How do you study?

[Amanaki]

When you study the spiritual path or religion you follow, how do you go forth studying it?

Do you ask your self question like, How can it be like this, What do they mean by this, can it be a different answer to this text?

And when a person who studied longer then you tell their view of a topic, do you listen to them and again ask you self if he/she can have understood it better then you self?


In my personal journey as a Buddhist i tend to ask a million question to my self to really understan what sakyamuni meant whit his teaching,

[linen53]

I have read a lot of spiritual books. When I read the review on a book if it sounds interesting I get it. If it doesn't I don't. In reading a book I don't take everything that I read as the truth. I weigh it with my heart and only the things that makes sense to me get put in my collection of truths (my truths). The rest are put on a "shelf" in my head for further study. They will always be on that "shelf" but not in my collection.

But further down the road, I might get some more information regarding those things on the "shelf" that brings new light to the subject. Then I take said item from the "shelf" examine it and decide if it is worthy to be added to my collection of truths or not.

I don't take anyone's truths as my own unless it resonates with me. I understand we all are on a spiritual path and there are countless paths all leading to the same Source.

In further explanation, I celebrate differences. And I don't congregate with people who think exactly like me.

There are times when things are best practiced (which doesn't mean they're always available: work, social engagement and things). like: meditation/contemplation/trance, evening. Anything involving reading probably around lunch time with experimental or practical work late at night; pathworking, mid evening. Studying neuroscience (as a dilettante only) or a foreign language: afternoons.

But from time to time I set up a set of observances that I follow through no matter whether the time seems right (or if I have enough time) because I think discipline is important. One has to try; adaptability really so if one of the days I think oh heck I really don't feel like doing this, I still go ahead or have to face failure at a perfectly doable mini-quest. I usually keep observances up daily for a minimum of a month.

Prior to reading the alchemist I read many books. Studied many fields.
None of them did the trick. But after reading the alchemist I’ve been studying myself and how I reflect onto the outer world. I study by watching and being present with everything. Even in the most mundane things I find lessons. Watching a bee collect pollen or staring at the clouds and how they are always the most beautiful right after a stormy and rainy day.

I find more valuable lessons in just being present in my days then I ever have from books or teachers. At the same time I still do read when I need specific knowledge. Like fixing electronics or replacing someone’s transmission. And even then I feel like I’m better off following instinct. Still making that transition to be honest

[ocean breeze]

I never study. I always cheat. Just like in high school.

Whenever a spiritual question arises i just type the question on google search and copy the answer from someone else. And adapt it as my own.