Robert Dunne

Common Hearts, Common Minds: (Three Masters in One) Robert Dunne

Have you ever wondered why it is that different spiritual beliefs are so similar to each other? Is it just coincidence or is there something more to it, something beyond the ordinary that must account for it? It may be that one belief system simply derives from another one. Originally there was an insight captured by a certain individual, and, then, connected by time and along certain geographical lines it spreads to other peoples. With slight variations, it continues largely as it was originally established. To be sure, this sort of thing happens. Yet, there are those cases where different sages or wise men who have little or nothing to do with each other in terms of time or geography uncannily espouse the same ideas, the same spiritual understandings. They speak with one voice, as it were. In today's times, when the philosophy of materialism is still ruling our souls, the idea that there could be a natural spiritual connection between the soul and the mystery of the beyond probably does not sit well with many. It opens up a whole can of worms-- Is there a metaphysical realm? Are we more than biochemicals? Did we not put to rest that silly notion of the soul a long time ago?For those of you committed to materialism, I ask you to open up your minds and consider the perspective of the three masters I present to you, Lao Tsu, Buddha, and Jesus. Though Lao Tsu and Buddha lived around the same time, they were clearly separated by geography. Jesus was separated from both of them by a good deal of time, and there is no solid evidence that he had any contact with their ideas. Yet, time and time again they formulate the same perspectives, the same teachings for advanced spiritual living. I found myself of necessity picturing an entire realm separate from the rigid world of matter, a realm of pure Spirit through which one can contact the mysterious, mystical Source of all Being. These three masters reached higher than most of us ever will. But does it not stand to reason tha