Why Religion & Society Partnership Matters

The world is a melting pot of diversity in all aspects, and one outstanding aspect is religion. Religion comes in different forms and stems from other traditions. But these should not hinder a beneficial partnership between religion and society. 

Individuals stand a lot to gain from their religion. Having a belief, a faith to believe in provides structure and direction to their lives. If this is what an individual can benefit from their religion, think of what this can do to a whole society. 

Michael Hattwick’s The ABBA Tradition explores the spiritual and mystical traditions of western religions and modern cultures. It points out the significance of identifying spiritual realities and recognizing the meaning and importance of God’s word and its impact on a person’s true nature. 

Society is made up of men. Once religion steps in, a domino effect begins that spreads among all corners of the community, and not one person is spared from its influence. Love it or hate it, religion has a tremendous impact on a society’s social stability. 

How Religion Affects Society

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact day when religion began in civilization, but most historians believe that religious movements started coexisting when writing was invented around 3200 BC. The act of writing became an outlet for recording beliefs, superstitions, and spirituality which spun religious movements.

From then on, it became a matter of whose and what religion was the biggest and the most dominant. 

Conquerors and colonizers alike occupy lands under the guise of spreading the faith. In the Western world, there was a time when Christianity became the dominating religion. The Asian continent saw the rise of Buddhism and Islam. And from the most prominent religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism came offshoots of other forms of religions such as Protestants, Buddhism, Sunnism, etc. 

Religion’s powerful impact on society cannot be downplayed. Or rather, faith’s influence on society cannot be underestimated. One person’s strong belief can move mountains, topple leaders from their position, and even can hold sway over other peoples’ beliefs. If one person can do this, think of what a collective group, such as a society, can achieve. 

Religion can change the way people think. Faith can change how people live, which can change a whole nation.

The Importance of a Religion-Society Partnership

Religion is essential to a democracy.

This is the first thing that people should understand why religion should even be incorporated into any community. Faith is more than just a simple belief; it is the foundation of all the characters, values, and principles that makes up a person. The way a democracy works is that it represents and gives way for people to freely express their beliefs, principles, thoughts, and ideas. 

But why should religion be incorporated into a society in the first place?

Contribution to the Economy

Religion has a profound impact on a country’s economy, especially when it comes to infrastructure. In the U.S., religion contributes approximately $1.2 trillion in socioeconomic value to the economy. This contribution is categorized into the following: religious congregations, religious institutions and academia, health systems, and faith-based or faith-related businesses. 

Faith-based services also cater to those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, marriage counseling, domestic violence, youth welfare, mental disabilities, homeless, senior citizens, immigrants, and fund disaster efforts.

Impact on Education

Religion is all about teaching and learning. Before formal education was even thought of and heard of, the primary educators were usually the head of the family. The instructions passed down back then were almost always linked with the family-based faith and belief. Children were first taught how to read and write religious texts, forming their principles and opinions from religious leaders.

Over the years, education has taken a significant turn. Despite the existence of non-faith-based academic institutions, religion remains a strong influence over the academe, intentionally or not. This is evident in a person’s strong principles when they argue in school papers and debates or advocacy-led programs. 

There is also the existence of faith-led academic institutions, which incidentally are also significant contributors to the economy. 

Mental Health Well-Being

One of the good things religion brings to a person or a society is that it gives people a structure, a sense of security, or something to believe in. This idea is essential if a person or a community wants to aim for a healthier state of mental health. 

Religion helps a community come together. Religious institutions usually provide an avenue where members can socially connect with others. Social engagement inspires trust and motivation, encouraging others to work and cooperate towards the goal of the community as a whole. 

As religion encourage a person to grow and become self-empowered, think of what it can do for the whole community. Ultimately, a religion’s presence in a society stimulates mindfulness and unity with the surroundings. 

For the Greater Good

Traditions are closely linked with religion. Learning is closely associated with faith. Yes, religion plays a significant role in any society. How they deal with and relate with their community’s existing diverse beliefs will determine their society’s success. In the end, both religious and non-religious, the believers and the non-believers, should and must always work together towards a common goal – a goal created for the greater good. 

photo of a woman climbing a ladder

Ascending the Ladder of Consciousness: Ways to Actualizing Who You Are

Realizing who someone’s truly meant to be is a demanding job. But with Hattwick’s the ladder of consciousness and the tree of life, actualizing this ideal self becomes easier.

