Always a source of bemusement as to why western culture needs to travel to india, nepal,thailand ,china etc for spiritual enlightenment,when these people have been suppressed for years by religion and are amongst the most miserable and sad on the planet. So why embrace "eastern spirituality at all.Everyone knows America has all the spirituality,thats where all the "self help and motivation derives,isn't it?  and that God lives there. www.thebaldchemist@blogger.com
129822
Wow, are you ever way off.\n\nIt is only recently that the East has had such poverty.  They were advanced beyond the West in many eras.  \n\nTheir spirituality is so pure.  They do not have this limited vision of God, that there is one way and one way only to God, and that if you don't follow that way, then you are off to hell.\n\nThey encourage spiritual seeking, thinking deeply, searching the soul, looking deep within, and realizing the ultimate Truth.  Whereas in the West, you just read a book, and mimic whatever it tells you to believe.\n\nEDIT:  I also want to add that you are possibly judging spirituality by materiality, and that is not correct in my opinion.\nI would rather be happy and poor than wealthy and miserable.  I think in the West, people are wealthy and miserable.  Those who live simpler lives are often much more fulfilled spiritually.\n\nI once heard a Chinese man say that he "tried Taoism" but was so unimpressed, because he never got rich practicing Taoism!  How silly!  You do not practice a religion to get rich!  His mind was focusing on the wrong goals.
642095
I agree you should life your life to the highest moral standards you can.  Do what's right to the best of your knowledge and ability.  judging and preaching others is not part of that however. Who told you all this?  Can you speak from experience?  And what does this question have to do with imgration??
538991
I think a lot of westerners dont think about 2nd and 3rd world countries. I think westerners have a lot of other things that press them and dont allow for the prioritization of other countries, or even states within their own country.  I think that's why you have only small handfuls of organizations that are dedicated to the cause, and many other causes. Money makes the world go 'round, so when it comes to donating, no matter where in the world, if you cant see directly where the money goes, you tend to keep it, That seems to be the norm. Hopefully that makes sense. Oh, and I am very in touch with people-their lives and cultures and tribulations. This is something that has been a factor in my family's life since before I was born and even more so today. \nI cannot say which country I would go to, because if I could travel, I'd visit them all.
152985
It's about time you posted another question; don't you know I need my fix? \n\nMy opinion is that the article exposes the fact that the U.S. has problems. Yes, people, I know it is difficult to look into the big golden mirror, but we have serious issues here. \nI have always found it funny, that we have a nation full of people who spout Christian doctrines over breakfast then lobby for the God given right to carry assault weapons after lunch. I would not say that taking religion out of the country, or parts of it, would be a good idea. Religion keeps many people in line. Without the belief that the meek shall inherit the earth, there would be discontent amongst the nation's hard-working, extremely underpaid classes. But I do feel that the aforementioned reason is why religion has such a stronghold on this government. \n\nBeekay: This nation was founded by people who wanted religious freedom. The term "Creator" was quoted by you, from the forefathers of the country. Do you know why they did not use the term, "God"? It was so people of any religion could feel free to settle here. The "moral decline" of society began way before the 50's and 60's. How moral can a society be when 1/2 the population is treated worse than animals (Jim Crowe laws, rampant racism and lynchings), 1/2 the population had just been freed from slavery. 1/2 the population could not vote, and that's Women and Blacks. So, how moral was your idealic society?
378316
Seeing as how you decided to use Yahoo Answers as a forum, allow me a moment to retort. \n\nIt seems that you are a bit confused....and I understand; you feel passionately about your point of view. I hope that you know that the people you've described here I'm sure can counter every single proclamation you've made, but will it help foster and facilitate a conversation that helps us all learn to understand each other? \n\nWill it help you to see and appreciate the many differences between our cultures that make us all ultimately the part of ONE HUMAN RACE? \n\nI hope so. I don't feel that only whites can be racists. That would be like saying that only white people are rich or educated. Its a blanket statement and its fear and ignorance that divides us. \n\nAt our core, we are all the same. We want to be safe and happy and live in a safe , thriving environment and wants the best for our families, friends, and loved ones. \n\nI appreciate you putting this question out here after all. Hopefully it would foster a conversation- the first step in understanding each other.
598224
Religion & Spirituality is INTRINSIC in all of us. It is our means of connecting with The Source from whence we came... \n\nWe need to seek and return to THAT SOURCE once more, not unlike the Salmon that negotiates its way upstream "somewhere" if only to roost after completing its full cycle of Life.\n\nToo bad that Man bungled it all up with their organized churches and man-made doctrines. Hmmph!\n\nPeace be with you!
574715
I agree that there is too much of we're the bad guys syndrome going on in America. Compared to most countries outside the western world not only are we more economically well off, but have freedoms the majority of the world only dreams of. I hope that we can once again gain a sense of pride in not only who we are, but what we have achieved. In psychology not only can we project on the world, but also project upon ourselves. Let's try projecting something positive for a change.
578029
I, too, am a sensitive person and an American.  I understand what you are saying.  There are some people in this country who see only the mistakes of our own natioin but not the ATROCITIES of the terrorists.  I can not comprehend how their minds work.  If it is THAT bad here, why don't they move to a country that better suits their beliefs?  I mean this sincerely.  I'm fairly certain that someone will bash me for this last statement.  I am not saying to "go to hell."  I am sincerely asking a simple question.  I choose to stay in my homeland because I love my country. That doesn't mean I agree with everything . That would be unusual to agree with EVERYTHING.  I'm saying that if it is THAT awful for some people, why not choose to be happy and go where you will find peace of mind and contentment?  Here's the deal as I see it....these people take for granted all the freedoms that they have in this country. They take for granted all of the opportunities that are available to them.  They are looking for Eutopia, I can only imagine.  Well brothers and sisters, "this is the last best place on earth" and I for one ain't going nowhere!!!!
