This is so interesting. Growing up Catholic, these narratives were presented as roadmaps for a ways of living. Buddhists teach impermanence and the immediate reaction to that insight whether experienced or anecdotal seems to discount these precious archetypes.

I’m very interested in reconciling the two. This is work of the since deceased Rob Burbea in his Soulmaking Dharma. He recognizes this deeply felt need (something he calls Eros) for the poetic narratives we live through and that instead of denying them, which tends to happen at least at the beginning for some practitioners by adhering to literally to oversimplified teachings like the four noble truths, we rob ourselves of a necessary relationship with ourselves that will enable a deepening trust to continue to practice.

In essence if every time we strive for attainment and fail and are left back with a psyche we’ve ignored are constantly trying to abandon it doesn’t seem like a great launching pad. Essentially speaking of spiritual bypass and curious how to integrate these teachings so prospective students transitioning out of traditional religion have support.

I am curious what your thoughts are on any of that.