Skilfull application

We live in a world where the word 'Religion' has become shrouded with negative connotations, misunderstanding and corruption. As a result, the true essence of the original spiritual teachings have become lost and distorted.

What ever your cultural background or beliefs , I truly believe that the world's many religions have different, but equally pertinent lessons to offer those who decide to develop and follow their own path.

In my writing I will often refer to what I regard to as the essential teachings and I only ask you to respond with both critical instinct and intellect. The truth will always resonate in a way specific to you.

Today I want to define skill and how it relates to both Buddhism, Taoism and traditional Christian morality.

In Christian influenced Western thought, one of the biggest obstacles to spiritual evolution is the illusion that matter and actions are inherently good or bad. This generates a huge amount of guilt within the individual, stunting development and as a result serves to maintain the dogmatic authority of the religion.

The Buddhist would say the following.

Moral suggests that an action is good or bad.

Good and bad don't exist.

This is an illusion.

Actions are either skillful or not skillful.

So what is skill?

The Taoists would reply:

Everything in the physical world tries to maintain a balance in energy. This is represented in the duality of the famous Yin/Yang symbol. In chemistry, Chatlier Principle of entropy and in biology, the osmosis of water through a cell membrane, both illustrate nature's tendency to maintain the middle position.

The most skillful action is reflected by the most efficient use of universal energy.

An unskillful action is not a sin; it just lacks the subtle insight and mastery of universal energy.

As consciousness increases the individual becomes more sensitive to the energy of the whole opposed that of the self alone.

Points to consider:

• How would you define one who was skilled? Think about how the best sportsman make it look effortless. Players who have an abundance of talent often lack effort, whereas those that are less gifted compensate through their determination.
  

• Imagine trying to balance a pen on your finger. Consider that, the skill in doing so has no moral aspect to it.
  

• There is nothing morally wrong about eating McDonalds every day.

• What purpose do right and left-wing politics serve? To what extent do they regulate a fixed continuum of reality and maintain the status quo?
  

• Consider the moral implications of the current situation between the 'West' and Islam? To what extent does moral subjectivity lead to conflict?