Compassion and Wisdom from Other Traditions

I am impressed by the compassion and wisdom of other traditions. Different beliefs and practices can be insightful and enriching.

Since I published The Way, I have talked to a lot of people about their spiritual journeys. This is really a privilege for me, I learn something from everyone, and I respect each person’s journey.  Also, I have had some very powerful experiences in several different spiritual traditions.  I wrote about my experiences in a Hindu fire ceremony here and in a Native American sweat lodge here.

Last week, I guested on a podcast where I discussed a recent conversation with a pagan friend.  I attended Catholic school for a few years, and I recall collecting money for “pagan babies.” There were rumors that if we collected enough money, we could actually name the babies. Eww.

Anyway, my friend was telling me about divinity, festivals, nature and seasons. I was listening to her, but it was not clear to me. So, I asked, as respectfully as I could, “I hear what you’re saying, and I respect it, but I’m not understanding how paganism impacts your experience. What is it like to practice paganism in your everyday life? How does it help you and others?”

I asked respectfully, because, as a non-religious person, I often get some innocent-sounding questions that camouflage malicious intentions.  I was NOT setting her up for an argument or a sucker punch. Fortunately, she answered my honest question with an equally honest answer.

“I Was Glad that I Could Accompany My Brother”

“My brother died of a terminal illness,” she said. “His Christian friends said things like, ‘God has a plan. God’s ways are NOT man’s ways. Your suffering is NOT nearly as bad as Jesus’ suffering. Your suffering on earth will be rewarded by joy in heaven. Jesus suffers with you. Maybe you did something wrong. Perhaps there is purpose to your suffering. Possibly God will cure you, if you pray.’

“My brother thought that it was all a load of crap. It didn’t help him at all,” she said. “So, I talked to him about the seasons of life and nature.  I talked about the cycles of life and death. And, I talked about the inevitably of death. Finally, I talked about the natural process of new life, which arises from old life, as our bodies are returned to the air or the soil. It really helped him.

“I’m glad that I could accompany my brother in the final difficult challenge of his life. I’m glad that he felt some closure and comfort.”

I was humbled that my ignorant question prompted such a profound response. The room felt like a sacred space that I shared with her. Now,  I truly appreciate pagan spirituality. I love that my friend was able to comfort her brother when he needed it.

I know that others feel comfort in the sentiments that her brother rejected. Also, I know that my friend’s sentiments might not help others. There is no one-size-fits-all response. Still, I am impressed by the compassion and wisdom of paganism and other traditions.

What Would You Say?

To me, my friend’s response was honest, as well as compassionate and wise. Some of us can relate to cycles, natural processes and seasons, which are facts. Some of us can relate to personal gods and life after death, which are beliefs.

What have you said (or what would you say) to comfort a dying friend or relative? Would your response help to alleviate their suffering? When their spirituality is different than yours, would your response make them feel more or less comfortable?

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