The ladder of consciousness and the tree of life is at the center of Michael Hattwick’s book and ideology. He presents these concepts as guides for people’s journeys, helping them identify where they came from and showing them the many ways to reach the direction they’re destined to be in.

 

Today’s blog will focus on the concept of the ladder of consciousness. This particular ladder may have similar concepts and various perceptions in modern society, but what Hattwick uses is the one from Hinduism. Their ladder of consciousness is one of the most elaborate and detailed maps for awareness, which can help guide people toward liberation. This liberation they’re talking about is regarding people’s concept of self, wherein through this ladder, they’ll be free from what society tells them to be and instead be who they’re truly meant to be.

 

Besides sharing about the spiritual traditions and culture, the primary purpose why Michael Hattwick wrote The Abba Tradition is to guide his readers in pursuing their natural ambitions and achieving love, especially within themselves. The Abba Tradition may guide people to realize their true and perhaps “elevated” selves.

 

Going through the multiple realities that Hattwick has mentioned can be a subconscious process. This means not everybody recognizes when they’ll actualize their identities or where they are in the process. However, in modern-day society, this process can be simplified by going through these specific steps:

 

Define Core Values and Beliefs

 

Before anyone can step toward realizing their identity, they must first establish what they believe in and the views that make up their perception of life. By defining these values and beliefs, they’re building a solid foundation for their identities and the direction of their lives.

 

These will also serve as a solid groundwork for people’s personal philosophies, governing their choices and behaviors, which help build their lives. Therefore, defining core values and beliefs makes it possible for people to know where they currently stand compared to their ideal selves and where to steer their lives and their choices.

 

Grow, Evolve, and Change

 

One way to help individuals find themselves is by breaking free from convention and the norms they have grown comfortable with. Challenging oneself through new experiences is an excellent means to change for the better. Constant reinvention effectively identifies where and in what version of themselves the individual thrives the most.

 

When an individual chooses to be stagnant in life, comfort may make them feel as though they have actualized who they need to be. But in reality, this comfort that comes with a familiarity only limits their potential. Additionally, welcoming change allows someone to reevaluate their dreams or the direction of their lives.

 

Change the Environment

 

One’s environment influences the person’s life and growth a lot. People are the total of their experiences and a reflection of their environment. This environment isn’t only associated with the physical surroundings a person is enclosed and exposed to. But it also includes the people and circumstances that the individual encounters.

 

As with plants that can only grow with ample land and with the presence of a caring individual, people will only grow depending on who they spend time with.

 

This is why people typically get “being with the right and supportive crowd” type of bits of advice when they’re experiencing some challenges in life. A change in one’s environment can positively influence and change one’s life. Hence, a person needs to be with the right people that can help them identify and achieve their ideal selves and lives.

 

Get Rid of Limiting Thinking Patterns

 

With the previous point of welcoming change and growth, an adjustment must also be made regarding who an individual thinks they are. It will be tough when one has changed physically and has surpassed previous capacities yet stays in a negative mindset about themselves. This specific mindset negates their newly found, which will still limit their potential and block their way to success.

 

The first step to eliminating limiting patterns is identifying the instances when they’re done. Constant self-criticism and doubt are some of the few examples of this pattern, which can lead to missing excellent opportunities for self-growth.

Incarnation

Incarnation

The story continues.

A B CD EFG H

 A Be SeeD. EFffGy eacH

Each of us is a seed,

An image

of who we are meant to be.

 “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”

 Gen. 1:27

Mattering

You Matter

Here is the beginning of a story you have heard before.

A B CD.             A be seed.

A B CDE             A be seedy.

Do you remember the rest of the story?

 “Listen to this! Behold, the sower went out to sow; and it came about that as he was sowing, some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.

 “And other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. “And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

 “And other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.

“And other seeds fell into the good soil and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.”

Mark 4:3-8

photo of a man

Meaning, Realize It!

How can people go about uncovering their meaning? First, there is no single nostrum to the sense of living without purpose. Finding meaning is eventually an individual journey.

People’s life changes and experiences alter as they age. They go through diverse life stages, such as parenting and job shifts, and each step gives them unique challenges and triumphs. They are also likely to undergo multiple losses as they age. They may fail their parents and their associates or generate a sickness. The stereotypical notion of an older adult is of a weak person needing care; nevertheless, aging is not associated with a less meaningful or valuable life.

 

Motivation is helpful for actions considered dull (e.g., washing the dishes), whereas passion is the driving force for activities that have meaning for people.

