The Roots of Unitarian-Universalism, my perspective

If you “weren’t there”, back in the late 50’s – early 60’s, then you would have to have read about what was happening with our sense of national self and what was happening with our cultural awareness. The ‘hip’ generation was transmogrifying into the ‘hippie’ persona. Eastern mysticism, Zen, Alan Watts and more were the topics that were capturing the imaginations of endless wandering souls. I was one of them – albeit somewhat late in the game. I wasn’t, in any fashion, alone in dabbling in Eastern thought.

So were the founders of what we now call the Unitarian-Universalist Church.

I had, not that long ago, started writing a sermon on how I felt that I “just wasn’t a proper fit” in UU society. Though I call myself a ‘liberal’, I have been known to harbor some fairly conservative views. I could read the back of the Sunday program, and both agree and fervently disagree with the Principles. But then, this Summer, I enjoyed one of those ‘Aha!’ moments. I started to rethink those Principles from another direction. This little missive is all about what I now think of those same Principles.

In my striving for peace of mind, I made the determination to revisit, renew, and investigate more thoroughly my chosen spiritual path – Buddhism. Having read a number of texts that were new to me, I think I now know why the UU church has not (yet) thrown me out. I am (if I am correct about this whole UU ‘thing’) hanging out with a whole bunch of fellow Buddhists (only somewhat disguised).

Allow me to explain that opinion more thoroughly…

I have read Richard Bachelor’s book entitled “Buddhism without Beliefs”. That, along with many others this Summer, has entirely changed my viewpoint. You see, I struggle with the same issues that many Westerners have with Buddhism. I disagree with the concepts of Rebirth and of Karma.

Stephen Batchelor’s vision of Buddhism is one of an active agnosticism. Batchelor claims that Buddhism’s institutionalization solidified into doctrine much of the religion’s original spirit of questioning. He advocates a return to the doubting and questioning origins of Buddhism so that practitioners do not cling to doctrine for security. He states, “an agnostic Buddhist looks to the Dharma for metaphors of existential confrontation rather than metaphors of existential consolation” and thus practitioners should not be afraid to proclaim, “I don’t know!”.

Long have we UUs prided ourselves on a similar spiritual agnosticism. We are a family of those that are involved in “A free and responsible search for truth and meaning”. One that meets our individual spiritual requirements. We can be recovering Catholics, Jews, Humanists, etc., but at our core is this root of agnosticism. We search because we either don’t know, are unsure, or need proofs. We have a tradition of questioning any and all things.

Interestingly, and along the same lines, here is a statement by the Buddha:

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.” (paraphrased).

He taught agnosticism. Just as we basically do – by the mere existence of our Principle #4.

Let’s revisit those Principles:

As a member congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Association, we covenant to affirm and promote these principles:

1. The inherent worth and dignity of every person.
2. Justice, equity and compassion in human relations.
3. Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.
4. A free and responsible search for truth and meaning.
5. The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large.
6. The goal of world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.
7. Respect for the interdependent web of all existence, of which we are a part.

Then, let’s compare them to Buddhism’s Eight-Fold or Middle Path

1. Right Understanding - Just enough to get you started at first, followed by awakening. Knowing Buddha’s Four Noble Truths. Understanding the logic of the teachings – then acquiring knowledge – then experience (meditation) – finally Wisdom.
2. Right Thought – Love and Non-Violence extended to all beings. Our U.U. Principle number 1.
3. Right Speech – No Lies, Hatred, or Gossip. Our Covenant of Right Relations. Our U.U. Principle number 3.
4. Right Action. Our U.U. Principle number 2.
5. Right Livelihood – Causing no harm to others. Our U.U. Principle number 7.
6. Right Effort – Persistence and Determination.
7. Right Mindfulness – To be diligently aware, mindful and attentive with regard to activities of the body, sensations or feelings, activities of the mind, ideas, thoughts, conceptions, and emotions. Our U.U. Principle number 5.
8. Right Concentration – Insight Meditation.

I’ve already shown how our U.U. Principle number 4 is represented by a basic facet of the Buddha’s teachings, and how even the Dharma (Principles) could be put into question.

In addition, Buddhists take refuge (comfort) in what are called the Three Gems:

• Buddha: Understanding that we all can become Buddhas (or awake).
• Dharma: The teachings of the Buddha. Following the 8-fold path (or our Principles!).
• Sangha: Our community of faith followers for support. As this community (hopefully) expands, we have our U.U. Principle number 6 – a World Community at Peace.

Those basic Guides to Buddhism, drawn by the Buddha himself, has UU written all over them. We, here at U.U.C.R., are practicing the dharma in each and every service.

If an individual believes that the teachings of the Buddha could work for them - in developing their spiritual self - If an individual ‘practices’ the dharma (the 8-fold path or our own U.U. Principles!). Then that individual is technically a Buddhist (or Dharma Practitioner).

We, here at the U.U. Church of Riverside, are then, and along with the rest of our U.U. brethren, quite literally Buddhists (or Dharma Practitioners...ed.)!

No wonder I feel that this church is helping me in my spiritual path. I thank the founders of our religion – and for their obvious use of the Buddha’s teachings.

James S. Rounsaville, Unitarian-Universalist and Practitioner of the Dharma

September, 2006