Whether we are interested in the other animals or not, we share our lives with them. They are everywhere -- flying overhead, meowing a greeting, buzzing at our window, swimming in our lakes and in the glass bowl on the kitchen counter. Animals share the earth we walk on, the air we breathe, and the food we consume. They are the food we consume. Whether we notice them or not, they are there. Always there. They live among and with us.
The intention of THE QUESTION is to inspire a shift in beliefs and attitudes toward all animals that is unswervingly compassionate. The book might be interpreted as a challenge to established religions, especially among their conservative adherents. It is not an evangelistic treatise “pro” one point of view and “con” another. Far from it. This is why the action takes place somewhere across time and space in an imaginary realm, Sanctuary, where every point of view is accepted as an aspect of the same truth. The other animals accompany representatives of people as they are taken to their self-secret innermost core and out to the edge of their imaginations where they are able to discover the answer to the animal’s question is within their own true selves.
The readers are asked to check their beliefs about the other animals at the door, and sit back and participate in the action as if they were seated at a play. From their seats, the reading audience will witness Universal Images -- people from out of past history and living today -- enacting their innermost beliefs as they seek the answer to the animals’ question. Maybe some in the reading audience will leave the theater with their minds changed. Perhaps be inspired to tell others what happened there. That would be the greater intention.
I am interested in reading your book to see how you reconcile religious beliefs (which I am firmly committed to) with what you call "spirituality." I don't get it?!
ReplyDeletePhil
Brooklyn, NY
Good question, Phil! One’s Religion defines the directions of one’s spirituality. One who does not adhere to a religion is also spiritual as defined here. I hope this definition is clear. If not, let me know and will try to explain the book view in another way. JDH.
ReplyDeleteThe position of the book THE QUESTION is that one’s individual spiritual life can be lived with or without a particular religion or philosophy. One’s spirituality is shown by one's behavior from personal inner life experience, as well as lessons learned from all other people and philosophies. Spirituality is not a belief system. It is a way of life. Spirituality is defined as one’s innermost self’s beliefs about what one thinks one’s life’s purpose is; one’s personal standards regarding how one should treat others, including the animals; one’s personal, inner relationship with the Universe. Spirituality should not be confused with “religious-philosophical systems” which are adhered to by groups of people who accept a religion such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Jainism, etc. The fundamental “laws” of these religions are formulated in their sacred writings. Many believe the laws came directly from a Divine teacher. This applies to the esoteric philosophies as well.