To many people who criticize religions are, as Ram Dass, an American Hindu teacher said, a "Connoisseur of Clay Feet." They are looking for the failures. They are looking for a reason not to believe. Sadly, one does not have to look far! We all fail. We all have "Clay Feet."

Religions are "set up" and start with good intentions but over time they often drift into a self-serving system that forgets the real reason it was "originated." However, there are always followers of any religion that keep in their hearts, and their actions, the real reason for the faith. We must be aware of the "clay feet" but we must look for the "Golden Heart." I have seen the gold, so have you! Perhaps I have seen more than you because that is my job. I want to tell you a story of two men of gold. One was a Hindu, the other a Roman Catholic.

Many years ago I found myself in India. I was looking for someone to teach me Hinduism. As luck would have it, I soon found a man, a Swami, who was willing to teach me. One day I was in his class - just he and I. An old woman came it, she was wringing her hands in distress. She spoke with the Swami. I could not understand them as they spoke in Hindi. When they had finished he turned to me and said. "Boy! Today you will learn Hinduism - come!"

All three of us piled into his old Ford and we drove to the outskirts of the city. In time we arrived at an old run down house. The Swami asked me, "are you afraid of Slims?" In those days, Slims was the name for AIDS. "No." I lied. My teacher knocked, then placed his ear to the door to listen for a reply. Nothing came. He was about to knock again when a second old "bone-shaker" of a car pulled up. Out stepped another old woman and a Catholic Priest. The Priest and the Swami embraced. They were old friends. I was introduced to the Priest. As we shook hands he asked me, "are you Hindu?" "No, I said. I am Buddhist." "Buddhist? Buddhist?" he yelled, "I know so many Buddhist - wonderful people! Now break the door down kid!" It was the work of a moment to push in the old rotten door. The stench that assaulted our nostrils was undescribable!

We entered the hot, dark room only to find its owner, a young woman of about 20 years, lying on her bed covered in her own body wastes and swarming with flies, but she was alive. The look of horror and pain in her eyes haunts my dreams to this day. The two Holy men rolled up their sleeves and without a moments hesitation began to clean her up.

"Food, boy! She needs food" yelled my teacher. I had money to buy food, that was ALL I had! With the help of the old ladies I was able to go out and buy rice, a mild curry and some chapatties - enough to feed us all. By the time I got back the house was smelling better. The windows and door were open and light flooded the once dark dwelling. The woman was sitting up in bed, cleaned and smiling. She was thin and death was not far away but she was smiling! Her soiled sheets had been replaced by the blankets the men with golden hearts, and yes, clay feet, kept in their cars.

I set out the food. "A blessing Father?" Said the Swami to the Priest. He blessed the food. "A prayer Swami?" said the Priest to the Swami. When he had finished they both turned to me. "A Buddhist blessing please?" I did my best, poor as it was! Then we all fell on the food. The woman, as ill as she was, was able to force down a few morsels. Both men took turns feeding her from their own plates. We all talked. We laughed. We hugged. We prayed. There was no talk of whose theology was the best. There was a poor soul before us who needed comfort, not just of the body but the soul as well. We talked of Christ, of Krishna, of the Buddha.

I later learned that she was a prostitute, but neither of the Holy Men judged her. The two old ladies, one Hindu one Catholic, were afraid to enter a house infected with AIDS unless their Holy Men were in attendance.

I later learned that the Priest liked a drink or two. That the Swami liked to smoke. "Clay Feet" for a Holy man? Perhaps, but the "gold" of their compassion was far greater.

The Priest, the Swami and I took our leave. The two old ladies, who were the woman's aunts stayed with her. As we headed for the cars my teacher said, "She wants to go to Varanasi." (Ed. Note. Also known as Benares,) I must have looked puzzled. The Priest said, "Varanasi is the Eternal City on the river Ganges. Devout Hindus, such as this poor soul in the house, believe that if they can die in Varanasi and be cremated there, they will end the cycle of births and deaths. Am I right brother?" He asked the Swami. "Substantially so brother." he replied.

