Ritual

Rituals are seemingly a needed part of human life. They are symbolic reenactments, a way of seeing the unseen and thinking about that which is beyond thought. They may be reenactments of historical events, or a way to tell myths so that we each feel a [art of that myth. They are not literally true, but they are vital, at least for a while.

As one's knowledge grows, the rituals lose some of their potency, bit they are still lovely and very moving. I know that Jesus was not born on December 25, but I love Christmas. Thanksgiving, is only a reminder of old family gatherings, but it still matters to me.

Humans raised with no ritual, create their won. Certainly, a simple little thought or deed , something personal and pleasant, is a wonderful thing. But, there exist people who do not function the way most do. Why? Well that is beyond the scope of this blog, but their little rituals often grow weird, obscene, and sometimes deadly.

Watch out fir signs of repeated unpleasant behavior in those around you, If it seems to be repetitive, with great attention to meaningless detail. Be careful. That individual may be, or may become, spiritually, or even physically dangerous.

But most often, the rituals we all go through, but, the little daily ones and the big awesome ones are a necessary part of our lives. Enjoy them.

Making Religious Rituals Relevant

Many people find meaning in the rituals of their religion.  Many others simply enjoy the spectacle. That's fine, but, more and more these various rituals have lost meaning and are little more than routines. Their real significance has been lost.

Rituals are supposed to alter consciousness, to throw the individual into a sacred state of mind. When they become rote repetitions, they are meaningless and should be abandoned and replaced.

Replaced with what? Simple. Anything that puts takes the individual out of their normal mind set and places them in contact with the sacred, the feeling of awe and wonder and/or the feeling of deep unity. Family meals and holiday traditions are examples. Barbeques and picnics with neighbors and friends can be affective,

Spending time in Natural settings is effective, as is visiting museums and attending concerts (well, some concerts. I'm not sure Katy Perry or Snoop Dogg will do the trick). Sorts can work. This years Olympics, which, in the face of terrorist threats, are a prime example. The Games are going well as athletes and spectators, both attending and at home, have been captivated by the games. To pull off the Games and to not give into threats is a powerful statement about the possibility of union and cooperation among human beings. If things continue to go well in Rio, people may look back on this as a significant event and use the Olympic Games as a new sort of scared event, which is kind of how they started back in Greece so long ago,.

My point? Almost anything, viewed the right way, can have a spiritual effect. When repeated, that effect can deepen. Rituals do not have to be bound up in churches and temples. They can be made up and implemented anywhere as long as they have significance to those participating.