Conceived, edited, and co-authored by Ed Siegel, M.D.
Most everyone has had a spiritual journey of some sort; some finding a path that becomes true for them; others remaining uncertain or giving up. This book, designed to help physicians relate to the diverse religions of their patients, is devoted to exploring the surprising number of similarities among all major faith traditions. It begins with the fascinating spiritual journey of its editor, Dr. Ed Siegel, physician, psychiatrist, teacher, pianist, arm-chair philosopher, and world traveler (who has independently visited some eighty countries). Dr. Siegel, while coincidently traveling forty days and forty nights, spontaneously composed a dense 81 word sentence he decided to call his “laconic synthesis.” This sentence, the impetus for his book,seemingly brings together all major religions without changing their names, beliefs or practices.
Every religion has arrived at its own process of trying to do the impossible: to explain how the universe and its wonders were created from nothing; to understand the conceived creator’s plan; to know what is expected of us and how to meet those expectations; and to know with some certainty what happens to the self after death. In attempting to answer these questions, each major religion or faith tradition has evolved to provide not only answers, but other very important functions as well. These include 1) a sense of belonging and identity; 2) an environment and a faith that facilitates the experience and expression of awe, gratitude, remembrance, contrition and hope; 3) provisions for teaching right from wrong; 4) traditions for celebrating life cycle life events; and, 5) provide through the use of words, symbols, rituals, and music – feelings of inspiration and transcendence.
Einstein, arguably history’s most profoundly advanced scientist, one stated that “there is an orderin the universe that is beyond comprehension,” leading him to famously state that “God does not play dice.” For the sake of pure logic, this book includes a chapter by celebrated and pioneering neuroscientist, Jose Manuel Delgado, M.D., PhD, on the limitations of the brain. Although we readily accept that the brains of our dearest canine friends, who can smell and hear things we are unable to smell and hear, have obvious limitations; that the brains of peace-loving dolphins whose capabilities in many ways exceed those of humans, have obvious limitations; and that the human brain, even with its approximately one hundred billion nerve cells, presently has limits as to what it can perceive and comprehend.
This book contains chapters by credible, sometimes truly distinguished co-authors, each from one of six major faith traditions. Each shares an essential aspect of his or her religion, an aspect common to all religions. Among them are the internationally known entertainer and inspirational speaker, Ben Vereen; India’s treasured Hindu Kathak dancer, Purnima Jha; and Benin West Africa’s former President of Parliament, the Hon. Kolawole Idji. Among the nine other co-authors are a distinguished Episcopal priest; a Libyan Muslim who is both a successful businessman and a student of the Koran; a rabbi serving the oldest Jewish congregation in Florida; Catholic and Presbyterian deacons; a Hindu psychiatrist, and a Buddhist City Engineer. With excerpts from the writings of the renowned and highly respected Buddhist teacher and spiritual leader, His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, the book ends optimistically, urging us to recognize and share with mutual respect, ethical behavior, and harmony, the commonalities of our religious traditions and humanity.
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