The Perennial Tradition

The Perennial Tradition reminds us that at the deepest levels, all world religions converge on core truths. These truths are not limited to one tradition but are universal and timeless. The Second Vatican Council acknowledged that every major religion contains "a ray of that Truth which enlightens all." Thomas Aquinas emphasized that if something is true, it comes from the Holy Spirit, regardless of its source.

At its core, this Tradition recognizes a divine Reality that underlies all existence. It speaks to a psychology that sees the divine within the human soul and an ethic that seeks to understand the transcendent Ground of all being. This understanding is ancient and universal.

Being part of this Reality is different from merely observing it. When we realize we are part of something greater, it shifts our focus from just having correct ideas to truly living our beliefs. The real spiritual question is whether our lives reflect an encounter with the divine. Authentic spiritual transformation should manifest in qualities like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Historically, many religious traditions focused more on beliefs than on participation. However, genuine spirituality is about engaging in practices and disciplines that transform us. This "participatory turn" encourages us to immerse ourselves in concrete spiritual practices that lead to genuine encounters with the divine.

True spirituality is about living our faith deeply and authentically, engaging in practices that bring us closer to the divine and transform our lives.

• A Summary of the Perennial Tradition:

  • There is a Divine Reality underneath and inherent in the world of things.

  • There is in the human soul a natural capacity, similarity, and longing for this Divine Reality.

  • The final goal of all existence is union with Divine Reality.