Interspirituality is a term coined by the late Brother Wayne Teasdale as he sought to create a "Civilization with Heart". Recognizing that that which seeks to be healling and inclusive ~ religious faith traditions ~ can sometimes be exclusive and divisive, he sought to find common ground.
Interspirituality is not about diminishing, superseding or eliminating any faith tradtition, says Teasdale. "Nor is it an attempt to create a new form of spiritual culture." Instead, it seeks to appreciate and honor the diversity. "The real religion of humankind can be said to be spirituality itself, because mystical spirituality is the origin of all the world religions. Inter means an openness to learn from others, and the wisdom of their traditions... it is the conscious assimilation of whatever is valuable to aid one's own journey. Inter conveys a sense of responsibility to humankind as a whole, and to all living beings to contriubute to a larger understanding of spirituality in our time and in times to come"
Many contemporary spiritual leaders embrace this very concept - such as Father Thomas Keating, the Dalai Lama, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Rabi Rami Shapiro, the Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault, Shaikh Kabir and Camille Helminski - among many, many others. In this time of great challenge, this unifying message offers an opportunity for much healing.
"The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all of its powers, and they reallize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit and that this center is really everywhere, and it is within each of us."
Black Elk
Copyright 2010