There are people in my life who quite frankly aren’t interested in what a spiritual film like ‘Dreams Awake’ has to say. And I’m perfectly fine with that, because I always knew it was never meant for everyone. In fact, very possibly just a certain minority of people will be intrigued by its message. Yet, I also think that these same people might get somewhat uncomfortable, or even actually upset over what the film does say. And this has been something I have not been at all fine with. This film was never meant to disparage someone else’s religious beliefs or faith, yet I have gotten the distinct realization that that may be exactly what some people feel it does. That was never ever my intention. I do not have any issues with anyone who finds comfort, answers and stability within a particular religious community where their values, beliefs and faith are shared. Certainly in this modern treacherous world, that can be a very powerful institution for one’s spiritual well-being.
However, when someone I know who does not have the same spiritual point of view as myself asks me about the film, one of the first qualifying statements out of my mouth is now, ‘I would have to say that it has spiritually provocative, and possibly religiously controversial, elements that are inherent to its story.” Right away it almost sounds defensive, but actually I’m trying to soften the blow to those who I feel may get offended. And of course, if they want to discuss the film further I’m always open to it. So far, it’s been about 50/50 whether they take that next step.
Okay then, what is the real point here? That if anything is being disparaged (or attacked?) in the film, it is the historical and institutional dogma and doctrine of so-called ‘organized religion’. Or more appropriately, we are trying to shine a little light on the situation, with the idea that oftentimes throughout the long march of time there has been a war between individual spiritual growth and entrenched organized religion. And many times this has not fared well for the individual. Especially for the lone spiritual explorer. Generally speaking, religions have often relegated us to a herd mentality, as if we were animals to be moved in a certain direction, controlled and then fenced in. So much for spiritual growth, huh?
In the final analysis, this part of the film is not the real meat of its content anyway, only a subset of the overall theme. Meaning, it seems one could go overboard in only focusing on this part of the film and miss what the film really encompasses. And to those of you who may feel offended after you’ve seen it, look a little deeper at its true intent. There is more here than meets the eye.
JAD
Based upon my experience, it’s natural to feel resistance to a new concept that invalidates what you were taught and practiced for many years. Emotionally, I had decades of religious practice invested and had built up a loyalty to my group. But after being introduced to Sound Current Meditation, I felt like I just wasted half my life doing something that was ineffective. Intellectually and spiritually SCM felt right, but it took some time to reprogram myself to eliminate the dogma and realize life is a school. I would describe my state of mind as having “spiritual dissonance.”
As for “people might get somewhat uncomfortable, or even actually upset over what the film does say,” that is probably a good thing, you know they are listening and possibly learning. If your points are too subtle people schooled in dogma will miss them!. Churchill said: “Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened.” That was me for many years!
Looking forward to seeing Dreams Awake!
Thanks for your no-nonsense comments!
Ah, Jerry, I love the way you write! Its a tough stuggle, dealing with the religious prejudices of our time. I think it is easier for religious people to accept other religions than to accept spirituality, and considering the state of religious conflict in the world, that’s saying a lot!
I’m looking forward to seeing Dreams Awake as well!!
Thanks Jennifer! Should be fun!!
Sometimes it is good to feel discomfort, and in this particular case it should be embraced with an open heart and an open mind. I like to refer to the dogmas in our society as fabrication for true creation is of love and compassion, whereas fabrication is more of a mechanical nature. At the present we are living in a system within a system, whereas we are led to believe that all is well, when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. The majority of the world population holds much faith in religion without ever questioning this faith, and in doing so they are ultimately sacrificing their God given gift of self-creation. True religion can be none other than one of self-worship and self-creation, for it is deep within one’s SELF where ONE shall come to recognize the undeniable truth. It is deep within this self-recognition that ONE shall come to truly understand that their entire life, up until this very moment of self-realization, has simply been a fabrication. Visualize it as a computer system consisting of four master programs; religion, government, media, and industry, all being controlled by a very small group of individuals who, through the use of knowledge and power have simply created the idea of our present day civilization, and have somehow convinced us, as a race, to construct this creation for them. In truth we, as a race, are presently existing within an idea, which we, as a race, have unknowingly, yet willingly created for the very few responsible for the idea, but it is undeniably us, as a race, who are responsible for the creation. We are presently living within a fabrication, religion included, and in order for us to truly come to recognize this fact, there shall most certainly be much discomfort. In order for true self-realization to occur one must first experience a total transformation of ONE’s SELF, and without a little discomfort this may never come to truly be. I know this to be true because my many moments of self-transformation, leading to the ONE true moment of self-realization brought me to my knees, and I assure you that it was a very painful experience, but when the pain subsided I was left with a feeling so blissful that I came to realize that in order for bliss to occur ONE must first endure pain. I am absolutely sure that your wonderful creation Dreams Awake shall bring about much pain and extreme discomfort and that shall most definitely be a beautiful experience for those prepared to wake up and face the truth. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for your intriguing comments, Bodham. Certainly makes you think.
I haven’t watched the movie yet as I just ordered it but I’m excited to watch it. I’m glad it’s “religiously controversial” and “spiritually provocative” because that’s what makes it worth watching and learning a new viewpoint. The dogma doesn’t interest me, it never has since I was a child and with quite a bit of spiritual shifting of my own, I’ve found more of this material like you’re offering to be more of a comfort. It resonates on a deeper level than what I was taught as a child. I appreciate you putting forth your dream of putting this movie out and making it available for those of us who seek it and enjoy it. 🙂 Thank you!
Ppl like you get all the brains. I just get to say thanks for he awensr.
Thanks Mary, I hope you enjoyed the film and got something out of it.