Does Religion Wake Us Up?

Does religion wake us up?
Does it point the way?
Which way?
Others’ way?

Even if ‘they’re’ right, how do we know?

Waking up to ideas – or being conscious – isn’t being awake; it’s just being alerted. We may repeat the right words and have acquired a good look, but are we awake enough to be truly compassionate, and not just be a follower of ideas?

Empathetic compassion is the indication that someone has truly awakened. Not just talking about compassion or chanting OM MANI PEME HUM, but with the ability and wisdom to listen to another’s concerns. What is the point of waking up to our reality when we ignore the person next to us?

It’s said that an enlightened person is like a blind turtle coming to the surface from the bottom of the ocean once every hundred years, and putting its head through a ring floating on the surface. It’s that rare.

So far, I’ve yet to meet anyone who can truly listen and engage.
It’s that rare –
even though they may be able to put their teacup down without making a sound.
🙂