(February 15, 2025 at 12:35 pm)Leonardo17 Wrote: Leonardo17- Agreed: I also have to add that actually I don’t know that much. All that I am saying is that all spiritual people need to demonstrate at least some of the dynamics that I have been trying to describe here. It does not matter if they are old school or new school or that they belong to this religious denomination or that religious denomination. One thing that turns me immediately away from anyone in an instant if it’s not present for instance is if they are not humble.
You got me thinking that I don't really have clear idea of what it would mean to be on a "spiritual path." Or what the term means exactly. And I've certainly never thought of myself as being on such a path.
I think you make good suggestions here. Humility, and self-awareness are surely important.
Probably a person who takes spirituality seriously would put such self-development front and center. Like they would keep constantly in mind their efforts to be more moral, more aware of other people and animals around them, less selfish. This would include a renunciation of violence, including emotional violence done by attacking others. (I'm thinking of the Jain ahimsa here.)
So I guess this could be done through a tradition, since this would give a person ready-made tools. Various age-old practices can help do these things. Doing it on your own is probably more risky, like representing yourself in court.
Dante emphasizes that the first step toward purgation of sins is accurate self-knowledge, so this would surely be part of it. Self-deception is easy. There's a serious danger that a person could become proud of one's spirituality in a way that negates the good effects. Or, as I said earlier, a person might use the new terms as a way to reinforce existing prejudices.
Still, I would respect anyone making a serious effort to be more thoughtful of others, more peaceful, more grateful and appreciative. Those are difficult things.
