The Paradox Is in Perception
Buddha had a strong desire
to reduce the suffering
he found in the outside world.
      He determined that misery
is caused by men’s desires.
His paradox was his inability
to eliminate desire in others
or his own desire to do so.
      His aspiration became a philosophy
and in many places became a religion.
Buddha, himself, took the next step
into the real solution of misery
which is found in brotherly love.
      However, his followers began to
worship ritual and dogmatism.
I find that i have no desire
to worship the religion
but can easily accept the philosophy.
      To recognize the ego
as part of reality and the universe
does not destroy the self
in an attempt to preserve it.
      If there are gods, they are not
personalized to be worshiped or idolized.
As intangibles they are
naturally indifferent or unbiased
and are representative of the tao.

Walt Abbott–11-1-08