The Marxian swipe at religion as being “the opiate of the masses” is true in the pejorative sense that Marx likely intended. When carried to extremes, lives spent kneeling in prayer indeed tends toward intellectual befuddlement in addition to the beneficial effects of opioids: reducing pain and suffering. Done in moderation, tho, prayer and meditation release our natural opiates, acting to reduce pain and enhance our sense of reality and well-being so we can Be now!Something else that acts to reduce pains and anxieties is laughter. Smiles throughout the day and many chuckles releases the same natural neurohumors; we live better, feel and are better.
A third thing with similar results comes from acting with the highest ethic. Even by projecting these nature of thought patterns, we benefit. Through the wisdom of helping, by the gift of empathy, love and grace, our bodies are filled with natural endorphins.
When we approach excellence
we encounter wisdom:
from wisdom, kindness blossoms;
with it come empathy, grace, and love.
These reach toward the the highest ethic.
When we follow this path--living fully and well,
moving toward self-realization and contentment--
we come to understand that our individual selves
are not the final meaning of our Being.
With these first steps,
we already stand at the mid-point of our way.
Working toward the highest good,
pains and sufferings that happen
along the way can be transmuted into joy.
Coming face-to-face with our
flaws and perfections, we touch the depths of our soul.
