I have some questions???

I based my belief on the reality I saw around me (or at least on the news): war, violence, and death was everywhere. In the face of such suffering, I couldn’t understand why anything “mattered.” The only logical explanation was that the universe had no purpose. If I did the exercise again in 5 years, 10 years, 25 years… who knows the insight these polaroids will provide? I quickly realized this mentality was a deep, dark hole, and decided to continue exploring other beliefs on the nature of existence. Now, looking back 3 years later, I realize it would have been interesting to chronicle my worldview at that time. Like a spiritual diary, I would have been able to study where I came from, and better understand my personal evolution. Recently, I came across 20 questions that eloquently serve this purpose. Featured in the 2005 documentary film One, these questions were posed to various spiritual leaders of today: from Deepak Chopra, to Ram Dass, to the Dalai Lama. I realized answering these questions myself would provide a snapshot of my beliefs today. And if I did the exercise again in 5 years, 10 years, 25 years… who knows the insight these polaroids will provide?

1. Why is there poverty and suffering in the world?
2. What is the relationship between science and religion?
3. Why are so many people depressed?
4. What are we all so afraid of?
5. When is war justifiable?
6. How would God want us to respond to aggression and terrorism?
7. How does one obtain true peace?
8. What does it mean to live in the present moment?
9. What is our greatest distraction?
10. Is current religion serving its purpose?
11. What happens to you after you die?
12. Describe heaven and how to get there.
13. What is the meaning of life?
14. Describe God.
15. What is the greatest quality humans possess?
16. What is it that prevents people from living to their full potential?
17. Noverbally, by motion or gesture only, act out what you believe to be the current condition of the world.
18. What is your one wish for the world?
19. What is wisdom and how do we gain it?
20. Are we all one?

This is an interesting set of questions Eddie, thank you for obtaining them. We may use them in fact. I agree, it is nice to have a log or snapshot, so to speak, of your spiritual beliefs.

This is why we so strongly encourage spiritual journaling at least once a week. Eddie, you could even use these questions to help you start journal entries. For example pick a question or two and focus your journal entry on answering the question and explaining your answer.

I think I will share this list with everyone to help them have ideas for journal entries.