How were we to do this? She was ill. She had AIDS, who would help us? We could not put her in the car, she would have to lie down. The Priest, deep in thought, tapped his head with his finger. A smile came over his face. "It is too late to do it tonight. Meet me here tomorrow, first light."

A golden sunrise shined on us as we waited outside the old house for any sign of the priest. Suddenly there was a loud back fire! A dilapidated Ambulance turned the corner, our smiling Priest at the wheel and a Doctor at his side! "Come on Lads!" he yelled. "Let's get going!" We all rushed into the house. The Doctor, after examining her for only a few moments, shook his head. "There is little time! Little time!" Quickly we loaded her into the Ambulance and with its siren, which sounded like a scalded cat, shrieking, we headed out on the journey.

As our wheels crossed the city limits of Varanasi, she died. She had made it, but only just. After some difficulty we found a place for her cremation. The Priest and I went to buy the wood we would need. The Swami and the two old ladies got her ready. The Doctor took care of any legal matters.

What a strange party we must have made - an RC Priest, a Swami, a Buddhist, a Doctor and the two old ladies - ready to cremate an AIDS outcast. Soon, a match was touched to the pyre. Prayers were offered by us all, each in our own way. We watched as the fire consumed her in the manner that was the custom of her faith. After many hours there was nothing left and the ashes were cool enough for us to collect. With the proper ceremony her ashes were consigned to the Holy River. She had made it! We all took great joy in being able to grant her this last wish.

On our drive back home we all, and I do mean ALL, sang Christian Hymns and chanted Hindu and Buddhist Sutras. I was amazed at the two men's knowledge of each others religion. When they spoke to one another it was with a deep respect for the others traditions - and there was love. They called each other, brother! They called the poor 20 year old prostitute, dying of AIDS, sister. I suppose we could say that she was as morally far removed from the two men as she could be - but she was still, sister.

It was deep into the night by the time I returned to my hotel. I could not sleep. I kept thinking about the events of the last two days.
I had not really heard much about religions, but I had seen them it in action.
I had not heard about the love we should have for each other, I had seen it in action.
Two Holy Men of Gold had come together. They risked criticism by members of their own religions but they knew something greater than mere religion. Now I knew it too. Religion is the outward garment and anyone can have one of those. Compassion is the inward garment, a garment that is harder to come by but when found, "one size fits all."

The next day I noticed that a small piece of charred wood had lodged itself in the cuff of my trousers. (Guys wore cuffs in those days!) I still have it. It reminds me that religion should not be something shining and bright, set aside and protected. It should be something that is used up in the service of others - especially for those "others" who are, for whatever reason, outcasts.

In the course of those two days I learned Hinduism. I also learned Catholicism and just about every "ism" there is. It is called compassion. "Clay Feet?" We all have them. What I, and you, should seek is the "Golden Heart." There is the face of God! Seek it! It is there!

The two Holy Men have passed on to their rewards, which I hope are substantial! I am the last one left to tell the tale. It is a tale that those who have not been on the "front lines" of faith will find difficult to take in. They might take exception to the, "one size fits all" comment. All I can say is, go there to the front lines, and see for yourself. Hopefully, you will find Gold among the clay feet, and you will if you keep your eyes, your heart, your mind and your soul open."

From. "Spiritual Short Stories." By CG ©2004 (unpublished.)
Click here to download this story in Microsoft Word format: (http://www.bahamasissues.com/docs/Connoisseur_of_Clay_Feet.doc) Download (http://www.bahamasissues.com/docs/Connoisseur_of_Clay_Feet.doc)

Hi CG Wow can you believe it someone else became a headliner besides Cedric.
Congratulations.

Wow and a Non Christian at that.

Thank you Delroy for farness.

Hi CG Wow can you believe it someone else became a headliner besides Cedric.
Congratulations.

Wow and a Non Christian at that.

Thank you Delroy for farness.


Your welcome.
Now let's focus on the story.

