Every now and then, I hand over the teaching reins to you: my readers. We haven’t done it for a while but today is such a day.
A few years back, I heard Deepak Chopra speak and he informed me that I was a spiritual being having a temporary physical experience. “Cool”, I thought. If only I knew what that meant! A few years later I’m a little more enlightened (I think), a little less confused (most days) and a LOT more open-minded than I once was.
Here are some questions for your dissection, discussion and deliberation. Answer as many (or as few) as you like.
1. What does it mean to be spiritual?
2. Do we need to be spiritual?
3. Is it something we need to develop, or is it inbuilt?
4. Is being religious the same as being spiritual?
5. How do we sort the good stuff (is there good stuff?) from the mumbo-jumbo?
6. How does your spirituality improve your life?
7. In business, we talk about the features, advantages and benefits (F.A.B.) of certain products and services What are the features, advantages and benefits of exploring and developing our spirituality?
8. Have you had any freaky spiritual experiences?
9. How do we know what’s right (for us)?
10. If you could teach me only one thing about spirituality, what would it be?
Yes, I know these questions will open the floodgates and, yes, I know this topic will push buttons. That’s okay. Love to hear your thoughts, ideas and experiences but please refrain from bringing your soap box with you.
Group hug. 
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
1. What does it mean to be spiritual?
Believe in something other than this body
2. Do we need to be spiritual?
Up to the individual
3. Is it something we need to develop, or is it inbuilt?
Inbuilt
4. Is being religious the same as being spiritual?
Not in my view
5. How do we sort the good stuff (is there good stuff?) from the mumbo-jumbo?
It simply comes down to choice. I can be totally wrong and there won’t be a god, but A. We will find eventually and B. It is not my job to say what is mumbo jumbo.
6. How does your spirituality improve your life?
I see things had a purpose even the rotten things.
7. In business, we talk about the features, advantages and benefits (F.A.B.) of certain products and services What are the features, advantages and benefits of exploring and developing our spirituality?
Pass
8. Have you had any freaky spiritual experiences?
Don’t go to Hanging Rock it’s scary as.
9. How do we know what’s right (for us)?
When we get clues down the track that something has worked the way we wanted it to. Example, I give up cheesecake and six months later I’m 20kgs lighter. That was right for me but at the time it was hell not to eat it, but I had a feeling, a hope, that not eating it and exerciseing would = being stunning. In turn this happens and guess what I was right.
10. If you could teach me only one thing about spirituality, what would it be?
They don’t wear army shorts in heaven sorry
Hi Craig – a couple of these questions I will touch on.
Do we need to be spiritual?
I think if we want to tap into our full potential, being spiritual can certainly help. My definition of being spiritual is having faith that human kind has unlimited potential in what they can become and each of us has great power if we focus, meditate, and strive to do better consistently and add value to other people’s lives..
Is spirituality the same as religion?
I would say no – and that is even being a member of faith at the moment. Religion to me is repetition and learning, a place to learn ways to serve others and improve yourself. But spirituality comes individually from the soul and from actual experience in the world taking action and helping other people – and can’t be taught in some religious institution or church – it has to be developed personally through the course of life – at least that’s been my experience
You have a nice website here by the way – I can tell you are someone making a difference in people’s lives.
Awesome questions! Must admit, I do not have all the answers (for myself).
1) What does it mean to be spiritual:
Overall, I believe that being spiritual is more about relationship. I believe that God places that in every human being… the desire to be, have, and stretch for more.
2) Do we need to be spiritual?
I believe it is part of our make up to seek something larger.
3) Is it something we develop or inbuilt?
Both
4) Is being religious the same as being spiritual?
There is a huge difference in being religious and spiritual in my opinion. Religion is more outward, Spiritual, Inward… IMO!
5) How do we sort it out?
Daily. I think we are given a internal compass. I have some strong beliefs about this, but will spare you! *smile*
6) How does spirituality improve my life?
It puts things in perspective. There is a sense of security in knowing that there is Someone that knows, understands and is a whole lot more powerful than me.
7) FAB
Freaky experiences?
See 6 for the short answer:-/
No not freaky, but definitely a couple of life changing and enhancing experiences.
9) How do we know what is right for us?
When I do something wrong, and know it, it has impact on my life. I believe it has something to do with a conscience and I think that is God-given. I do think we have an inbuilt compass. It is about paying attention to that we know or believe is right or wrong. Free will can be a bummer!
10) If could teach you one thing…
Hey, we are talking about Craig Harper… You are the teach, right?
