This blog is about:
Releasing religious preconceptions
Unity over separation
Practices from multiple traditions
Path toward unity
Connection to the soul
In the concluding part of this series, Tantra teacher Foca Yariv explores how letting go of ingrained preconceptions reveals the unity that underlies all spiritual traditions. By engaging with practices from multiple faiths and understanding the principles behind them, we can dissolve the illusion of separation. Foca shares how the path toward unity is about deepening prectice – connecting method with principle, and the heart with the soul. The journey is one of self-discovery and about recognizing that all seekers climb the same mountain, no matter which path they take.
Releasing Preconceptions
To embrace this unity, we must let go of certain preconceived ideas. One of the most ingrained beliefs is that religions are inherently separate and antagonistic. History is full of examples of religious conflicts, often perpetuated by those in power to unite people against a common enemy. But these divisions are not inherent to the religions themselves; they are the result of human interpretation and manipulation.
When we strip away these layers of separation, we discover that all spiritual paths aim to reconnect us with the divine. For example, I’ve seen Jewish friends struggle to appreciate the beauty of Muslim traditions, viewing Islam as an “enemy.” But when they engage with the esoteric core of Sufism, they often discover profound similarities with Kabbalistic teachings. This shift in perspective not only deepens their own practice but also fosters a sense of connection and respect for others.
A Path Toward Unity
To embark on this journey, one must approach with curiosity and an open heart. Understanding doesn’t come all at once; it unfolds over time, according to the maturity of the soul and the intensity of one’s aspiration. At times, it demands a leap of faith. But more often, it’s a gradual unfolding, a deepening of our understanding and practice.
For me, the first such moment came during a meditation practice at age 17. It was the first time I felt a direct connection to the supreme, independent of any group or ritual. That experience became the foundation of my spiritual path, and it is this kind of inner awakening that I hope to inspire in others.
In my workshops, I guide participants through practices from multiple traditions—Sufi whirling, contemplating the name of God, looking at Celtic Christianity’s connection to the soul of the land, Christian prayers—while exploring the esoteric principles that unite them. By engaging with these practices, participants not only gain a deeper understanding of the universal truths behind all religions, but also with the tools to walk their own unique path with more efficacy.
Ultimately, what I hope to offer is a sense of empowerment. By understanding the mechanisms behind spiritual practices—the ‘why’ as well as the ‘how’—practitioners can align their methods with the principles that resonate most deeply with them. This alignment enhances the efficacy of their practice and opens the door to authentic self-discovery.
As Oscar Wilde famously said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” In the spiritual realm, this means embracing the unique combination of practices and principles that speak to your soul. When we do this, we not only deepen our own connection to the divine but also recognize the shared humanity that unites us all.
In the end, the unifying force behind all religions is not something abstract or distant. It is the essence within us, the longing for oneness that calls us back to the source. And when we answer that call, we find that the mountain we are climbing is not ours alone, but one we share with seekers of every faith and tradition.
To conclude, here is a quote from Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions convention in Chicago in 1893:
‘“As the different streams having their sources in different paths which men take through different tendencies, various though they appear, crooked or straight, all lead to Thee.”
The present convention, which is one of the most august assemblies ever held, is in itself a vindication, a declaration to the world of the wonderful doctrine preached in the Gita: “Whosoever comes to Me, through whatsoever form, I reach him; all men are struggling through paths which in the end lead to me.” Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honour of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal’.
by Foca Yariv