96762
Awesome Amandy, I couldn't agree with you more.  There is a lot of ignorance in the air, and a lot of unwarranted assumptions.  Just because something/someone isn't understood doesn't mean people should assume based on there limited experience what is going on so that they can comfortably fit it into their understanding and further encourage their already misguided ego.  People should be able to look at a person and see that person as a secular human being.  Every culture has different aspects that make it unique and special, as long as you don't hurt or infringe on other human beings, you shouldn't be judged.  \n\nYou are not alone, I think I needed to say that as well, that does feel good to get off the chest.
547131
Have you spent much time looking into Buddhism? Since it is a Way or Path, and not a religion, it does not (according to many Buddhists) conflict with religious beliefs you may have. It's more about a way of living in order to achieve a goal (enlightenment). It stresses things like compassion and denial of the flesh (as opposed  to the spirit or true self), which I believe it has in common with Christianity, Judaism, and probably Islam (which I know little about).  It teaches many of the same core values from a perspective many of us brought up in western cultures are not familiar with.  Try reading The Art of Happiness by the Dali Lama or Awakening the Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das. \n\nMany Christians and Jews will argue that the differences between their faiths and Buddhism are crucial and irreconcilable. I'm not attempting to argue with that, and I'm sure they have excellent points, I'm just working off your statement that you are coming from a liberal ideology.\n\np.s., the notion, mentioned by another poster, that only one is correct is by no means universally held. In fact, it's largely due to the big three Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam).
561557
Why not? Even if yoga originated from other cultures it doesn't mean that Christianity puts a ban on all things that make you feel good.
672651
yea ... unfortunately its led the americans to understimate the world outside .. their opinion is further clouded by an insatiable materialistic pursuit... they constitute 5% of the worlds population and consume 45% of the worlds natural resources ... \n\nthey fail to realise that people have different satifaction levels.. for example i live in india... just cause my country isnt fully developed it doesnt mean that we aren happy...  it would broaden the perspective of americans if they stopped lookin at negatives of other communities and recognisin positives.
179070
Welcome to America! Home of some of the most greedy materialistic people in the whole world. Many people here are trying to impress, or if not impress put themselves higher than the rest. We will someday suffer for are " gotta have it yesterday mentality" and are " have it now with no payments or intersest" mentality. It used to be that friendships and family gatherings were the most important thing to many. Now we sacrafice that to have the kid with the most sport activities and the coolest car to pick them up in. Don't want people to know that we are in debt up to our necks. Study other cultures, and the ones that hold too the family traditions of gathering for meals and sharing whatever they have. You will find a much more content people. I was actually making too much money at my job that I quit. Why suffer with extreme hours and no home time for a better car or a bigger TV or an "awesome vacation". I would rather be average and content! What is funny is this immigrant issue in our faces right now. And how most mexican families have the old American traditions still in opperation. Ya, they put a few brewsky's back and have a good time, but most also work hard to make ends meet and don't bitch and complain about every little injustice that happens in there comfortable life....well I better get off my box! I could go on all night. There all still good folks out there who are not brainwashed by american media and american dreams. They are just harder to find. But when you do find some like that, treasure those relationships!
200630
I have came to understand the why of the question you ask.  This world is not our home, we are just passing through.  The more we endure and experience, the more we cling to JESUS CHRIST and seek to do the will of FATHER GOD.  These things we go through, the loneliness we feel here, are all part of the plan.  If we were too comfortable here, then we wouldn't have a reason to want to go to heaven would we?\n\n\nI have said this several times here to several people, and as yet have had no takers...you can feel free to access my profile page and drop an email through there.  We can fellowship if you so desire.\n\nGOD BLESS YOU
657956
It's millions of lifetimes and so much reactions. And all the time we're creating more unless we're in higher consciousness ie God consciousness. Doing everything as service to Him. Otherwise the karma is coming. Karma is a big mess. Even good karma is bad since it binds you to this cycle of birth and death. Best thing is to read Bhagavad gita and finish this mess. Unless you want to stay here in the material world and rot.     :)
514529
Dunno but it sounds good.\n\nIts being probably being deleted because the bot looks for words like "Sex" in questions.\n\nfound this.\n\nTantra is that Asian body of beliefs and practices which, working from the principle that the universe we experience is nothing other than the concrete manifestation of the divine energy of the godhead that creates and maintains that universe, seeks to ritually appropriate and channel that energy, within the human microcosm, in creative and emancipatory ways.\n\nAccording to Tantra one can go beyond the sexual plane of existence only by accepting it fully, utilising it and spiritualising ones innate sexual tendencies towards greater awareness. Several approaches are recognised as a way of conditioning aspirants prior to sexual meditation.
130094
Interesting idea, but NO! Not at all.\n\n'Christian' is NOT one of the realms of reincarnation. (samsara) the realms are: The realm of Devas(gods); the realm of Asuras (Demigods); the realm of Humans; the realm of Animals; the realm of Hungry Ghosts and the realm of Hell.\n\nI was born into a Christian family and I am a Buddhist. I do not see being born into a Christian home misfortunate or bad in any way. I learned a great deal. \n\nI look at it this way. According to Buddhism, enlightenment is not given or bestowed, it is self realized. If a person is ready to realize the truth, what faith (s)he comes from is irrelevant. (S)He will find enlightenment when (s)he is ready.  \n\nI hope this helps.