1. What does it mean to be spiritual?
To be at the in touch as much as possible with the flow of life. I don’t believe it’s anything above normal (i.e. supernatural) but rather a sense of being deeply connected with the here and now.
2. Do we need to be spiritual?
No.
3. Is it something we need to develop, or is it inbuilt?
I believe that an attitude of receptiveness is all that’s needed – patience
4. Is being religious the same as being spiritual?
No. Religiousness to me implies dogmatism, which is the opposite of receptiveness.
5. How do we sort the good stuff (is there good stuff?) from the mumbo-jumbo?
When one’s internal beliefs and mirror the natural flow of things then life makes sense. When they don’t then problems happen. I believe that this alignment is the only true way of knowing when anything makes sense. It has to be subjective. No one else can experience this for you.
6. How does your spirituality improve your life?
It gives me an anchor to hold fast to when (inevitably) my life gets difficult.
8. Have you had any freaky spiritual experiences?
A few. I once was so immersed in the present moment that everything seem to glow with life. A got lost staring into a tree outside my house. It only lasted for about 30 minutes or so but the memory of this connectedness with everything keeps me going even now. I felt part of something much deeper and more real than I’ve ever felt before. It wasn’t ‘out there’, rather much deeper ‘in here’.
9. How do we know what’s right (for us)?
How do you know when you’re in love?
10. If you could teach me only one thing about spirituality, what would it be?
Learn to be patient with yourself.
What does it mean to be spiritual?
Ultimately it means to recognize that we are more than our bodies and our individual minds. To be spiritual is to be drawn out of our sense of separation as an individual and to forge a relationship with a power that is in everything, including ourselves. We taste this essence first in our love for others and in the glorious expression of life in all its variety. Then as the evolutionary force of love draws us forth, we recognize that it is calling us to a sense of communion with the All of Life….God, Spirit, whatever name you wish to use.
Do we need to be spiritual?
Depends on what you mean by “need”. Do we absolutely have to express this inner pull in our lives? No. We can live mired in the world of effects, deny the pull and deny that we are other than this body and mind. Many remain in the modern worldview of materialist science all their lives and never give in to this spiritual urge. They are content wth their intellect. However, many grow through this stage and allow the evolutionary force of love to pull them forward into a sense of seeking to express their spiritual nature. Bottom line is the urge (Ernest Holmes’ “divine urge” or Teilhard de Chardein’s “omega point”) is always there calling us to return to Spirit. We can choose with our free will to deny it.
Is it something we need to develop, or is it inbuilt?
Hence the urge to return to being reunited with Spirit is always there. It is both an external calling and an internal pulling forth….it boils down to whether or not we choose to listen and answer the urge. Answering the urge calls us to follow spiritual paths….feeding the intellect and the heart with wisdom and experience….and in time that process appears to be something we “develop”.
Blessings to you.
Mark Gilbert
http://www.consciousbridge.com
Spirituality is that which relates t or affects the human spirit or soul opposed to material of physical things. It touches that part of you that is NOT dependant on material things or physical comfort.
You don’t have to be spiritual but to fully LIVE yes you do! I believe spirituality is inbuilt however as humans we can stuff this down with food, money, misused beliefs and basically distractions but in the end by doing this we will pay the toll and am I am not speaking of just on a physical basis but that our soul dies and hence we are miserable.. what an existence.
Being Spiritual is not the same as being religious. Religion is a ritual whereas spirituality is a way of life… it is the implementation of certain principles into the everyday. It is being self accepting when we feel hatred, it is doing the deed when we don’t want to it is trying to align our actions of being our best when we look around and see no standards… it is being tolerant, it is perseverance, but most importantly it is the serenity and acceptance that the world is broken, I am broken but I will continue to get up each day and aim to live in LOVE and be LOVE..
For me spirituality gives me a reason to live, it gives me a focus and a deep connection to those around me . It provides purpose, bridges the gap and also makes for deep comfort in times of trouble by giving me faith and trust.
In business I firmly believe that when a business in run on spiritual principles it is more successful than others.. it bares the fact that the laws of the universe have never changed and they are no different when humans are in business the only difference is that ‘more humans’ feel greed in this area and hence ‘forget’ the truth..I would personally love to coach CEO’s in running a business based on the implementation of spiritual principles right down to accounting.
We know what is right for us as our HEART tells us not our head, it is that passion, inner knowing even when all logic does not make sense. Sometimes we hear it, sometimes we see it but mostly we feel it… we just know….