 

Passion can be harmful or optimistic. Ill desires, referred to as compulsive cravings, are inadequate and guide to unhealthful behaviors. These preferences should be avoided. On the other hand, positive, harmonious forces improve people’s behavior and lead to optimal functioning.

 

Observe One’s Mood

Managing one’s mood can be difficult. However, there are some methods they can use. For example, they can make time for interests and pursuits, get sufficient sleep, exercise regularly, eat healthily, and develop a mindfulness practice through reflection.

 

Assume Control of One’s Environment 

Simple ways to induce a cognitively legible condition would be to manage a static pattern, program time for unplanned tasks, formally schedule rest for workouts and passions and keep clean conditions. In other words, desks are not the area for all those muddy coffee cups.

For example, suppose one has a passion for painting. In that case, they will carve out time to paint, undergo a great deal of happiness when they finish the activity, and may represent that affection in learning their essence.

 

Learn the Lesson on Bliss

Happiness is a choice. Yes, it is, and anyone can rehearse it. After all, one can override what they were initially taught, which is to play along with the rest of the world. Instead, they must stay calm and comfortable while dealing with conditions that need their awareness.

 

Follow One’s Talents and Aptitudes

Discovering skills will give importance to one’s life and can lead to finding their purpose. Through this discovery, they can keep themselves busy and see the reality of who they are, who they’re meant to be, and how to live. An example is a book entitled The Abba Tradition by Michael Hattwick, whose emphasis is on relying on the purpose of life and discovering the meaning of life. Through the ABBA Vision, people witness and participate in all four truths of life: Physical, Psychological, Spiritual, and Transcendent.

 

Make Great References

People should make time with the individuals that add meaning to their lives. These could be anyone from friends to work colleagues.

 

Set Goals 

One wants to have meaning in life by having a plan. They don’t have to sit down for five hours every Monday, setting goals for the rest of the week that they likely would not finish anyway—please, do not do this to yourself!

But do have objectives and a plan for achieving them. It should not be something they hate to do. Instead, they should have an idea of actions they would like to happen in their lives and make a plan for them by writing them down.

 

Help Others

Helping others helps one feel good, causes them to feel worthy, and gives them a sense of meaning. Giving to others in time, cash, or supporting them in any way is a sure way to provide oneself with purpose in life.

 

Do Something Different

How about going to a gallery, having lunch at an upscale hotel in one’s hometown, or pampering oneself at home for the day? People are presumably stuck in a routine they think they don’t have the time for. Doing something different breaks the cycle of accomplishing life, allowing them to undergo a break from the model. This also allows people to learn how they are skipping out on some of life’s adventures that matter.

 

Find Your Purpose

The most liberating thing one can do is find your purpose. This will give one all the meaning they require for their lives. It’s what life is about: discovering one’s purpose and following through by living it.

An individual’s objective is what moves them, awakens them in the sunrise, and gives them vitality. Hence, people must seek their goals with all their souls to reap the advantages of a meaningful life!

Your Five Eyes

Here is a picture of your Five Eyes, your Five I’s:

Aye

and

I

“i”

Eye

 

But wait, you may say, I only see four.

Let’s consider them one at a time.

First your Eye.   Not any eye. Not just the physical object in your head, of which you have two, but your seeing eye, the Eye that you see physical objects with. The Eye that you are using to read this. YOUR eye. Think about it. Think again. Repent. Metanoia.

Next your “i”, your little-I. Freud called it the ego, Merton the False Self. For you it is the I that you think you are. Constructed from your sensations, from what you are taught, and from what you experience, it is your persona, the mask you wear. It is the person you appear to be to others, and to yourself. Think about it. Think again. Repent. Metanoia.

Third your actual I. The I that is the unique Individual that you actually are, the I who you actually are. Actually physical, actually experiencing, actually present in a transpersonal reality. Physical, Psychological, and Spiritual. Think about it. Think again. Repent. Metanoia.

Fourth is your Other I, the I of the Other, the I you are not, the I represented by the word “and”.  You AND your brother, sister, father, mother, friend, lover, enemy. You AND I.  Your Not-I. Your neighbor who is your self. The I in the way when we are on the way to who We are meant to be. The I between Me and We. Think about it. Think again. Repent. Metanoia. 

On the upside of your Other I is the Aye that you and I are meant to be. The Aye that We are when we learn to be. The whole story. The Holy Story. History, Heresy, Ecstasy, Mystery. Turned around, upside down, We. Whee. Whee. See? Think about it. Think again. Repent. Metanoia.

