Thinking positively and the chain of existence.
Lucas Flatt
Issue date: 11/14/08 Section: Opinion
Spirituality seems to be a hot topic around these parts. I thought I'd weigh in on the matter.
In my college years, I dabbled with atheism. I'd flirted with the major, Western religions throughout my childhood and adolescence. But I couldn't find a fit.
I liked most of the ideas. I found profound, enlightening notions in all of the Western religions. But I was thrown by the dogmatic approach I saw constantly by the religious people around me. I strongly believed that people should worship however they feel best.
Therefore, I couldn't assume a role as a dogmatic converter. When a large group of people gather to rigorously follow a dogmatic cause, it can produce tribal factions, and, worse, violence.
So, like I said, I went to college and decided to be an atheist. I remained comfortable with the idea for several years. Then again, I mostly just thought about my band and girls. Philosophical notions only occasionally tumbled across the barren landscape of mind in those days of skipping class to practice playing my guitar.
When they did, I ignored them.
Then, I came home to Cookeville and started working on my Masters degree. As part of the program, I was going to have to teach classes.
My acceptance into grad school marked the beginning of my professional life. The work I would soon be doing would impact the lives of others.
Suddenly, I felt an emptiness, an absence in my life. Atheism wasn't working anymore.
At the request of a friend, I read a book. I'd told her about my predicament, and she thought it might help.
So, I read the book, and it changed my life.
What book?
The Dummies Guide to Rock Climbing.
Just kidding. I'm scared of heights.
I read Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh.
I suppose I could call it an introduction to Buddhism, but it is more than that. Hanh describes a way to change your life immediately, whereas full-fledged Buddhism takes quite some time to get down.
In my college years, I dabbled with atheism. I'd flirted with the major, Western religions throughout my childhood and adolescence. But I couldn't find a fit.
I liked most of the ideas. I found profound, enlightening notions in all of the Western religions. But I was thrown by the dogmatic approach I saw constantly by the religious people around me. I strongly believed that people should worship however they feel best.
Therefore, I couldn't assume a role as a dogmatic converter. When a large group of people gather to rigorously follow a dogmatic cause, it can produce tribal factions, and, worse, violence.
So, like I said, I went to college and decided to be an atheist. I remained comfortable with the idea for several years. Then again, I mostly just thought about my band and girls. Philosophical notions only occasionally tumbled across the barren landscape of mind in those days of skipping class to practice playing my guitar.
When they did, I ignored them.
Then, I came home to Cookeville and started working on my Masters degree. As part of the program, I was going to have to teach classes.
My acceptance into grad school marked the beginning of my professional life. The work I would soon be doing would impact the lives of others.
Suddenly, I felt an emptiness, an absence in my life. Atheism wasn't working anymore.
At the request of a friend, I read a book. I'd told her about my predicament, and she thought it might help.
So, I read the book, and it changed my life.
What book?
The Dummies Guide to Rock Climbing.
Just kidding. I'm scared of heights.
I read Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh.
I suppose I could call it an introduction to Buddhism, but it is more than that. Hanh describes a way to change your life immediately, whereas full-fledged Buddhism takes quite some time to get down.
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