Comments on: Spirituality and men

By: Catalyst Yogi

Catalyst Yogi — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:49:24 +0000

Sat Nam, (reverent greetings)

I am a Kundalini Yoga and Meditation teacher and I am noticing more and more men (20's and 30's) coming to classes in pursuit of their spirit.

There are more blocks to spirituality for men – because men are much more identified with their egos than women. The ego and mind are the only things keeping you away from your True Identity – you are a Spitual Being having human experiences in ths lifetime.

You can't read about spirituality – it involves the mind – you can never understand this realm with the mind – it is a tool that is very limited. Find a Teacher – someone further up the path than you – that is the best way to connect to your spiritual self. Spirituality is contagious – by being in a Teacher's presence – your spirit will be lit. This is the best first step ! Have the experience of the spiritual – no one can take that away from you.

Peace and Love to All,

Catalyst Yogi
http://budurl.com/2jjr

By: Drenryned

Drenryned — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 14:40:11 +0000

What’s up harry, I’m authentic here and fair wanted to state hey. i take to Spirituality timber and People that Learn it
require a charming day

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http://www.kabbalah-hasulam.co.il/

By: Paul Persofsky

Paul Persofsky — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:44:16 +0000

As well as mindfulness meditation, I have been and continue to be influenced by contemplative movement practices. This is about being in the body and letting the body express itself in movement, stillness, sound and silence. It's a very healing practice (getting in touch with my stuck points as well as expressing strength and joy) and it's spiritual to me because it opens me to a bigger, deeper view of myself and the possibilities and mysteries of life.

By: William Harryman

William Harryman — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 21:07:58 +0000

Nice article Jayson.

I was raised Catholic. When I left the Church as a 13-yr-old, I eventually spent years searching for something to replace it. In my 20's I came to Buddhism and then, later, an integral spirituality informed by Buddhism.

In the men that I have worked with, spirituality has been a crucial piece to the puzzle of embodying a mature masculinity. It doesn't seem to matter too much what tradition one chooses, only that we connect with the source of Spirit within us. Some people connect that with God, others do not and choose a more psychological spirituality. Doesn't really matter.

As you mention, many men come to spirituality as a result of a crisis – mine was hitting bottom as an addict. In the aftermath, I spent a great deal of time alone, reading, studying, looking for what was good within me. Three years later I had began down a path toward embracing spirituality.

It should not take a crisis to do this. In fact, embracing a spiritual path can allow us to navigate life's challenges without them becoming a crisis. And certainly, embracing spirituality can make us more compassionate, more loving, more mature men.

By: Men's Spirituality | Radical Personal Development for Smart, Evolving Men

Men's Spirituality | Radical Personal Development for Smart, Evolving Men — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:36:14 +0000

[...] I spent years searching, wondering, spending time alone, and reading books—seeking something I could not name. Since religion didn’t have the answers I was searching for, I continued my quest. Because I was so depressed and locked up in my life, I finally…read the rest here. [...]

By: JayGaddis

JayGaddis — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:25:25 +0000

I was involved in Tibetan Buddhism here in the states. I received my grad degree from Naropa, a Buddhist institution. It has been much debate whether Buddhism is a philosophy or a religion. Either way, it's the practice that counts.

By: Mike Hanna

Mike Hanna — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:31:05 +0000

You mentioned Bhuddism,Was there paticular type you we're involved in?
I research theology.as far as NSA Bhuddist Nicheren ShoShu they consider it a philosophy not a religion.I know Quite a few NSA members striving for enlightment.I Don't believe I have met one
Who has reached it yet.Although they believe Nicheren Daishonen atained it.Along time ago.
I must say Chanting is relaxing…They say it is a way to expiate bad Karma.
"As a solid rock is not shaken by a strong gale,So wise persons remain unaffected by praise or
censure"-Buddha. Sounds familliar to Jesus's parable of men building there houses.

By: JayGaddis

JayGaddis — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:46:29 +0000

Pete, I'm curious what is disappointing for you? Say more.

By: Slawek

Slawek — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:42:59 +0000

I have always loved discussions on religion and spirituality and maybe it 's because as a young man I was raised Catholic and went through the Catholic school system. I would think religions at their origins were based heavily in spiritualism and then the issue of power and control came into play. Guilt and fear are strong and effective tactics to maintain control.
If a person can find spirituality through their religion then who is anyone to argue or dispute them because isn't spirituality very personal in it's true essence?
Jay, the three points you outlined on how men come to find their spirituality was exactly how I came to find mine(all three). Today my spirituality keeps me in touch with all that surrounds me; the physical and non-physical.
I agree with Aaron in that we do need to read any men's material we are able to access and in my experience there are very few books out there that are total crap. I don't have to agree with the author or material to get something useful out of it. Through many attempts and many discoveries of finding out what I didn't like and what wasn't for me , I was able to find out I was and what did fit for me.
Good stuff!

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:37:31 +0000

I disagree with you Pete. Men need all the access to ANY men's material they can get their hands on. Some will speak to them, others will not. My opinions about WOTSM and WAH are irrellevent to the fact that many me3n will need those books to get from wherever they are, to the life they know they deserve. Are they the best? Maybe, maybe not…but somewhere they need to be offered the opportunity. Here is a great place to start…even if you stumble across this page.