I have had some ‘massive’ spiritual experiences and to put into words would not do them justice but I can say my life has been saved by this and I do hope that I will be granted the gifts to carry this magic back our to others so that they to can experience there own… I am sure another one is on the way shortly .. as I have been in pain and keep going in and out of two different levels..it is truly amazing to have miracles of the spirit occur.. you can not buy that!
If I could teach you one thing about spirituality Craig .. Is you are doing a pretty fine job of it…. but being me it would be to follow your heart and stop the logic.. true spirituality does not add up on paper…take true acceptance on where you are at and seek that which you heart desires! (I might just try to apply this myself).
This is a long post – something I wrote a few years back – but it does answer some of your questions.
Spirituality 101
Ssshh. Leave me alone. Can’t you see I’m trying to be spiritual over here. I mean, my halo’s plugged, my aura’s charged, and my etheric double is chomping at the bit. And God have I been waiting for this! I mean, I’ve done the hard yards; walked the path of suffering and sorrow, trod the turf of self-pity, chewed the cud of self-contempt. Yes now it’s my turn now. My time to reap the reward – and it’s spirituality I’m seeking!
Would you stop whispering, you’re disturbing me. What’s that? How long have I been on the path? Can’t you see how far I’ve come? God I started way back; beyond those crossroads, before that mountain (which I climbed single handedly I might add), and prior to that cliff (arh yes, well we won’t go there). Why, I started out when I was just a wee chap, when everything was dark and shadowy. That’s why I figure it’s my turn now. Spirituality 101 here I come. Sign me up for a life-long course. I’m not dipping out until I graduate with first-class honours.
For goodness sake, would you please shut up! You are so distracting. All I want to do is sit here and be spiritual and you keep niggling at me, poking holes in my silence with your stupid questions. What’s that? You want to join me? Well I dunno. Have you done it before? I mean it’s not easy being spiritual. It requires great flexibility and amazing strength, and a dose of stamina won’t go astray either. And there isn’t really a university course that teaches you how to do it.
Yes, yes, I agree. There are lots of books, and courses, and there are videos and audios, self-help gurus and motivators that promise to divulge all – and they mean well, and many of their theories are wisely premised – but ultimately you can’t get it from a book or a course. It’s like … well spirituality is like eating a lemon. I can describe what a lemon looks like, its yellowness, its oval shape, the cool bumpiness of its skin. I can explain too how it tastes – bitter, tangy, some might say sour. The point is though, to really know what a lemon tastes like you have to experience one. You have to actually eat a lemon.
Oh for God’s sake I didn’t say you have to eat lemons to become spiritual! And no you don’t need Nikes for the journey. Although if you’re serious about this trek I highly recommend hiking boots for grip (they help you stay centred) and a crow-bar (for digging yourself out of the occasional hole you’re likely to fall into along the way.) In fact, the most extraordinary element of this journey is that you don’t need to take anything apart from your self.
What’s that? Sounds easy? Don’t be deceived. Many of us don’t actually find our self until we’re half way along the path. Then we get asked why we’re in such a hurry! Why it was only a few short years ago that I found and accepted the me I’d been running from for all time.
You want to know how I learnt all this without going to university? Well I guess you could say it’s something I stumbled upon. I found it a little way back along my path, towards the end of a long bleak patch. Oh I’d passed it on my path many times before. But I feared it, so I passed it by. A few times I even had to push it out of my way, to get around it, to get by. It was strong too, but a weak person can perform some pretty amazing feats with the power of fear on their side. Anyway, toward the end of this patch I fell over. (I was walking way too fast at the time and wasn’t the slightest bit interested in where I was going or where I’d end up if I kept going that way). When I came to, I realised I fallen at its feet. And as I lay there on the ground that day I witnessed its munificence, its magnificence, and felt for the first time its incredible power.
It glowered over me before it spoke. ‘Why do you travel so fast and so furiously’ it said. ‘And where is it you seek that needs be reached so quickly?’
‘I’m on a journey’ I said. ‘And it’s the journey of a life-time, so much is there to do, to prove, to achieve and to be. But a life-time is so very short and I’m afraid I’ll run out of time before I arrive.’
I stood to walk but could manage only a limp, so hard had my fall been. I wondered then, how on earth I would manage to keep going (being on my own and all), and how I could possibly keep up the pace I’d set for myself. And as I turned back toward it whose feet I had fallen upon, a sudden and overwhelming tiredness came upon me. In that moment I chose to give myself up to its understanding and compassion, and I felt its grace touch me – as never before had I been touched.
