The Dali Lama once said. “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
What constitutes a “religious poem”? Does it have to spell it out… or can it simply be suggestive, as in identifying divine characteristics such as kindness without an identifiable agenda?
The subjectivity of spirituality in poetry, or even art in general, tends to be secularly disseminated. Religion is sold as this or sold as that, always tending to be branded AS SOON AS THE OBVIOUS KEYWORDS APPEAR… “faith”, “vibrations”, “karma”, “prayers”… etc.
The freedom of art is that there are no rules. The same applies to philosophy. The ancient Greek philosophers and Roman philosophers sat and calmly discussed the possibilities of our roles in this natural world AND the heavenly realms. Debates were civilized and conducted within the framework of reason, with a somewhat scientific and civilized approach. Understanding ideas was encouraged!
Poetry affords a similar platform. It levels the playing field, neutralizing boundaries into infinite expressions, as well as expounding upon questions (and answers) of the sublime. Imagination has always been one of mankind’s most peculiar attributes…
The formation of perspective usually lies within both heart and mind, what we feel and what we know. A disconnect between the seen and unseen seems to lie at the heart of every conflict with religion… a mystery of faith if you will.
There are common threads within most religions and even with atheists. Humility, mercy, charity, kindness, love,… all demonstrate attributes that have a place in our lives, whether we are spiritual or not. These threads are what keep our planet from being frayed apart by absolute dissension. Even if we do not agree to disagree, the fact that every perspective exists is in itself a conundrum that will never go away.
So where does that leave poets? Exactly where poets start, where their heart takes them… to expound upon what they believe with all the extent of their craft. It is up to the reader to decide what is wrong or what is right…
What do you think reader? I would really like to know! Please leave your comments at the bottom of the article, and as always, thanks for reading. See you next time!
Matt Elmore
