Are politics a spiritual matter?

[Jitendra Hydonus]

It appears we have had some members leave here and attacked this site after leaving. Their contention was that politics were not a spiritual matter. Although politics shouldn’t take the place of spirituality or religion, it is clear that various politicians have been used in history for spiritual purposes. Among these were Gandhi, Arjuna, Lincoln, Mandela, Jesus and Navalny. They have used their office or position for spiritual purposes. There are also many other political leaders who have used their political position and power for very demonic purposes.

[mccoy]

Politics indeed plays a part in the cosmic movie. But as spiritual aspirants, we are not required to take positions or even to listen to politicians. I cannot resist seeing this part of the cosmic movie unfold though, and remain amazed at how much unreasonable ideology is touted around.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Politics indeed plays a part in the cosmic movie. But as spiritual aspirants, we are not required to take positions or even to listen to politicians. I cannot resist seeing this part of the cosmic movie unfold though, and remain amazed at how much unreasonable ideology is touted around.

In response to the above Paramahansa Yogananda did say that ‘it is our responsibility to vote in free elections.’ So I would glean by this statement that he also thought it was our responsibility to know what we are voting for or against. If and when I see the quote I will let you know.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Politics indeed plays a part in the cosmic movie. But as spiritual aspirants, we are not required to take positions or even to listen to politicians. I cannot resist seeing this part of the cosmic movie unfold though, and remain amazed at how much unreasonable ideology is touted around.

Lucca (mccoy) ;

It is of interest to me that you use the word ‘unreasonable’ to describe ideological differences. My concern is really in ‘truth’. I see the differences in people - not a ideology so much - which makes a difference in character of statesmen. In this way I see our mental attitude differs. Yours appears to be more focused on practicality; that is what works most smoothly, and mine on facts verses fiction; who is truthful? Our paradigmatic approach often intrigues me. As it gives me a better understanding of the fundamental differences people have in relationships as well.

To me a person can be left wing and honest or dishonest or conversely a person can be right wing and honest or dishonest….. With varying degrees of fabrication and integrity.

[mccoy]

To me a person can be left wing and honest or dishonest or conversely a person can be right wing and honest or dishonest….. With varying degrees of fabrication and integrity.

I agree with the above, although I can mention ideologies which have no logic, or are are just about fallacies from both sides.

Fuhrer Trump's ideology: There is no global warming, it's all made up.

The Woke ideology (supported by many showbiz people and entrepreneurs): there is no biological gender in nature, you are encouraged to change according to your whims.

[weboflife]

After a lifetime of being more left wing than right I now am settled with the need for different approaches. The left wing government in my state in Australia has accrued more debt than all the other states put together. Sure the infrastructure was needed but the debt is almost insurmountable. The conservatives will get in next election, cut the public services by a long way and eventually, probably when debt is a lot more manageable, the other side will be brought back to help with progressing the state again.

A single question can have many answers...so the need for different approaches in politics, religion, probably everything...

[Jitendra Hydonus]

After a lifetime of being more left wing than right I now am settled with the need for different approaches. The left wing government in my state in Australia has accrued more debt than all the other states put together. Sure the infrastructure was needed but the debt is almost insurmountable. The conservatives will get in next election, cut the public services by a long way and eventually, probably when debt is a lot more manageable, the other side will be brought back to help with progressing the state again.

A single question can have many answers...so the need for different approaches in politics, religion, probably everything...

It’s quite different in our country. The right wing political party under Reagan and Trump produced the largest debt. With Reagan he over tripled the debt and Trump (though he promised to bring down the debt)  both gave the rich the largest tax brakes in history. And as a result both right ring presidents incurred most of the largest debts of any presidents.  In fact a more left wing government during Clinton produced years of surplus government budgets. And Clinton explained it in the short video below with one word; arithmetic.

https://www.propublica.org/article/national-debt-trump

https://youtu.be/AX3a-2yrQwY?si=1B9mGvqkIpG_68R3

[weboflife]

Okay, then, it seems as though one side is all good, the other all bad even though that idea seems redundant in its application to unenlightened humanity. You live in a democracy so you'll get the government you need or deserve, maybe both? In fact isn't that true for every facet of our lives?

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Okay, then, it seems as though one side is all good, the other all bad even though that idea seems redundant in its application to unenlightened humanity. You live in a democracy so you'll get the government you need or deserve, maybe both? In fact isn't that true for every facet of our lives?

I wouldn’t go that far. I find some right wing politicians have some high ethical standards. Much higher than some left wing ones. The main difference is they mostly seem to think that they as individuals can do a better job than the government. However it’s gotten way out of hand, with a handful of them having more wealth than 50% of the population. I’m seeing Amma right now. She has given some 1.8 billion dollars in aid to the homeless, indigent and disaster relief since 1985 (to only name a few of her accomplishments) . She is a model of how the individual is more venerable than governments. Although she is a Master. She has also made comments about how wealth can lead to great selfishness and spiritual impoverishment. I think there is a lot to be said about the spiritual principle that to those who have much is required.

There are those among us who have little economically yet we find ourselves blessed in the presence of spiritual affluence. Some of us may not find our desires as important as the needs that we have been provided with to transform ourselves.

https://us.amma.org/global-charities/community-outreach