Sharing Some Thoughts on Spirituality from John Kehoe's Book 'Vision of Power and Glory'

Article Title: Sharing Some Thoughts on Spirituality from John Kehoe's Book 'Vision of Power and Glory'
Submitted by Craig Lock
Category (key words): Spirituality, John Kehoe, Books, Spiritual Thoughts, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Books
Web Sites: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books + www.lulu.com/craiglock
The submitter's blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22 and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

Other Articles by Craig are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, 'spiritual writings' (how 'airey-fairey'), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:
This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."
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Sharing Some Thoughts on Spirituality from John Kehoe's Book 'Vision of Power and Glory'

Submitter's Note:
In my research on the link between the human mind and spirituality this piece was sourced from a most interesting book by John Kehoe. Whilst the submitter may not necessarily agree with all the author's beliefs and writings, I am sharing what I consider the main points from this work in the spirit of stimulating discussion and questioning, as well as encouraging people to read this book and hope it may be helpful in finding their own spiritual path.
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What is RELIGION?:

In his book VISION OF POWER AND GLORY, John Kehoe examines the difference between spirituality and religion: Like him, I believe that you do not have to have any one particular belief to nurture yourself spiritually. It is not adopting a religion which is of critical importance; but rather by undergoing a spiritual awakening, which gives us comfort to get through the trials and tribulations of life. Why is that? Because all that religion is, is a set of beliefs. You adopt a set of principles or body of knowledge, eg.
Christian, Jewish, Malay, Indian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. Anything at all...and hasn't religion and other rigid dogmas caused so many wars over the years - from the beginning of man.

However, everyone is convinced there is the one true way (to truth and enlightenment) - that theirs is the only religion to hold. And this often causes strife in family's and countries. But is there only one true religion which is correct? There is no one true way, I believe. There are as many ways as there are people to find God, the spirit of the Universe itself...and all that is good in life.

I believe that all religions can comfort and nourish the soul - as long as you are a true believer in the ALMIGHTY, a Power Greater than Oneself...and have FAITH in his will (or God's plan for you or whatever you may wish to call Infinite Spirit). So religion in itself can be a very good thing.
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SPIRITUALITY:

What is spirituality?

Spirituality goes much deeper than religion. At least I believe so. It is the innermost sense of you. Spirituality is far more than what is in your heart - it is all of you: your heart, your soul and your entire BEING (including your spirit).

What is the Spirit?: Awaken to the spirit deep within you. The universe is pouring out to us all the time. Follow the spirit that leads to your heart. It's a matter of our EVOLUTION as human beings. It belongs to every single human being - this feeling of belonging to the human race. The feeling of spirituality is pouring out to us and beckoning us to make the most of our lives through the power of the Alimghty. "Reborn Christians" often say they have this feeling. I truly believe there is more to life than myself. It is your own thoughts and beliefs which are all-important; but they are guided by ourselves and by the "Person/Higher Power" way up above us. I believe God, as the Ultimate Source gives us hints through thoughts entering our subconscious mind about what path to take, following our dreams (perhaps dreams far bigger than we could conceive on our own). Or people we meet along our path who can help us...and we in turn help them. I truly believe God, our Creator or whatever you may wish to call Infinite Spirit gives us the power of choice and to find a purpose for our lives.

And one day we will be able to see the fruits of our labours and our BELIEFS for ourselves. This is what keeps me going on my long and ardous quest as a writer.
Just like Odysseus from Greek mythology.

Reap, sow, then wait for the bumper harvest. It is sure to come. You too can plant that first seed to inner peace and serenity, joy, fullness, compassion for others, and especially love. Then see the fruits of the germination of your spirit, just like the rose bud blooms in spring.

