Religion

This is a selection from an article about Alberto Salazar, the famous marathoner from the 80s. He almost died from heart disease, and his religious faith helped him move on.

The pilgrimage transformed Salazar. He sold his restaurant and bar in Eugene and moved to Portland to work for Nike. He attended Mass daily, observed the sacraments, fasted twice a week and repudiated his arrogant ways. He sought to become more patient and generous. To a remarkable degree, Salazar succeeded, but not without cost. When he told acquaintances about the source of his change — apparitions of the Holy Mother, silver chains turning gold — they tended to edge away.

nytimes.com

If you changed "attended Mass daily, observed the sacraments, fasted twice a week and repudiated his arrogant ways. He sought to become more patient and generous. " to "meditated daily, observed awakened states, fasted..., repudiated... He sought to...", it would sound quite similar to the monastic traditions as presented in many Buddhists texts, and perhaps what searching laypersons try to do as well. I think they all have a similar message packaged differently, but the millenia have laden the different religions with man-made social and cultural baggage. I'm decided non-Catholic, but I'm respectful of his faith and the role it has played in keeping him grounded in a chaotic world. We should all strive to find that balance of heart, whether through officially religious or non-religious means.

Peace

p.s. and i find it strange that both the NYTimes and SportsIllustrated have big articles on Salazar this week. go figure.