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(from an essay contest which asked folks to describe why THEIR religion is the best religion)
I'm not sure what category my religion fits into. A wise man once said that religion is simply the search for happiness. In this way scientists are religious, though they may not call what they do a religion. Hard core capitalists are religious, though their God be only the pursuit of money. But, that being said, it seems that not all religious paths lead to the ends for which their means are so diligently (and often not so diligently) performed. This is perhaps what separates what we call "religion" from the simple pursuit of happiness: results.
With so many pursuing their various paths through this maze, results it seems, are in short supply. The appearance of happiness is not necessarily, in and of itself, actual happiness. Going to church every Sunday, or temple every Saturday or Mosque every Friday does not equal happiness, (although certainly these acts of devotion serve a purpose in the grand dance of God and man.) Rather, happiness is the result of an inner devotional experience, inner habits that take hold when one follows any or all of these paths.
The path I am on, like these more established paths, is also a religion of transformation. It has had moments that were pantheistic in nature, gone through a distinctly Christian phase, and has also found the Truths of Islam as compelling as these. This road I am traveling down finds much value in Buddhist practice and in Hindu perspective, but like a migratory bird, has not settled into the shelter of these for long. Rather this journey has found much value in remaining aloof from any, while being comfortable with them all.
As Christians do, I have learned that to serve others is to serve God. Much as those walking the path of Islam I have learned that devotion to God is key and that there are no shortcuts. Much like our brothers and sisters on the Buddhist path I have learned of the need to still my thoughts, so that the spirit within me can shine through..a reflection of God formed of right thought and right action. As the Hindus, I have seen that God is everywhere, loving everyone in a manner appropriate to them; to their circumstances, needs and situations. Like pantheists, I have found the wonder of God in the marvels of the universe and the life that was given me through the stunning gyrations of its evolution.
And so, it is difficult to pinpoint one religion that I feel is "the best." What is the best for her may not be the best for him. And what is the best in one region or one culture, perhaps would not be accepted as readily in another region amongst people of different upbringings. Maybe this is why there are so many paths, so many "best religions" out there: because God would lead us all to happiness. And to do so requires as many different ways as there are different perspectives and inclinations among us.
If those statements reveal anything about my "religion", above all else they reveal that I believe very strongly in God. Allah, Great Spirit, Yahweh, Tao, the Flow, The Father, the Path, The Way, The Truth, The Light. An All spirit of many names, but one being, that is not separate from me, only apparently so. And if there is one thing that I KNOW in this changeling life that I have been so graciously blessed with, it is that there IS GOD. There is only God..loving and all knowing enough to guide us ALL down our respective paths toward true happiness.
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