Practical spirituality for a complicated world.
***image1***I continue to get into a lot of trouble for asking questions. Not just any old questions, mind you, but questions about topics that aren't supposed to be questioned. My mother always asked why I couldn't just accept things and stop asking so many questions. I tried to explain that I really did want to fit in, to be one of the crowd, but that no matter how hard I tried, I simply couldn't be quiet. Some people have written and commended me on being a noble seeker of truth. I appreciate that. But, I have to tell you that in the past, I have tried, with all my might, to be a regular fellow, to accept what I'm told, and not make waves. I just can't. Perhaps it has more to do with stubbornness than with nobility. After a while, it became obvious to me that my spiritual path was one of questioning the accepted norm. There are, of course, things I can accept, after I've investigated properly. One of those things is my spiritual path. Let me illustrate this knowing by sharing a very personal, intimate story.
At the 1994 Fiestas celebration, I was walking across the Plaza, lost in thought. I happened to look up and my eyes locked with those of an old Indian man seated on a bench. He smiled, and motioned for me to come over. There were people crowded all about, yet he was alone on his bench. I walked over and sat down beside him. He told me many things, most of which I cannot share. However, I can tell you some of it. He told me, "You have had a hard life because of the path you have chosen. You are a speaker of truth. You chose this. It is why you are always looking for something, as if it were hidden away. Remember this: truth is always in plain sight, never hidden." I really do wish I'd been aware enough to find out something about him. I simply sat and listened. Perhaps that was the appropriate course of action. It was a very mystical experience. I had the feeling that this elderly man knew me, in fact knew all about me. Yet, I'd never seen him before, nor have I encountered him since. I accept that summer afternoon conversation as a great gift. I treasure it. Still, I am aware that many people would think I'm a loony. But, since I'm not responsible for what other people think, I share my experience today with anyone who wants to hear it.
I have a question; if people say they believe in freedom, why do so many of them spend so much time trying to control others? I don't understand this. Why can't people, at the very least, just leave others alone? Who among us doesn't have enough of his/her own issues to resolve without trying to take care of everybody else's business? If you believe in the literalness of the Bible, and you wish to live your life according to that literalness, why can't that be enough? Why must you legislate the rest of us along with you? Why is it so crucial that I behave as you think I ought? I've been asking this for years. Some people agree with me, and some just shout, trying to silence my words. Why can't each person establish his/her own relationship with the Creator? Why must we submit to authorities? Of course, I believe we should have the option of submitting to outside authorities, but why do we have to? Why should we not have the freedom to choose? Why can't I share what I've seen of God, you share what you've seen of God, and then let that be enough? Why can't we accept what fits for us, and leave behind that which we don't need? I've recently seen an interesting bumper sticker. It was on a Cadillac Eldorado with Texas plates. There was a stick figure of a man, a plus sign, a stick figure of a woman, the equal sign and the word "marriage." All right, I have no argument with that belief. One man, plus one woman, equals marriage. You'll never hear me criticize that sentiment. However, that's not enough for the people who have those bumper stickers, along with many who agree with them. Instead of promoting their beliefs about marriage by the way they live on a daily basis, they insist on legislating away the rights of same sex couples to contract marriage. But I have a question; doesn't the Bible allow polygamy, having multiple spouses? The answer is, Yes! Nowhere in the Bible does it say that marriage is limited to one man and one woman. In fact, monogamy was introduced by so-called "pagans." Now, I have another question: if they are going to use the Bible to justify their bigotry, if they're going to claim that any other arrangement would threaten the sacredness of the institution of marriage, one man and one woman, then why do they allow divorce? It seems to me that easy, no-fault divorce is a greater threat to the stability of marriage than James and myself, after almost 22 years of sharing our lives, being able to establish a legal relationship. I'm confused about this. Can someone explain it to me? Perhaps that older couple driving the Cadillac Eldorado with the Texas plates can explain to me why I threaten their marriage. I've got a suggestion for some creative Santa Fe entrepreneur: Make up some bumper stickers, put a stick figure of a man, the plus sign (+), a stick figure of a woman, the equal sign (=) and the word "divorce." I'll buy several.
I've got another question. Okay then, several more questions! Why can't we say "Merry Christmas" any more without being thought of as Attila the Hun? Someone might be offended? Please! I'm offended by floral polyester and chubby people in low rider jeans exposing their flabby stomachs. But, I'm not in favor of forbidding their poor taste. We have no right to not be offended. So, will somebody explain to me why it is now forbidden to say, "Merry Christmas?" They now have "holiday trees", and "Happy Holidays." It involves pretending to be inclusive or tolerant, but it isn't, really. It is subtly, or perhaps not so subtly anti-Christian. I've told you before; I'm a "Redneck Hindu," not a Christian. But, why would I want to pretend it isn't Christmas in a culture with deep, deep Christian roots? Please explain to me why it's acceptable to use the "f" word in conversation, and in print, but it's offensive if someone says, "Merry Christmas"? When I'm out in public, I hear people using the word "God" as part of a curse, using gutter terms for sexual activity and bodily functions, but that's not offensive? If you point out their vulgarity, you're labeled as an intolerant prude. Many people seem uncomfortable with the word "God" unless it's part of a curse word, and think nothing of using the "f" word, but they're offended by "Merry Christmas." I'm confused. I really, truly do wish someone would explain this to me. Something is terribly, horribly wrong with a culture where vulgarity is taken for granted, but "Merry Christmas" and the word "God" cause offense. This is social progress? I don't think so.
Once again, let me remind you all about the special New Year's Eve firewalk. What a powerful way to begin the new year. Call Gwen Feisst, Director of Firewalks at the Light Institute, to sign up. Gwen's telephone number is 466-2584. I hope I'll see you there.
In conclusion, asking questions is a good thing. We all have freedom of thought. It is part of our birthright, granted by our Creator. Freedom of thought does not come from any government or religious authority. It comes from God. For the time being, you are free. Act like it.
OM Shanti OM
To ask Robert a question, visit his Web site at www.RobertOdom.com, email desertrj@msn.com or send mail to PO Box 33, Santa Fe, NM 87504.
