Odyssey Ridge Center for Inclusive Sacred Experience

What is “Sacred Experience” … and what do we mean by “Inclusive”? I chose the name of this foundation very carefully. To me, Sacred Experience can be defined in a number of ways. If you’ve ever felt a sense of awe when viewing a sunrise or the starry sky, you’ve had a sacred experience. Those who have felt elation and joy during the singing of a hymn at a Sunday service have also had a sacred experience. So has the Buddhist monk in deep meditation, the Jew at a traditional family Seder, the Hindu making an offering to Ganesh and the Pagan dancing ecstatically around a fire in a magickal circle. All are valid. All are powerful. And all are right for the person having the experience. Many people would agree… with a “to each his own” philosophy where faith is concerned. And most folks who would like to be seen as “politically correct” seem to adhere to a principle of tolerance for the religious beliefs of others. But here’s the more “radical idea” we hold to, at Odyssey Ridge: Choosing to experience the sacred in the practice of a religion or philosophy outside of your own can further validate, empower and enhance your personal connection to the Divine. Diversity is essential in nature to the strength and survival of any ecosystem. Each organism supports the others in some way. So it is true with faith systems. If each of us takes the time to experience that which “others” find sacred, we will find, not only acceptance and tolerance, but respect and admiration. We will discover a one-ness that may have been lacking before. I’m not about making one world religion that encompasses them all. But I am about making one world that not only tolerates, but embraces and celebrates ALL of the many different ways an individual can connect to the Divine. If you’re Jewish, that’s wonderful! Practice your beautiful religion to the best of your abilities. But don’t miss the opportunity to meditate with a Buddhist or dance with a Pagan. You may just find something that brings you even closer to YOUR understanding of God. It is gratifying and comforting to feel that communion with the Divine can be found within your faith system. It’s enlightening to discover that same communion everywhere. That is the definition of transcendence. At Odyssey Ridge, we’d like to help you deepen your own faith system, by experiencing the mysteries of others. That’s what Inclusive Sacred Experience is.

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