But don’t you see? That’s it.
What’s it?
What you experienced. That which you so eloquently describe – that is it.
What. What is it?
It’s what you say you’re looking for. Can’t you see? It’s your spirituality that you fell upon. Your spirituality, you see, is nought more than your self’s experience of its [true] self. Call it what you will – the Higher Self, the Soul, the Absolute, or God – but that’s it. It’s as simple and as complex as it gets. Your spirituality is nothing more than yourself experiencing itself – with understanding and compassion, through grace. Your spirituality, my friend, is your desire not to walk alone. It’s your choice to accept the guidance of a power greater and higher than one’s self. So why do you continue to seek that which you have already found? Especially when you have experienced it so profoundly. Why do you not trust?
And … you? You are …
I am it. Do you not recognise me? It was me that you gave yourself to that day you fell. It is me who speaks to you, who constantly niggles and prods you, firstly toward contemplation and then into action. You call me a distraction and a disturbance, and you are right: I am the Absolute distraction, the Ultimate disturbance. Yet I come in peace, and I come to aid not hinder.
It was I, your spirituality, who stubbornly refused to leave your path all through those lost years; though you ignored me, deplored me, and even implored me to let you be on your way. It was then that you locked your doors, barred your windows and pulled down the blinds – but I refused to yield, to leave you to your own devices. It was I whose feet you rested upon, when you realised you could no longer walk unaided. And it was I who overcame you with weariness so you could learn and turn to trust (though it was your avoidance of me that made life’s burden unbearable in the first place). And though you have experienced me so profoundly, still you seek. Why do you not trust your experience? Your self?
I don’t understand. It just seems too easy, too simple. I thought spirituality was more complex, harder to access or something.
Your spirituality is God’s gift to you. What makes you think he would dangle it in front of you and then cover it in invisible wrap? Spirituality is not a trick or a gimmick. Nor is it something that happens in never to be repeated isolated instances, like flukey moments of synchronicity, deja vu or intuition (though these too are part of an inspired life). Spirituality is what happens when you allow yourself to be who you truly are, without prejudice, without expectation. Can’t you feel it in those tiny fragments of silence you occasionally allow yourself? Haven’t you experienced it in those rabid moments of self-acceptance, in those ecstatic flashes of self-contentment?
You mean that’s it. It’s that simple?
Yes, amazing isn’t it. But then that is the nature of spirituality.
-ooo0ooo-
Wow, did you ever open a can of spaghetti this time. It’s so easy to respond to each item. I’ve not heard Chopra but I am familiar w/his Tao of Physics and I have heard Baba Ram Dass (Steven Alpert of LSD fame) Be Here Now which I read a long time ago when I was stoned. So let me address your issues one-by-one.
We’d have to discuss your word ;freaky’. Yes,I’ve had my epiphanies as, I’m sure you have.
1) Like Chopra told you, you were, we all were born spirit w/bodies to carry it around in.
2) Need doesn’t enter the picture; we wre. It’s a done deal.
3) Exercise helps but isn’t needed. When you’re swimming can you get more wet?
4) No, but it prolly doesn’t hurt. Mother Teresa was no more ‘spiritual’ than you.
5) When seeking fulfillment, it’s all good stuff.
6) If your spirituality causes you to view other as equals; spirits in bodies, it prolly helps.
7) A song from Anna and the King of Siam comes to mind; Getting to know me, getting to feel free and easy…
9) No one can tell s how tall to be. Just so, no one can tell us what’s right for us. As Dylan says over and over in Like a Rolling Stone “How does it feeeel to be on your own, with no direction home, like a rolling stone.?”
10) “In times of darkness, Mother Mary comes to me, whispering words of comfort. Let it be.”
Craig, have a Gary day. I will.
Hi Craig
Being spiritual means being in touch with your inner self – having an awareness & understanding of who you truly are without allowing all the daily distractions of noise, clutter & conformity distracting you from being YOU.
Taking time to smell the roses.
Understanding & taking responsibility for your actions and thoughts and why you think & behave in certain ways & how to manage them and consciously act accordingly.
Learn from your mistakes & lessons in life in order to live a peaceful harmonious rewarding life.
Determining what it is you want in life & believing in the after-life.
Being all you can be.
The world is full of so much clutter, conformity & noise that it takes our mind away from living a truly rewarding & complete life.
To help people become more spiritual, we must try to minimise this clutter/noise (distraction) & allow our minds to think clearly.
