There are two types of prayer that I have witnessed. The first is structured and organized, derived from ancient religious texts. In these prayers, we recite or read exact words, page by page. Once you understand their meaning, they become a recitation and an enchantment of positive words towards divine creation, as you perceive it. This chant fosters a strong belief system, transitioning us from faith to knowing, awakening the religious practitioner.
The second type of prayer is spontaneous. You pray because you want to, not because you were told to. You believe it has an effect. In these prayers, you create the words in the moment. A scholar might question if a pure person, who lives by the Ten Commandments and causes no harm, can produce a prayer holy enough for others to repeat. My answer is yes.
A beautiful, compassionate prayer that praises God and acknowledges the beauty, genius, and mystery of creation is sacred and holy too.
Only those threatened by their perceived power, conferred by religious institutions, would disagree. This is man-made nonsense, and people are afraid to break from it due to historical consequences, like being murdered for dissent.
It's common knowledge for those unattached to the institutions that there's a difference between religious bureaucracies and the teachings themselves. Reading and comparing the teachings of 25-30 significant religions can reveal their similarities and differences.
Study how religions have intertwined with politics and amassed wealth, creating individuals with powers rivaling kings and emperors.
In our fast-paced, tech-driven world, society can change overnight based on social media. In the past, our knowledge came from kings, churches, and temples, which controlled information. Today, social media and the Internet shape our minds similarly, though many profit from it, making it less tyrannical. However, in the future, this could be exploited by malevolent individuals spreading hatred.
To improve your mind, delve into philosophy. If reading feels daunting, listen to philosophy on YouTube. Explore all philosophies within a year, allowing time for reflection. You might find that what once seemed powerful loses its impact, or what seemed trivial becomes profound.
Modern philosophers often distill ancient wisdom with a contemporary tone. Listen for practicality amidst the noise. Good night.