In the Christian Bible, Jesus answers Pilate’s question on if he considers himself a king, saying: “…my Kingdom is not of this world…” It is important to note that Jesus denounces the things of this world throughout his teachings. He admonishes the rich and powerful, while praising the poor. He instructs not to store treasure in the earth where rust or moth will corrupt. He speaks to not judging others, but instead one’s own self. Further, on money he is asked about taxes, to which he teaches again a message of non-attachment, saying: “give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Contrasting this message, we have Barabbas. Barabbas is a character who seeks physical changes in his world–he seeks to overthrow Roman rule and make a destiny for himself and his people through the physical world.

Jesus was not alone on this concept. Almost all spiritual and mystical paths agree that the world “out here” is a reflection of something deeper, “in here.” We know that the world is a product of our view, our karma.

Tonight, I asked my inner Master for guidance on a topic of discourse. I had been in debate with some people online regarding their obsession with politics mixed with faith. This idea of theirs being that the more one loves their country and expresses patriotism, the more holy they become. To me, this is far from spiritual truth.

After asking the Master for advice, I flipped the Sharyiat open at random and landed upon this passage:

He who is fortunate to gain the attitude of true love shall have independence. Man must remain in this world as long as he has a single duty to perform, but he is not to love the world. He must not become so bound up with duties or family or worldly interests that he forgets his most important interests. He must never forget that one day he will leave friends and all possessions, and he never knows what day he shall be called upon to leave them. Not only does he leave his own body. He can take nothing with him except his inner possessions. All material things and people belong to the passing show on earth, for they have only a temporary interest. These material possessions are not his own. They have never been, nor ever will be. They are the property of the Kal Niranjan, the king of the negative worlds, and man’s attachment to them is only temporary. He must never regard them as his own, but as a loan to him from the Kal Niranjan for the day, the moment that he may both serve them and use them. When he comes to this attitude, he has reached the vairag. The Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad, Books One&Two, 3rd Edition (pp. 145-146). ECKANKAR. Kindle Edition.

While I am not Bahai, I do have a copy of their Book of Certitude, which reads similarly on this topic:

No man shall attain the shores of the ocean of true understanding except he be detached from all that is in heaven and on earth. https://bahai.works/Kitáb-i-Íqán/Par_1-50

It is a great error to focus so much on the world, that one loses sight of spiritual love. The world is dividing. It is hateful, wrathful. It is prone ot strokes of ego and power of flesh, but in the end it is like a fading sunset… soon it’s false light is lost to darkness.

I am aware that the Master doesn’t like my arguing with others. “In teh future refrain from this discourse,” he tells me. I will obey as best I can. I know I am drawn into arguments that I feel I can help open the perspective of another. However, the reality is likely less real.

They, like al beings, must work out their truth through their own karmic sseds. I must stop telling people what’s wrong with their faith, their world-view and instead, focus on what is right with mine.