Which Spiritual person do you admire?

[Leon]

Which spiritual person do you admire, whether they are alive or not is immaterial. Which person inspires you to be a better person, or makes you question yourself. Who has had the most effect on your life?

[aceofcups]

 Hi Leon

I admire many people in this life.

Some for their Spiritual Wisdom and Spiritual Connection - some who have lived in the Past, some living in the Present, others who will live in the Future.   I admire my Inner and Outer Teachers and Teachings and everyone I meet - good or bad who become a life teaching for me.

I admire some for their physical hard work, others for working trying to make the planet a loving environment, sometimes fighting against all odds to do so. I admire others for there sense of Beauty and creativity in many fields.

I admire the whole Universe for existing...if that makes sense.

I admire you Leon and Karen for creating this web-site and continuing to help it run.

peace
aceofcups

[gruntal]

My local gurus all deserve some applause: Dawn Nickols, Anita Burns, Dr Marie Feuer, Tina Foran, Ishtara. Since my first introduction to the fraternities was the American Rosicrucian's I was always fascinated by H. Spencer Lewis who passed away about 1937. He was the Imperator of the modern incarnation of Ancient Mystical Order Rosea Crucis in the Unites States. Alas I can't really follow anybody or anything in the physical so that makes the question rather esoteric. I have a "hot lead" to somebody I can't see or hear but seems like a dream come true.

Admiration is not to be given lightly. There is just too much at stake not to be skeptical. But I thank all that have given of themselves to help me and the others to find their way in such "uncharted territories".

[sparklekaz]

Over the years I have come across people I admire and for different reasons. I love the Dalai Lama, aside from who he is and what he represents, he has always come across to me such a warm human being, who for someone who has lived a monastic life, seems to have extraordinary insight into the human condition. Empathy and compassion. A wise and truly loving human being.

I read the diaries of Anne Frank when I was younger, and she struck me as being a very spiritual being. An old soul in one so young, who showed great bravery and fortitude in the face of terrible adversity. She was able to lift herself above that and not lose faith in humanity.

I also admire Nelson Mandela, whose words on forgiveness and letting go of bitterness and the desire for revenge have always had a profound affect on me. For example - "I always knew that deep down in every human heart, there is mercy and generosity. No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Even in the grimmest times in prison, when my comrades and I were pushed to our limits, I would see a glimmer of humanity in one of the guards, perhaps just for a second, but it was enough to reassure me and keep me going. Man’s goodness is a flame that can be hidden but never extinguished.”

And "As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” These words were expressed by him in describing the long years spent in prison. But to me they are just as relevant in many other area's of our lives. I am sure there are many more that I admire, but for now, those are the three people that come to mind.

Love and light
Kaz

[hera]

Oh yes there are many aren't there, but the ones who spring immediately to mind are Br David Steindl-Rast, the current pope, Pope Francis, both catholics and although I don't hold any faith in their religion they are loving examples of spiritual giving and living, the Dalai Lama, and of course there are many more who will spring to mind when I have posted this, so I will probably add to the list later

[moksgmol]

Hi!

I will answer very straight forward: Jiddu Krishnamurti.

When I was younger I had other influences but growing up and understanding my self I find myself excluding everyone else, even him actually. Because the best master we have is our own curiosity and our enquiries, do not stop and believe what everyone tells you. Do not stop and live (or pretend to) full with the conditioning you are imposed by your families, schools, governments, masters, spiritual leaders etc. Find out by yourself, enquire, doubt, try to see without judging, without all the labels we want to put on everything, just observe, silently, and continue to ask questions, never stop doing that. Masters are an inspiration, but do not let them dictate your life. Do not make it a doctrine to follow, but find your path and understand and love yourself. Do not be afraid, you will never be alone anyway!

[mainmeal]

Satyananda Saraswati and William Lilly, both lived their spiritual principals to the full and lived to a ripe old age.