If you had x-ray vision and could see inside yourself, what would you see beyond the human you? Do you believe there is anything beyond the physical YOU? Is there a YOU that transcends your physical existence? The answer to these questions requires a journey inward.

“The longest journey is the journey inwards. Of him who has chosen his destiny, who has started upon his quest for the source of his being.”

~ Dag Hammarskjold

Many of the wisdom traditions speak of the path, the journey beyond the bounds of religion, but a word of caution:

“When you think yours is the only true path you forever chain yourself to judging others and narrow the vision of God. The road to righteousness and arrogance is a parallel road that can intersect each other several times throughout a person’s life. It’s often hard to recognize one road from another. What makes them different is the road to righteousness is paved with the love of humanity. The road to arrogance is paved with the love of self.” ~ Shannon Alder

What role does religion play on your journey? In a recent interview, Dr. Reza Asian, author and religious scholar said, “All religions are essentially saying the same thing. They’re answering the same questions. Often they’re coming up with almost the exact same answers. They’re just using a different language. Different metaphors. Different symbols. Different path, same destination. Religion is part of our identity. Religious teachings serve as guideposts but one must break the bounds of religion to truly experience the presence of God. ”

“As with all journeys, the Way has an end, though it should not be imagined as a straight road leading to a fixed destination but rather as a majestic mountain whose peak conceals the presence of God. There are, of course, many paths to the summit-some better than others. But because every path eventually leads to the same destination, which path one takes is irrelevant.”  ~ Reza Asian, No God but God

You don’t need X-ray vision to start your journey…just take the first step.

~ Namaste