Mutual Respect

At their highest levels, religions share a common goal: union with all beings and with the divine. This truth has been acknowledged by leaders of many faiths, including the Catholic Church, which recognizes the value in various spiritual traditions. Jesus’ message was not about establishing a new religion but revealing God's presence in all of us, a truth that transcends religious labels.

We need to honor the inherent value of every person. This respect for humanity compels us to help those in need, whether they are hungry, ill, or oppressed. Our natural tendencies towards self-protection, greed, and domination often conflict with this moral obligation. By shifting our internal focus towards nurturing and promoting the well-being of others, we can reduce suffering. Mysticism plays a key role in this transformation.

The negative aspects of human behavior—domination, greed, cruelty, violence—stem from a sense of insecurity and insufficiency. We constantly seek more power, possessions, and respect, yet the underlying fear persists. This fear arises from various external and internal sources that seem alien and uncontrollable. This perception changes through mysticism. At a fundamental level, we are all mystics, and we innately understand that we are interconnected and sufficient.

Practicing and cultivating this understanding helps us become mystics in both experience and potential. Every culture and tradition offers methods for this transformation, and we can learn from all of them. By sharing our experiences and supporting each other, we affirm our deep connection, our worth, and our safety within the universe. This mutual support fosters the sense of oneness characteristic of mystics.

True mutual respect is the foundation of a free, just, and equal society. Mystical experiences ground this respect. When we no longer need to elevate ourselves by devaluing others, we release a tremendous amount of energy that can be redirected towards caring for and celebrating others.