BUT WHO WILL TEACH US?

If we give up our religious institutions because they are corrupt and their teachings are irrational and illogical (and cruel), what DO we do?

The world has been blessed by many great teachers over the centuries, and as a rule they've all carried the same message. Find and study the philosophies of worthy teachers if you require guidance. Here are a small sample to choose from:

Adhere to one principle — that of Truth, Simplicity, and Love. Live in truth, simplicity, and love and practice selfless service to humanity.
- Haidakhan Babaji, yogi, born twentieth century CE (Hindu)

The main principle of Love is compassion for all living beings. Help ever, hurt never. Love all, serve all.
- Sathya Sai Baba (Sathya Narayana Raju), yogi, teacher, born 1926 CE (Hindu)

He who does not injure people… — such one is dear to Me. Compassion for living beings, the one of Divine nature possesses this quality.
- Krishna, prince, born 3228 BCE (founder of Hinduism)

You are the teacher you have been waiting for. Every being is a jar full of delight.
- Rumi (Mawlānā Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Balkhī aka Jalāl ad-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī), poet, mystic, born 1207 CE (Sunni Muslim)

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
- Jesus of Nazareth (Yeshua), carpenter, reformer, born 7 CE (Jew)(founder of Christianity)

Do not consider any act of kindness insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.
- Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullāh, shepherd, reformer, born 570 CE (founder of Islam)

The way of heaven is to help and not harm.
- LAO TSE (Laozi), Keeper of Archives, hermit, born 570 BCE (founder of Taoism)

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.
- Confucius (Kong Qiu) Philosopher, reformer, born 551 BCE (founder of Confucianism)

We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
- Martin Luther King, Jr., minister and reformer, born 1929 CE (Baptist)

Goodwill toward all beings is the true religion! Cherish in your hearts boundless goodwill toward all that lives!
- Buddha (Siddhārtha Gautama), prince, reformer, born 420-563 BCE (founder of Buddhism)

You naturally love those who are dear to you, and you must learn to give that kind of love to the whole world.
- Paramahansa Yogananda, swami, yogi, born 1893 AD (Bengali kshatriya)

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.
- Dalai Lama (Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso born Lhamo Döndrub), religious leader statesman, born 1935 CE (Tibetan Buddhist)

NEXT TIME: How do we do that?