Every human being has a right – in fact an obligation – to make his or her life the most creative, most satisfying and happy, best realization of the person they might be. It is as if God, by granting us life and awareness of our life, has given us an instrument to play; our expertise at playing this instrument is what we study, practice and hone to the best level of perfection we are able. As an end in itself religion hinder us, can thwart, even stultify, the process of self-realization by emphasizing doctrine and dogma rather than our true life experience. To the extent that our religion assists us in our practice by its teaching, by the exemplary lives of its saints, by its vision of God, is it very valuable.
Nick Hilton - Reflections 