Landlord came with 2 tall Poles who piggy-backed up into the loft space and swiftly hatched a plan to mend my leaking roof.
So then I went to find a field of yellow (oilseed rape), and its neighbour (such a profound green – the young leaves of corn). A deer with big rump and white tail bobbed away like a rabbit. Was it a muntjac?
I pondered the joy of doing what you like as opposed to the sacrificial virtues of a religious approach. It’s taken me nearly a lifetime to understand. Why so long? You would think that each generation would discard those aspects of its inheritance that taste bitter and only keep what tastes sweet. How come religions are so focused on swallowing bitter pills? I suppose it is not their fault. This earthly sojourn is after all a vale of tears for many, religious or not.
But isn’t following your nose the most important thing you can do: to be guided in everything by your “gut feeling”, discarding the head-driven oughts and thoughts till you reach pure existence? No more sacrifice to any gods!
PS It was Douglas Adams who had the brilliant conceit of an I Ching calculator which output the text “A suffusion of yellow” for any calculation result greater than 4. And it is Douglas Adams who has valuable comment on the role of religions, irrational as they are, in the human scheme of things.
PPS. I really think that the main purpose of religion has been to prevent us demanding happiness. Because when religion is allowed to dissipate like morning fog, happiness is precisely what we seek. (A topic I take up in my next post – see above.)
a wayfarer’s notes 
I agree: sacrifice and oughts tend to get in the way of being true to oneself.
Sacrifice actually is a form of blackmail e.g. if someone denies themself pleasures they hope God may reward them in the afterlife.
Better than sacrifices is generosity towards oneself and others.
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Oh yes! To sacrifice can be a quick way to rob ourselves, Rob!
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It is ironic that the relious communities have been found to have greater happiness than non relious people. I think it is due to the sense of sharing in a community that gives this happiness. Whilst a non believer I have belonged to a Methodist Church and taking part in all its activities relious, and secular which has given my wife and I a deep feeling of peace and enjoyment. It is surprising how when you explore others in the community how many sectretly share our views. So my suggestion to you is join a sharing community whatever it calls itself.
Eric
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Thanks, Eric. I have been a member of religious and non-religious communities, and understand what you are saying. Ultimately, though, we find what suits us best and on the scale of sociability, I incline to the “hermit” end myself.
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