Children are a prime example of the above – I love there free spirit displayed in young children – not a worry in the world – say what they want
- do what they want (within reason) – watch them draw/paint care-free & run wild in the playground & not worry about what people think of them. They say things as they see it, open & honestly, straight from the heart. They have not been introduced to the life of worry, stress, commitments, conformity, clutter, financial & work worries, relationship worries, social responsibilities, etc etc.
A way in which to teach yourself to become more spiritual -
Try for say 1-hour per day to do the following -
minimise noise – try to avoid TV, radio, newspapers, mobile phones,
music, people, machinery, etc
meditate
paint a canvas freely without worrying about what people will think
about it
take your shoes off & walk in the grass – feel each step & how beautiful
the grass feels on your feet
forget about the world & all its problems & clutter & think about what
you really want in life – what makes you happy
vent – let it all out – free yourself from the heavy loads we carry
The above along with other feedback from your listeners will certainly give us all some direction on becoming more spiritual.
I thoroughly enjoy your articles – keep up the great work!
Live The Life
Craigus
I don’t believe in spirituality. Am I am evil person? Naive? Empty?
I believe that we are just animals like the rest of the mammals on this blue ball but our brains developed to a point where we think too much and place too much importance on our own ego & place in the big picture. We humans think we are all knowing, all seeing superior beings!
I know when I share this view it gets people’s backs up but I think that is because many people can’t accept that there isn’t ‘anything else’ and that when we die, we die, end of story. And I’m totally ok with this being all there is., it ain’t so bad. We live on in those we leave behind but only in their memories and thoughts.
I think you can’t have religion without spirituality but you can probably have spirituality without organised religion. Don’t get me started on religion. No – I said don’t!
Craig, these are some of the deepest questions I’ve seen you ask so far. I love the responses, which I wish I could have posted so articulately.
I consider myself really spiritual, but could I teach you anything you don’t know on this topic?
No.
Anyway, I’m with Mr. Chopra. I too believe that the spiritual realm is our connection with the source of our own life-force, all we are that is not physical.
It’s all about love.
about freaky experiences: I know what Dave is describing, because after learning about seeing auras, I tried it out on trees and it was seriously an out of body experience, I’ve never experienced it again since then, but a different kind of vision engages and you are attuned to the spirit of the tree. I’ve never seen colors so vivid and they were undulating and glowing all over.
(No, I hadn’t spiked my juice)
love to all, including the trees
Mystery teacher… love it!
I love these days. You guys are so clever.
Great writing, great insight, great lessons and no arrogance. Perfect. Thanks everyone. Keep it coming.
By the way, a big thanks (and welcome) to all you newbie commentors…
Thanks Craig for the insight and thought provoking piece today….
I must admit, I absolutely loved loved loved, Mystery Teacher’s work. I ready brought it….and then I read Hellens view on it. I’m now confused, cause I’ve just realised that I’m somewhere in the middle, given a particular day I could be either.
Great work team.
Gullu
I have now reached a point that may seem a little weird and strange to some. The point is, that if I try to box something in, it just becomes another part of the bs and contradiction that is my life.
If there is such a thing as a spiritual experience, it would have to be my realisation that if I attempt to construct something that suits pretty ole me and my beliefs, I have just pushed myself away from any sense of what this life is about, and in…. Nothingness!
As I attempt to make something from nothing, at once I become at odds with what I am trying to make….even if that is to be a peaceful, loving, sensitive and spiritual type.
Yes, there is something that is beyond any sense of description, of thought, of word, no doubt. But the moment I begin to construct something of that, a something from the nothing, my instantaneous awareness and feel of nothingness dissipates instantly.
So, the moment to moment jive for me leaves no choice, but to lay low the task of compulsively making something out of nothing. But hey…if I do endeavour to do that…..I have just done something.
Mystery Teacher – thank you! Best thing I’ve read in quite a while. Have printed it out to keep with my collection of inspiring works.
Hellen – my question to you would be, “what if you’re wrong?” I mean, it’s great that you’re OK with your philosophy – thinking we live and we die and that’s all, folks. But what if? The way I see it, by believing there’s more, it helps me live this life and make choices probably better than if I didn’t. If it turns out that I’m wrong, well, I’m never going to know, am I? But what if you’re wrong? You WILL know. If you’re interested, a fascinating book is “Life in the World Unseen” by Anthony Borgia. It’s old now, but you can get the text off the internet.
Cheers.
Suza it’s up to you to decide if there is more, Helen is ok if that is what she thinks.
