by Richard Flyer
MORAL AND SPIRITUAL PRINCIPLES
All life is one.
All spiritual traditions point human beings towards this oneness or unity.
The essence of the moral, ethical and spiritual teachings of Jesus, Buddha, Lao-Tzu, Mohammed, Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King and many others was the same.
The word "spiritual" refers to the hidden power and inner life within human beings. The life within seeks relationship, peace, and harmony with itself and the surrounding world--- ultimately breaking down all separation and barriers.
As we come in contact with the source of life within ourselves we experience a reverence and kinship with all life.
Inner spiritual evolution awakens Compassion and Wisdom within us.
Spirituality is a lifelong process unfolding our purpose and place in the world and in the grand scheme of universal evolution.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE and SOCIAL ACTION
All social problems stem originally from inner spiritual conflicts that lead to self-centered behavior. Then, ego-centered attitudes become ingrained in social groups and social institutions that in turn become oppressive.
Therefore, we must find peace within ourselves, while at the same time struggle for peace and justice in our own family, neighborhood, society, and also the entire world.
Spiritual practice is necessary then, every day and every moment, to learn to go beyond blind self-interest and embrace all life as family. To expand the ego to embrace our neighbor, community, nationa, and the entire world and cosmos.
Spiritual practice is very personal. We encourage the development of spiritual practice through study, teachings, retreats, meditation, sharing, and service.
PERSONAL AND SOCIETY "AWAKENING"
Awakening is a process where individuals discover both personal and socially imposed limitations. As this happens, people can assert themselves in an unselfish way to take charge of their individual and collective destinies.
Awakening can grow through silent prayer, meditation, and reflection, balanced with actively sharing energy and labor in community building activities.
Each day we can work to develop a Beloved Community, first in our own lives, and then in larger social groups.
Every loving act that we perform, no matter how small fosters the awakening of ourselves, our families, then cities, nations, the world, and finally, the entire cosmos.
PRINCIPLES OF SERVICE
The basis of service is sharing our selves. Shared labor and energy is the cornerstone in developing a beloved community.
Service begins at home. Then, it expands outward to the block, community, and then to all of humanity.
Service can help us realize a one-world family.
ECONOMIC PRINCIPLES
The economies of the major industrial nations have no moral or spiritual basis. This is a reason why they destroy the life giving Earth and also promote greed, corruption, poverty, and war.
Therefore, economics has to be tied to basic moral and spiritual values.
Economic decisions need to emphasize service to people and the community and not simply profit.
Economics has to be tied with a co-partnership with nature.
POLITICAL PRINCIPLES
Democracy is more than voting every two to four years. It is the union of individuals in direct service of community needs, not just now and then, but regularly.
Citizens must resist injustice in society. We will practice and promote the techniques of non-violent direct action (Satyagraha) as the means to resolve personal and social conflicts.
Because all life is indivisible, the means used to reach our ends is crucial.
Therefore, we strive for utmost honesty, integrity, non-violence and good will to achieve our goals.
We are a non partisan/ non party political organization, but support other local, national, and international groups who strive for a more peaceful, just, and cooperative society and world.
Please send comments to rflyer@earthlink.net