Unexpected Freedom

Truly ComfortableIt is wisdom that enables letting go of a lesser happinessin pursuit of a happiness which is greater.Dhammapada verse 290During my High School years I received regular encouragementto enter the annual speech contest, organised by thelocal Rotary Club. I think my parents’ encouragement waspartly to do with preparing me for my hopefully taking upthe family tradition of becoming a Protestant preacher.Whatever the motivation, I benefited from the challenge.There were two years in which I recall doing quite well. Inone I spoke about a hero of mine at that time, Dr. AlbertSchweitzer, and in the other I spoke on the subject ofwhether religion should be comforting or challenging. Iremain interested in both of these subjects but on thisoccasion I would like to take up the latter as the subject of mytalk: should religion be comforting or challenging? Thisconcern warrants consideration whatever stage in practicewe may be at. What is it that we are looking for in ourexperience of religion? Are we looking for comfort? Are welooking for a consoling message? Or does our religionchallenge us? And what do we think that it ought to bedoing? My own commitment has been born of anenthusiastic interest in both of these things – in finding realcomfort and skilful challenges.101