Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism Commentary

The following comments were posted as a response to a friend's post discussing Unitarian Universalism and Buddhism entitled: "A Buddhitarian?" I thought that it would be fitting to post my comments here as well, because I've never really taken the time to write this anywhere else before. Read the post on his fantastic blog (linked above) for the background on this discussion.

Here goes:

I am drawn to many aspects of Buddhism and find that the philosophy is generally in line with what I've found to be true about life in my own experience.

I love the fact that people whose personal beliefs lean towards Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Paganism and many other religions can come together in one place, to acknowledge a shared search for individual truth. I almost wish that the UU church didn't have its roots so deeply immersed in Christianity. Then, at least, its origins would be more in line with its current diversity, and its greatest credential, which is that anyone, from virtually any background, with just about any conceivable set of well-guided beliefs, can participate in a truly meaningful way as a member of the church, provided that they are guided by the seven principles of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

Unitarian Universalism works best for me when I think of it as less of a religion, and more of a "Way". A "Way" for like-minded individuals from any religious background, who are able to accept and overcome their differences and work together for the common good of all of humanity.

I haven't found any other avenue that provides as much freedom for diversity and differing views within a framework with as much potential to positively affect the world we live in. At the same time, I do yearn for more spiritual mentorship and guidance, and I may have to go elsewhere to find it.

** Now that I've copied the comment I made, I would change the last paragraph to read:

"I've found no other avenue that provides as much freedom for diversity and mutual discovery within a framework that displays as much potential to positively affect the world as I understand it. At the same time, I do yearn for more spiritual mentorship and guidance, and I may have to go elsewhere to find it."

The great thing about the Unitarian Universalist church is that if I do discover a new spiritual truth that has meaning to me, there will always be people in the congregation who will want to hear about it, and who will rejoice with me that I've learned something that is true for me, regardless of whether or not they would identify the same thing as being true for them.

That there is no great truth may be the greatest truth, greatest fear, and greatest disappointment of them all... but only God knows the answer to that one, and they are the greatest keeper of secrets.