(This
article was written by Alsibar, who has studied spiritual guides
extensively, and the original text in Portuguese can be read at this link.)
How
does a person choose their religion? What is the relationship between
religion and our tendencies and level of intellectual and spiritual
development? Where do you stand on this? Let's reflect on this.
To
say that we choose religions or paths according to our level of
spiritual development may seem absurd at first glance. But spiritualist
literature is full of statements that corroborate this thesis.
Gurdjieff
said there are seven levels of men, and each person chooses their path
according to the level they are at. Thus, there is a religion for
so-called "ordinary" men, those at levels 1, 2, and 3.
Gurdjieff
explained that the religion of the Level 1 man is based on rituals,
sacrifices, and ceremonies. The religion of the Level 2 man is based on
emotion, worship, faith, and enthusiasm. The religion of the Level 3 man
is based on theory, intellect, arguments, and rhetoric.
Regarding the religion of man at level 4 and above, Gurdjieff explains, taking Christianity as an example:
« In
fact, Christian number 1, 2, and 3 are nothing more than a superficial
imitation. Only man number 4 strives to become a Christian, and only man
number 5 can truly be a Christian.
Because to be a Christian, one must possess the essence of a Christian, that is, live according to the precepts of Christ. Men number 1, 2, and 3 cannot live according to the teachings of Christ because for them everything "just happens." They
are driven by chance, adrift. They are not masters of themselves, and
consequently, even if they decide to be Christians, they cannot truly be
so. »
(Fragments of an Unknown Teaching, Ouspensky)
Another
source that clarifies this is the Bhagavad-Gita. Krishna says that
men's faith can be of three types according to the modes of nature that
each one acquires: goodness, passion, and ignorance. Krishna states:
« Men
in the mode of goodness worship demigods; those in the mode of passion
worship demons; and those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and
spirits.»
Then Krishna explains in detail the devotional practices and paths for each individual, according to their nature.
Leaving
aside the quotes from sacred books—which served as an introduction to
this study—let us reflect together on the question: religion versus
level of spiritual development, always remembering that the objective
here is not to defend a radical and absolute position, but rather to
contribute to a free and impartial reflection on this topic.
However,
it seems to me that there aren't just seven or three types of men
according to their spiritual and intellectual level, but rather various
types, levels, and sublevels. Obviously, when figures like seven or
three are established, there is a clear concern for the simplicity and
pedagogy of what is taught.
But
when we observe reality and the facts, we realize that just as there
are so many different kinds of people, there are also so many different
paths and religions. However, the fundamental question is: are these
varieties of religions harmful or beneficial to humanity? To what extent
can we consider the various paths, movements, sects, and religions as
something detrimental to human beings?
It
all depends on the point of view and the points of reference adopted.
From a more general and superficial perspective, we could say that all
religions play an important role in guiding, orienting, and enlightening
humanity. And perhaps this explains the existence of so many different
paths. But should everyone follow only one path?
As
much as we might want to claim that there is only one true path, we
know that in practice, this is not the case. All religions and sects say
the same thing. All gurus and leaders proclaim the superiority of their
paths over others.
So what really happens?
An infinity of routes, of paths, that the layman finds in his search, without knowing for sure where to go.
Let's
consider, for example, Pentecostal and Neo-Pentecostal Christian
religions. These cater to a specific mindset—a need that, if absent,
could leave many people lost and adrift.
Therefore,
in general, there is a predominance of former drug addicts, former
alcoholics, former drug dealers, former addicts, etc. The path they
follow and defend is presented as a lifeline against many evils and
vices detrimental to their professional, social, and family lives.
Without this "tool," without the support that religion provides, what
would become of these people?
Many
of them, through a religion that strengthens their faith and
self-esteem, manage to give new meaning to their lives and obtain the
strength and energy to overcome obstacles, achieve prosperity and be
"happy", according to their own conception of happiness.
Similarly,
there are other religions and paths that people follow according to
what they find convenient and appropriate for their own lives. Thus,
when a Pentecostal leaves the Catholic Church, for example, they
consider themselves more "evolved" because they have renounced the
images, saints, and ecclesiastical authority of the Catholic Church;
this gives them a sense of renewal and of truly following Christ "now."
And so on.
People
follow what they believe will bring them benefits such as peace,
tranquility, happiness, renewal, prosperity, meaning in life, and so on.
From this perspective, each religion has its own function, serving a
niche or segment of people, according to their needs, trends, types, and
levels.
Whether
we believe it or not, this is what actually happens in the world. We
perceive, therefore, that on the path of our spiritual evolution,
religions function as stepping stones that propel us to the next level.
So,
everything's perfect, right? In some ways, yes. In others, not so much.
The thing is, the different paths generally raise your spiritual level.
However, they don't usually raise you to a level higher than their own,
which leads to a kind of stagnation.
In
other words, it's better to be a Pentecostal Christian than a drug
dealer. However, if I don't seek to elevate my spiritual level, I risk
becoming stuck in readings, sermons, and proselytizing, forgetting inner
transformation and the true experience of Christ's teachings.
The framework of religions versus human nature
From
this perspective, I created the following scheme, from 1 to 10.
Remember that this scheme only seeks to organize things from a
subjective and personal perspective. The apparent gradation is not
absolute, but simply a way to organize the information, facilitating
visualization and understanding.
With
this framework, I aim to help those who are searching for themselves
but feel lost in this vast array of paths and information. May each
person find their own way, and may those who have already found it
analyze and reflect upon it.
I
accept disagreements, but I want to reiterate that what I publish here
does not impose any kind of authority. I don't own the truth, and I
believe no one does. However, I advocate for a search based on
reflection, research, discovery, and constant learning. May each person
find their own light and their own path!
10.
Total denial of beliefs, books, gurus, techniques, disciplines and
“paths”: focus on meditation, research and self-knowledge: appeals to
freedom, independence and total autonomy of man.
9.
Following the teachings and practices of ancient esoteric organizations
to develop the mind, spirit, and “hidden” powers: they approach an
ideal of freedom, but still operate within the sphere of the EGO, of the
known.
8.
The practice of techniques and the following of gurus appeal to
psychological dependence and the search for security and inner
stability.
7.
Religions that advocate practice combined with actions, such as
charity, appeal to hope, to practice allied with rational faith through
the cultivation of virtues.
6.
Religions that defend proselytism, the authority of sacred texts and
blind faith: they appeal to belief, blind faith and material and
spiritual ambition.
5.
Religions that advocate the worship of saints, images, and obedience to
the hierarchy appeal to fear, obedience, and spiritual authority.
4. Monism, for example Christianity, advocates for the unification of beliefs and practices under the rule of a single God.
3. Polytheism (e.g., pagan religions) appeals to human passions.
2. Animal sacrifices, for example, in ancient Brahmanism, appeal to superstition and fear.
1. Human sacrifices, for example, in pre-Columbian tribal religions. It appeals to fear.
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