Follow Me -- Not!

I've been doing this web-based spiritual advice thing off and on now for almost seven years.  I was quite surprised recently when I came across the following quote:

"Do not accept authority merely because it comes from a tradition, appearances, a great man, or is written in a sacred book.  Believe only that which you can test for yourself to be wholesome and good."  -- Buddha

I'll be honest, I haven't studied Buddhism in depth, I'm by no means an expert.  The source of my surprise was Buddha's open-mindedness...he didn't say, "I'm enlightened, believe everything I tell you."  Instead it was more "figure it out for yourselves" type of advice. 

Seriously, how often do you hear that these days?  Religious leaders, political leaders...they all claim to have all the answers.  They want to do all your thinking for you...just follow them.  Follow the crowd, be a sheep.  That's what they really want.  Oh, one of our priests is having sex with your teenage son...pay no attention, follow us.  Sure we encourage followers to blow themselves up for a quick trip to heaven...don't question it, follow us.   Terrorists lurking around every corner with WMD...be very afraid...and follow us.

I grew up reading the Bible.  Buddha's teaching reminded me of the following (1 Thessalonians 5:21):  "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."   A similar concept, (and maybe equally surprising) coming from an otherwise rather authoritarian apostle Paul. 

That's really the whole point of this blog/website.  My aim has been to assemble enough resources and information for those seeking to break out of the mold someone else created for them and find their own path to enlightenment.  Realize the possibilities and your true potential.

May the universe smile upon your journey.