Your welcome.
Now let's focus on the story.

Yes, indeed, let's focus on the story.

I used to tell my story in the Comparative Religions classes that I taught. I would ask the class, "What do you take away with you from that story?" Many would say that they were struck by the compassion shown and by the tolerance and fellowship of the two Holy Men.

Then I would ask, "What do you know of compassion, tolerance and fellowship? Have you experienced these things, or do you just agree that it should be there in others but it is not really to be found in you?"

I then tell them another story that comes from the Islamic faith. (As told by Houston Smith.)

"There are three ways to know about fire. You can hear about it! Someone tells you that there is such a thing, you have never seen it yourself but OK, there probably is such a thing. The second way is to see fire burning. You see in the distance a forest on fire. It looks impressive. The third way is to be burned by fire. You stick your finger into the flame of a candle and ouch!!!"

Which is the best way to learn about the true nature of fire? Why, of course, the third way. It hurts, but you learn it is hot, it burns - you have experienced it!

Now, do you wish to hear about, or even see, compassion, tolerance and fellowship? Or do you want to be burned by it? (Experience it.)

To often we are content to sit and listen, or we watch others practice these virtues. Go out and be burned by it! Don't let your religion be a "hearing thing" or a "watching thing." You will be exceptional in this world once your are burned. They you will be compassion, and tolerance and you will be at one with all peoples.

I welcome your comments.

Hi CG are you sure you are not one of the 3.

The 3 wise men all those years ago. Your wisdom is so open. Truth is truth no matter what religion. It is very hard for people to see other people as equals, They look for difference rather than equality. And the greatest and worst weapon is religion. It is the fire they heard about and believe it to be true. Yet they cannot find 1 blister of fact for their belief in inequality.
The three men (wise men) of this story saw nothing but equality as human beings. No weapons of religion, language race, but they had 1 weapon the greatest given by the Creator. Love no holds bared no differences just plain LOVE.

Why don’t we start a new church a no religion and all religion church? A no building, come dressed as you feel comfortable church. No one is the leader we pick a facilitator and a teacher for each meeting. Teach what you feel in your heart or experience and or from any religion science history community country or tradition. No politics as to vote for or who you voting for. If any one gives a donation because they feel to do so, it is all given to a needy person/charity that same day and as it is received. If some one gives a can of soup that same can of soup is what is given if some one gives a $5.00 bill that is the same $5.00 bill given.

Hi CG are you sure you are not one of the 3..

Thanks for you comments. No, I am not one of the Three. I am old but not that old! :shaky:


Why don’t we start a new church a no religion and all religion church? A no building, come dressed as you feel comfortable church. No one is the leader we pick a facilitator and a teacher for each meeting. Teach what you feel in your heart or experience and or from any religion science history community country or tradition. No politics as to vote for or who you voting for. If any one gives a donation because they feel to do so, it is all given to a needy person/charity that same day and as it is received. If some one gives a can of soup that same can of soup is what is given if some one gives a $5.00 bill that is the same $5.00 bill given.

Should we form such a dream church as you suggest we would be wise to follow the example of the late Father Bede Griffiths. He said "It is no longer a question of a Christian going about to convert others to the faith, but of each one being ready to listen to the other and so to grow together in mutual understanding.... God has graced every tradition with insight into the divine mystery, from the most primitive to the most sophisticated--each has a gift to bring to the world." From the site http://www.ecsd.com/~grace/jmabry/bede.html

He ran a Temple in India where all religions were welcome. He was very much a Christian/Hindu but at his place no one was converted, no religion was better than another. His services were a mixture of the liturgies of many faiths. A Buddhist begging bowl was set at the entrance of the temple. No one was asked to put money in it but it was seldom empty. People who stayed there were expected to live like the poor and to work with the poor. He was one of those Golden Hearted people who are so desperately needed in this world.

If such a place were to be formed here we would have to call it. "The Temple of the Golden Hearts."

Hi CG for me the name is not improtant. What it is, is important.
Where did you get the name?

