Contemplative Interbeing and Interspirituality
Contemplative Interbeing explores the global movement known as Interspirituality, which invites people of all religious, spiritual, and secular persuasions to experience the heart of humanity--in all of its diverse expressions--on the path toward greater harmony with one another and all of life. Contemplative practices unearth the mystical roots of the world's religious traditions, revealing a deep unity that stands in stark contrast to rampant trends toward isolation and divisiveness.
“We have been given the gift of life in this perplexing world to become who we ultimately are: creatures of boundless love, caring, compassion, and wisdom.” —Wayne Teasdale
“We are at the dawn of a new consciousness, a radically fresh approach to our life as the human family in a fragile world [in which] interdependence is an inescapable fact...” —Wayne Teasdale
The only viable religion for the Third Millennium is spirituality itself. We need to understand, to really grasp at an elemental level that the definitive revolution is the spiritual awakening of humankind.
We are at the dawn of a new consciousness, a radically fresh approach to our life as the human family in a fragile world. The necessary shifts in consciousness require a new approach to spirituality that transcends past religious cultures of fragmentation and isolation. This revolution will be the task of the Interspiritual Age.
The real religion of humankind can be said to be spirituality itself, because mystical spirituality is the origin of all the world religions. If this is so, and I believe it is, we might also say that interspirituality—the sharing of ultimate experiences across traditions—is the religion of the third millennium. Interspirituality is the foundation that can prepare the way for a planet-wide enlightened culture, and a continuing community among the religions that is substantial, vital, and creative.
The Nine Elements of a Universal Spirituality:
To actualize and live according to my full moral and ethical capacity
To live in solidarity with the cosmos and all living beings
To live in deep nonviolence
To live in humility and to remember the many teachers and guides who assisted me on my spiritual path
To embrace a daily spiritual practice
To cultivate mature self-knowledge
To live a life of simplicity
To live a life of selfless service and compassionate action
To be a prophetic voice as I work for justice, compassion and world transformation.