There you have it. Your five eyes. Think about it. Think again. Repent. Metanoia.

Tradition says

Tradition says that after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve forgot much about the upper three Worlds and, in particular, they forgot the way back. But the Holy One took what Adam and Eve forgot and preserved it in Language so nothing was lost. Nothing was lost, but do we remember?

The word ‘tradition’ comes from the Latin tra,trans(across, over) plus dare(to give), and means ‘to give over’, ‘to hand over’, ‘deliver’, ‘entrust’. It is defined as, “the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.”[1]Just as there are many cultures, there are many traditions and many types of tradition.

The historical and pre-historical story of where we came from, who we are and whywe are here is called a religious tradition. There are many different cultures, many different stories and therefore many different religious traditions. Among religious traditions, some are complete and these form the great world religions. A complete religious tradition tells about all four realities, the whole story, the Holy Story. It hands on information about all the Worlds from generation to generation. The ABBATradition is one such complete tradition.

Transmitting a tradition from one generation to another generation is a transpersonal process. One generation gives, another receives. But there is the possibility that, in the giving and receiving, the original tradition is altered. In the transmission of elements of a tradition from one generation to another there is always the danger of handing over incorrect information or too little or too much. There is the danger of betrayal. The Greek word for tradition is paradosis, from para, ‘by the side of’ or ‘beside’, and didomi, ‘to give’. The related word paradidomimeans ‘to give over’, ‘hand over’, ‘give up’, ‘deliver up’ or ‘betray’. The word ‘traitor’ comes from the same roots as the word ‘tradition’. A traitor is “one who betrays one’s country, cause, or trust.” A traitor ‘hands over’ what should not be handed over. Fear of betrayal is the reason for the rigidity that often accompanies orthodoxy and orthopraxy. But excessive concern with orthodoxy or orthopraxy runs the risk of forgetting the reason for the orthodox thinking and orthodox practice in the first place. If this happens, the lower Worlds no longer properly reflect the higher and the tradition goes astray.

One approach to ensuring that traditions are transmitted correctly is to write those traditions down, creating a body of writings, a written tradition—Scripture. So the last page of the Bible states, “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”[2]Written traditions are efforts to preserve, and transmit correctly, an underlying tradition which was previously transmitted orally.

[1].American Heritage Dictionary.

 

[2]. Rev. 22:18-19.

 

The purpose of life on Earth

The purpose of life on Earth.

The purpose of life on Earth is to make the Worlds below reflect the Worlds above. ABBA is a symbolic word that visually represents that purpose. It is the same word whether spelled forward or backward. The four perfectly symmetrical letters of ABBA can be seen as symbols for the four Worlds as they are meant to be, with the psychological and physical Worlds below perfectly reflecting the divine and spiritual worlds above.  This reflection is what is meant by the Lord’s prayer: Thy will be done on Earth as in Heaven. May it be on Earth as it is in Heaven. May I be the blessing I am meant to be. Heaven on Earth. As above, so below.

But how is it in Heaven? Heaven is a biblical word for the transpersonal reality that we share with one another, the reality that is neither physical nor uniquely personal. There is war in heaven, conflict in the transpersonal reality of the seven heavens. “And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon.” [1]This War in Heaven is going on in the lowest three heavens, called in the ABBA Tradition The Veil, The Firmament, and The Skies. Above these are the Four Heavens that touch the realm of the Divinity, beyond the War in Heaven.

ABBATradition tells us that we are made in the image and likeness of the Holy One, and that each of us has the potential to be, and is meant to be, a perfect image and reflection of Divinity. Personal transformation is the process of becoming who I am meant to be, of transforming Self into SELF, the World of Forms and Images (Iezirah, Yezirah) into a World of Blessings: ABia into ABba. The Soulworld, your Soul, is meant for perfection, to be a perfect reflection of the Worlds above. The soul fulfills its purpose when it becomes a blessing. When that happens the Soulworld is filled full of blessings and the promise made to Abraham is fulfilled again. “I will bless you, and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.”[2]Each of us fulfills our purpose when we become a blessing. To make that happen takes work, hard work, soul work. When it happens we fulfill our essential role in the Great Work, the work of perfecting all the Worlds, of transforming ABba into ABBA.

[1]Rev 12:7

[2]Gen. 12:2.

 

 

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