There is more; trouble is, I am not sure myself yet but it’s there.
this world which we’re are in now, are not actually the world that god envision when he created it. people by his own choice disobey and fell away from god’s love . and start living by his own choices, slowly alienating ourselves and developing a new habits that are not aligned on heavenly tradition. we forget our original purpose. then, pain and suffering as we allowed and consented it come into the human lives. one day we waked up from our worst nightmare! we realize this world is not the place (god) he wants us to be, we begun searching to go back to our original purpose in life which we forget for a long journey.
for me, this is the start of spirituality! “we are created in the image and likeness of god” what does it means? but anyway, obviously, we are a created being! but we only know our true and original purpose in life if we knew the heart of our creator. why he created us and the cosmos.
We’re all spiritual beings having a temporary physical experience. ’nuff said.
Well here goes
1. For me it means living in the truth and trusting in my intuition/ my gut, know there is more to this world than this body i live in. So I am am a spiritual being have a physical experience.
2. it’s a choice we make
3. It is something we are born with- our early childhood expereinces and the family we choose to come into affects how we develope what I call our 6th sense
4. No, but one can be the outcome of another
5. We listen to our body. it knows what’s right for you
6. It makes me know myself better- it gives me peace within
7. Inner knowing, peace, dping what feels good, living with high vibes
8.Yes = a near death experience
9. I mediate and listen to the spaces in between as Deepak says. I ask and listen
10. Start with mediatation, be patient and trust the small quiet voice within
thanks for stretching me to write
Hi Craig, I am so glad to you stopped in over at “my place”. It’s a joy to meet you. I found both your comment there and your writing here DELIGHTFUL!! Very open minded and liberating, so refreshing to experience.
I thoroughly enjoyed this post and the only thought that came to me is that in our finest, most aware and present state of being, where we feel fully alive (no matter what is going on), where we embrace life and the world around us…we BECOME spirituality. It no longer is something we read about, but rather something we live, feel, and ARE.
For me, spirituality is a state of being. It more often than not exists without thought. It is compelled by love so intense that I can’t do anything but love. I can’t do anything but seek out the good in all things, all beings. It is after all what I hunger for…..to share and BE love. It doesn’t even matter if it’s returned, because when we ARE love, we always FEEL love and loved.
This is a remarkable post you did here. You are like a breath of fresh air. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your circle. Robin
Great questions! Thank you. Obviously, you are an evolved human being or you couldn’t be asking the questions. Your sense of humor, playfulness, and writing demonstrates this. I do have answers (which I have already written), but want to think about it first before sending them to you in an e-mail.
Again, thank you for the delicious questions Craig Harper.
Respectfully yours,
Loreydean
California
Well, I am late to the party. I loved what Mystery Teacher shared. Fantastic conversation on spirituality. Thanks for sharing it.
I wrote an article on my blog back in September 2008 called “Spiritual Instead Of Religious” which explains my views about the two. I was born spiritual but I was taught religion by my two grandmothers. One was Southern Baptist. The other went to an Assembly of God church. I was born this lifetime knowing that God was in me and in each of us. I have never felt the need to force my beliefs on anyone else and appreciate the same in return.
Craig, this is quite an interesting conversation that you started. Thanks.
I believe Jesus Messiah was the most spiritual person to ever walk the earth.
He was the most happiest even though he suffered the most and Isaiah the prophet says he was a man of Sorrows. He had true Joy.
Ironic Hey!
The key — He did not do His will nor what seemed right in His own eyes, nor what the religious and philosophical leaders of His time were teaching, He observed Torah, understood it and lovingly obeyed it and did His Wise, Loving Fathers Will.
Not my will but Gods will be done was Messiahs way of Life.
This is foolishness to many then and now, but it is the wisdom of God to the humble.
The way of the cross.
Soloman wrote extensively on wisdom and in fact had a gift, yet he went on to live by the self life, did not pick up His cross like Messiah and deny Himself but lived a life of self gratification. What ever pleased he did. He lived a life of gratifying all His God given endowments/appetites.
His life is a sobering example that the life of self gratification is a very unhappy life, vain and its end is miserable.
HIs conclusion as a man who could do and have anything he wanted was, Reverence God, stand in awe of His Majesty, keep His commandments, this is mans all.
Holiness, Obedience to God is true happiness.
This is not asceticism its using all our God given abilities and appetites in a manner that is pleasing and acceptable to the Only wise and loving God.
This is mans Chief end, is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.