Rituals and traditions do not enhance spiritual health of the faithful.They prolong the physical manifestation of worshipping taken to (at times)zealous and elitist degree. It bewilders those who approach religion with the aim of simple worship and sincere intimations. The imposition of man-made strictures and selfish interpretations magnifies the measure of spiritual desolation and logical confusion when welcome and solace are sought.
It is hurtful and spiritually repulsive to have a monk, priest or medium severely chastise a worshipper for menial violations, made out of ignorance, for the common people are not as well schooled in so-called religious conventions. It is their duty to guide and courtesy to instruct. No believer and worshipper comes with willful intent to cause sacrilege. That goes against the purpose and effort of one's presence. Again, it is caused by the imposition of rituals and ceremony which causes the divide.
A believer comes, settles in a prayerful pose and speaks one's heart, spills worries, mentions cares and wishes hopes for the numerous tomorrows ahead. It is a simple affirmation of faith and a private conversation with the Maker. What transpires in every session is a mutual secret between believer and Divine. A simple act that can be replicated at home in the confines of the room. 8>)
Savage Civilization :
Known civilization was once overrun by wild tribes. Humanity once again threatens itself; by overrunning itself from within. When decency becomes an underground outlawed movement, if civilization glorifies its own demise and luxuriates in the stream of crumbling plaster and concrete, that is when the very term 'civilization' becomes a meaningless warble of groans.
Before this desperate nightmare transmutes into hopeless reality, we need to pinch ourselves and come to our senses by putting our chaotic house in order. We are our own worst enemy and our likeliest saviour. 8>)
Raindrops :
Those who plan to go on foot bide time till lashing water slackens its vehemence upon the earth. Overfed sod forms mud puddles. Drenched concrete turn shades darker. Windows and screens are glazed with hazy film. Droplets streak randomly along crooked paths, from the steepest incline to the base. Trails of clear watery streaks slice through round and oval drops , speedily and decisively, like drunken comets. 8>)
Circumstantial Standpoint :
It's nothing but circumstances between us. Circumstances determine who orders the charge and who charges, who lords over all and who the servants are, who rests atop pedestals and who shoulder their weight, who stands on the rostrum and who stand on the plains.