With true spirituality your life will be filled with tranquility and happiness. Spirituality is taught to us as a duty and obligation (we have to go to church and pray, otherwise 'the devil' will wreak havoc upon our lives); but it is a path that brings us great joy and enlightenment (or as John Kehoe calls it "enlightened self interest"), if we simply relax and TRUST the process and enjoy the journey. I believe this new feeling of serenity and calm acceptance can make us all become better sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, wives/husbands, parents - but more importantly, better human beings (even a more astute businessman, who makes a lot of money- if that is what you really want). Because with true spirituality every aspect of your being becomes enhanced. This feeling of spirituality is experienced deep within yourself. In your heart, but more in your soul, you feel a closeness to nature and to your CREATOR. It's as if you are having a personal chat with Him. Then you will see the flowering of the bud ...in time... in the spring-time.
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A few short definitions to summarise and end off this section...

Religion is "living in order to die" - that is, preparing on earth for the next life. Spirituality is "living in order to live life to the fullest". It's a feeling of being at peace with oneself, a calm acceptance of oneself and our circumstances.

I believe those two definitions encompass the true differences between religion and spirituality.

“Peace. it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. it means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
- author unknown

Remember to always strive for balance in your life: between your material wants and your desire for spirituality.

Getting a bit "heavy" in this section, Mr Philosopher. And a tiny bit of humor to end off this very serious subject that we have been looking at...

"Religion is for those who fear going to hell; whilst spirituality is for those who've already been there."
- anon

"There are those who spend all their time working, those who spend all their time dreaming, and those who dream for an hour a day before going to work to fulfill their dream. In the third category there's virtually no competition, so that's the way to go."

"People fight and die for religion but they seldom live for religion."
- former Indian Prime Minister, Jahrulal Nehru

"Only when one has been in the deepest valley, can a person know what it's like to stand on the highest peak."
- Richard Nixon
I love that one spoken 'from the heart' by "tricky Dickie"!

"When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world.
I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation.
When I found I couldn't change the nation, I began to focus on my town.
I couldn't change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family.
Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself,
and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself,
I could have made an impact on my family.
My family and I could have made an impact on our town.
Their impact could have changed the nation and
I could indeed have changed the world."
- Author Unknown

Submitted by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Writer for Self Empowerment, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

"There is neither east nor west, tribe nor ethnicity, male or female, Muslim,
Hindu, Buddhist. Christian nor Jew. There is only a God-filled humanity."

“Let each one of us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Let us look at distant horizons together in a spirit of acceptance, helpfulness, co-operation and peace. Let our leaders look at the future with a vision – to see things not as they are, but what they could one day become.”

Let us build bridges rather than barriers, openness rather than walls. Rather than borders, let us look at distant horizons together...in the common spirit of the value and dignity of a shared personhood - our common humanity as citizens of planet earth."

- craig

“Religion divides; whereas truth unites.”

"God's greatest gift to us is allowing us to find, then choose to follow our own truths."

Walk your OWN path to Highest Truth and be happy

"Happiness deep down within
Serenity with each sunshine
Success in every facet of your life
Family beside you, friends close and caring
Health inside you
Love that never ends
Special memories of all the yesterdays
A bright today with much to be thankful for
A path that leads to tomorrow
Dreams to come true
Appreciation of the wonderful things in life
A quiet wish, a gentle wish, for peace and happiness."

- beautiful words from my friend, Helen Hansard, Gisborne, New Zealand

These powerful, deep and moving words from Neale Donald Walsh have great significance to me in my journey...and this is my reason for sharing...

"The moment of your greatest darkness may yet become your grandest gift. As you
are gifted, so too will you gift others, giving to them the highest treasure: to
BE THEMSELVES. Let this be your task, let this be your greatest joy: to give
back to themselves...even in their darkest hour."
- adapted (slightly) from Neale Donald Walsch ('Conversations with God 3')

and to end off (at last!) thanks so much for sharing these beautiful and
inspiring words, Larry...

"I wish you well on a rainy day
I wish you rainbows to brighten your day
To feel your quiet moments with a special kind of warmth
to remind you that happiness can happen
when you least expect it.

I wish you rainbows to make you laugh and smile
to show you the simple beauty of life
and to give you the magic of dreams come true.

I wish you rainbows
I wish you well."

- Larry S. Chenges

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Don't worry about the world ending today...
as it's already tomorrow in little scenic and tranquil New Zealand