I've always been an observer. Something in my nature I suppose. Observation has proven itself to be my preferred method of learning. About anything. Be it a new job, a set task, or social behavioural patterns, all were learnt by watching and learning as much as possible on site, prior to jumping in at the deep end. And some of those ends have proved to be extremely deep. A good belief in one's ability to achieve a set task is required, almost to the point of bluffing one's self fearlessly into it, even if a total novice. No manual required. I've always tended to be a ‘deep end' person, despite nearly drowning at age 6 after misinterpreting instructions and launching my newly bathered nubile body straight at the deep end of an unfamiliar pool, where-upon I proceeded in a valiant attempt at lowering the water level by taking huge lung fulls at a time into my small uneducated body. I survived with the thankful assistance of a concerned mother and other nearby pool patrons. Obviously my observation could have been better that day. Look before you leap etc. Problem was that although I had been given instructions, I may have been so excited at the prospect of my very first swimming pool experience that I listened poorly. First lesson in becoming a sage….. Listen.

Perhaps a lack of strong, direct role models in my remote rural upbringing is a contributing factor, or maybe quiet observation is a beneficial legacy of formative years spent surrounded by the stillness of nature, the honesty of animals and the roaring silence of the desert. So what was I observing all this time? It began with small things. Plants. Birds. Animals. Humans took much longer. They seemed somehow less trustworthy than my animal friends. With good reason. Animals are, by and large, honourable beings. The human will have trouble laying claim to honour with any consistency. We have sadly proven otherwise far too often. Such is my observation.

It may be that I have wafted through this entire existence ‘observing' the situations in which I found myself, rather than participating fully in them. A sense of detachment is, according to the Buddhist tradition, a desirable attribute or ability to cultivate. I seem to have been born with an abundance of it. However, not engaging fully may well prove to be my Achilles heel. Mind you, some situations don't deserve one's full participation or attention and are certainly not worthy of the worry people often assign them.

To be fully detached, a sense of acceptance is needed. What is required is a desire to allow the natural flow of things, rather than the need to control, or manipulate. Observation with acceptance can be liberating, providing one can maintain equanimity. At this point some may say “Well nothing will get done if we are all so busy accepting.” Nonsense. What needs to be done will be done. Some things currently on display in the world may have been better left undone. However, I have realised that action is vital to achievement. All the spirituality in the world will do no good if it is not acted upon. Moses came down from the mountain. The Buddha emerged from under the Bhoddi tree to share his knowledge and revelations with all. So too, Jesus Christ. Mohammad. There were and are others. The list grows.

As to the followers who have acted so righteously in the name of these great teachers, I say “shame!” You have not listened. You have not learnt. You have beaten your rusty argument on an anvil of half truths designed to further your own ends. You have encouraged division and separateness rather than the acceptance, tolerance and compassion taught by every one of the afore mentioned prophets. We have all missed the message.

There is only one God!

It does not matter what label you may care to assign this entity. What language. What name. All are but aspects of the one thing which extends far beyond the reach of any religion or cult. Do you honestly think that our petty human need to have the best, most righteous God can yield domination over all others? Can this lie be a quest we are still called to join? I think not. Something far greater is in play.

God, regardless what you may call him / her / it, belongs to all. Is no different to all. Is not separate from all. Is part of everything.

Hasn't science finally conceded? As above, so below. As far out into space as they explore with their telescopes they find only more of the same. Infinity. As deep as they explore with their microscopes into what was once considered solid, they find exactly the same thing. Infinite, moving particles of energy. Even death does not change this cosmic law. As above, so below.

I have observed death from an early age. Such is the way when living on a farm. Perhaps easier here than the Gaza Strip or Rwanda where life is cheap and death, everywhere.

Most children in western society are removed from the realities of death. Shielded by cultural convention and concerned parents, until television provides a sanitised Hollywood version, far removed from reality. Apart from this, the family pet's death, or an elder relative leaving is the only contact with this inevitable and unavoidable conclusion which each of us must eventually face. Some societies prize and celebrate the transition. It is taught from a young age. Witnessed with acceptance and joy, rather than fear. Sadly, our society favours the ‘under the carpet' approach. Avoidance and denial. It can't happen to me, surely.

Life after death. Life before birth. Energy. Matter. Changing form.

I have no problem with any of it. All is possible and only blinkered religious dogma would have you believe otherwise. They will insist that their way is the only way. There can be only one way and it's ours. Sign here etc. What a load of protectionist controlling garbage. Say you are going on a trip. Sydney is your goal. Can there really be only one way? Ludicrous. One could walk, fly, drive, train, pushbike, swim even. One could travel by the inland route, the coast road, or one could proceed all the way around the world and approach the destination from the other side. There are many ways. The destination remains the same. Experience is the best teacher, but the school fees are often heavy. Luck favours the prepared. Listen. Observe. Be open.

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