Quote:
Originally Posted by Travelling fella
Vertical conversion is a concept of dharmic religions.
Horizontal conversion is to switch religions, or to choose one if you don't have one, and vertical conversion is to use the spiritual principles to become a better person.
vertical conversion does not support horizontal conversion from one faith to another.
Your thoughts?
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I don't find either of the labels fits me, but what does fit me is the phrase in the post above, and the practice also, to "use the spiritual principles to become a better person."
I do that by not just one set of spiritual rituals, tradition, or practice, but by as many that resonate with my heart. That includes praying to the sun at dawn (indigenous), circle invocation (pagan) to archangels (Kabballah), singing to the rocks when I hike (pagan, indigenous), conversing with the letters of the Hebrew alphabet (Judaism), praying for knowledge of god's will for me and the power to carry that out (12-step program), talking to Jesus (practical Christianity), putting the Tao te Ching into action when in conflict with others (Taoism), and reaching states of bliss reading poetry by Rumi (Sufi). Those are just a few.
it's not about one being right or better or the only way. to me they are all holy tools for me to use in my love affair with life, with Spirit, with the All That Is
All of those help me to become a better person (a big goal and assignment in life for me, and to build relationship with my Higher Power). Yet those practices come to me from many different traditions. Any path can become a path to Creator, for Higher Power is everywhere and that is the nature of my being, to be in relationship with my Higher Power.
if holy traditions are a buffet, i am going to feast and enjoy! rather than limit myself to just one dish or one path. Whatever tastes yummy I am going to heap onto my plate! see you in line at the cosmic all-you-can-eat buffet of goodies!
thanks for the thread topic
Travelling, looking forward to hearing from everyone! blessings to all of us