Hi CG for me the name is not improtant. What it is, is important.
Where did you get the name?

Well, first of all, I just made it up but when I start thinking about it, it is a good name. Here is why.

The word "Temple" not "Church" why? Church has a meaning to people. It is associated with the Christian faith. Some people hate the place! Some tolerate it, and others love it. But Church has become a Christian word. One expects to see certain things in a church. A Temple on the other hand is just a place devoted to special or exalted purposes. Many different religions call their place of worship a Temple.

Now to the Golden Hearts. The "job" of such a place would be to create Golden Hearts. This would be done by exposing people to different faiths, peoples, life styles and values. One can't really know these things from books. One has to experience them, first hand in an atmosphere of learning where there is no threat. That way one can learn that different is not always evil! The world is getting smaller and smaller. We must learn to understand each other and to develop love and respect, or at the very least, a tolerance for each other.

Another job would be not to just talk about compassion but to "burn" people with it - take them out and show them the sufferings that are going on right under our noses. To often we are aware of our suffering - sometimes, so aware that we can see nothing else. There is nothing more effective in easing one's suffering that to help someone else with theirs.

People would be taught the thing that every Golden Heart knows. Every believer, of any faith, should develop a relationship with "God" as they see him. To many people go to their place of worship and try to live off the Priest's relationship with God. They never get one of their own but "borrow" it on Sunday - by Monday they are back to their old selves again, nothing has changed.

Life does changes once a real relationship is developed. One learns that it is a matter between you and "God." Very private, very quiet. Also one learns that one has no right impose that relationship on anyone else. Tell them about it if they ask? Yes. Live it? Yes! Living ones faith speaks louder than any words. But don't expect or demand that others see and do things your way. We do not run the universe, we are only here for a short while. We are renters, not owners.

Once a person had grasped these ideas they would leave the Temple, they would not need it anymore. They would return to their original fellowship. There they would become a bright shining light, an example of love, respect and tolerance. (Which is what most fellowships teach anyhow, but to often that message is clouded by other things.)

So, know that you know this there is no need for such a Temple. I have used the above to teach this message of the Golden Heart. It is a lot harder to absorb that you might think! Yet, most of those I have instructed have returned to their Churches and are now not just spectators but are really useful to their faith, to others and yes - to themselves because the Golden Heart does not just warm others, it warms itself.

To teach a lesson once dose not mean people understand it you have to remember they have a lifetime of teaching they must now turn it around it is had to do that.

I know from my own experience in accepting my being transgendered. There was a lot that I was taught that was supposed to be wrong even me. So I had to change that which I had believed to be true my whole life to that which I am still learning.

As to the temple I said no building. Just people getting together and teaching one another of their religion and not from their religion but from their own experiences. Un like some I don't believe the Bible to be the last word of the Creator. I believe the Creator is still teaching but we are refusing to listen. Just as the Jews in Christ's time did not believe he was the Messiah. Because Jesus was the son of a carpenter and not the son of some king to give the Jews the might to free them selves. But that’s another topic.

On to Golden hearts why not say good hearts. “Temple of good hearts.” “Gathering or good harts.”

To teach a lesson once dose not mean people understand it you have to remember they have a lifetime of teaching they must now turn it around it is had to do that.

I would agree "once is not enough" as the song says. However, I did say it was difficult.

On to Golden hearts why not say good hearts. “Temple of good hearts.” “Gathering or good harts.”

Because any man who says he is good is fooling himself. Others must say he is good, or not, he cannot know that for himself, even Jesus admonished someone for calling him good. Yet what is good? Many evil things have been done that was labeled as "good."

PS Temple would just be a name for the gathering.

Just a by-the-by. Victor Hugo said "There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come."

P.S. Vicky, have you noticed how few people have joined us here?

Come on folks lets here your views!!! Join us! There is no wrong answer. The answer you give is the one that touches your heart and therefore, is valid. I do want to hear from you.

How about we start a new thread Subject: "A new type of church" that should make people wounder.