Spiritual Freedom With a Guarantee

By editor in Within Our Space March 5, 2025

One of the pillars of modern progressive society is the principle of freedom of beliefs. In simple terms, this means that everyone has the right to hold any views, believe in whatever they want, and not be persecuted for it. Although the word “progressive” is often said with irony in relation to today’s society — and I myself often do so — there is no irony in this case. The principle of freedom of beliefs is indeed progressive. Not long ago, this was something to only dream about. People were forcibly converted to certain religions, intolerance was rampant, and in some places, people were executed for converting to another religion — or even just for leaning towards such a conversion. In some places, non-believers were discriminated against both legally and financially, placed at a disadvantage compared to adherents of the dominant religion. In some places, non-believer preaching was simply banned. In some, the infamous principle “Who rules, his faith” was enforced. And in some places, non-believers were simply killed as soon as the opportunity arose. Even in our time, intolerance continues to hold its ground in some places, though not with such brutality. Therefore, the progressiveness of the principle is evident. Though, here, we are considering it in a somewhat narrower sense, referring primarily to worldview-religious beliefs. This is what can still be called freedom of religion.

Of course, few religions like having competitors nearby that they can’t control. After all, it’s a struggle for influence, income, and, ultimately, for power. Seeing people agitate for something in your presence that prevents you from acting and thriving is, to put it mildly, unpleasant. And if you sincerely believe that all those not in your religion will go to hell, and you genuinely feel sorry for them, then even more so. So, despite the outward tolerance some religions, which once acted as described above, may now show, the friendly facade does not come cheaply. In all senses. However, in modern secular states, they no longer have the same power they once did. So, they have to accept it. Albeit with gritted teeth.

But what will happen in our space — that is, in the future society where the primary worldview will be based on the Teaching?

From the very formulation, it’s clear that if the Teaching becomes the primary worldview, but not the only one, then there will be alternatives, and the question of freedom of beliefs will remain relevant. Let me remind you that the Teaching is not a religion. However, it can occupy the same niche that religions now hold, and thus it is a direct ideological competitor to them — just as they are to it. We too are convinced of the truth of our worldview, and we too want people to stop being misled and to follow the right path. The Teaching exists to help them see this path. This is important: it helps, but does not force. It explains, but does not compel.

The key role here lies in the difference in approach. While some religions believe that they can save a person by forcing them to accept the Truth, such a thing is impossible for the Teaching — simply because it doesn’t fit within its worldview. According to the Teaching, free choice is paramount for spiritual development. Without it, there is no spiritual progress. Acceptance of the Truth under pressure will not help, especially since it won’t even be true acceptance. There must be reflection and choice. Moreover, the Teaching has no concept of eternal hell, so there is no need to save anyone from it by forcing them to accept the Truth. A person lives not one life, but many, and they have time to see the Truth, comprehend it, and accept it because they themselves want to.

For the Teaching, it is important that people can choose for themselves. And it is important that they have something to compare it to. Comparison is a very effective means of knowledge. This is true not only for those who have not yet made a choice, but also for those who have already chosen the Teaching. Followers continue to study it, reflect on it, and deepen their understanding. For this, comparison with other spiritual paths is not just possible, but desirable. Therefore, the Teaching recommends that its followers familiarize themselves with other teachings and religions, and study them if possible. Moreover, alternatives are a good thing. Every follower of the Teaching should have the opportunity at any moment to reconsider their choice and switch to another path, if they deem it necessary.

Our space is a space of free choice. Here, you can not only come to the Teaching but also leave it freely. Why are we so calm about this? Well, first of all, because of the importance of free choice, as stated earlier. Without it, knowledge loses its value, and spiritual development stagnates. Secondly, we are confident that sooner or later, all people will come to the Teaching, since it is the one that reveals the real picture of the world and correctly explains the purpose of humanity. The Truth will eventually be understood by all. Some will realize it in this life, others in the next, and some several lives later. And those who chose another path — even those who have left the Teaching now — they will one day come to it. Perhaps in other lives, through many centuries. The Teaching does not need to rush this process, push anyone, or force them to stay. Everything must happen naturally. This is the key to successful spiritual development for each individual and for humanity as a whole.

Now, let’s imagine a society where most people are followers of the Teaching and where it has become the basis of the social structure. What will happen to other teachings, to different religions in such a society? Will they be banned or put at a disadvantage?

No. They will have the freedom to propagate themselves and assert their own truth. By the way, this can even lead to condemnation in today’s free and enlightened society (there’s a little irony here) for saying things like, “How can you claim that the Truth is only with you? And, according to you, what are the others — fools who believe in nonsense? How disrespectful!” But we take a different view. Believing in the truth of what you believe in is perfectly normal. It would be strange to do otherwise: to believe in something you don’t consider the Truth, or at least not closer to it than other views. We are convinced of the truth of the TUT, openly declare it, and we don’t intend to stop others from doing the same. The less hypocrisy, the better. Even those who, in order to avoid condemnation, agree with the idea that all religions are equally true and valid as spiritual paths — deep down, they don’t believe it. So let them freely speak and assert their truth, let them prove it, let them bring their arguments and refute others’ arguments. This is not disrespectful to anyone. Let there be free discussion, where no one will be condemned just for thinking their spiritual path is the best. Furthermore, different teachings and religions will be free to teach within their own communities and beyond — meaning to anyone interested. As mentioned before, the Teaching encourages its followers to explore other spiritual paths. This is important not only to see possible alternatives but also to better understand people, social relations, and the history of human civilisation itself. And freedom of practice. Adherents of different teachings and religions will be free to perform their rituals and live according to their principles and prescriptions. Of course, if this is not criminal.

The space of the Teaching is a space where one can follow not only the Teaching. It is a space where the Teaching will be the guarantor of freedom of religion, equality of different confessions, and the right to preach them. Because this is right, and it should be this way.

One might ask: “Won’t this harm the Teaching itself? After all, it might lose its position, and its space might stop being its space.” Well, it’s possible. If that happens, it will give up its leading role. But then, problems may start with freedom of beliefs and religion. Many teachings and religions have already been leaders at different times and in different regions of the world. So far, their successes in ensuring this freedom have been, let’s say, unconvincing. And one might again step on the same rake.

Time will show what will happen and how. Everyone acts according to their understanding of what is right and just. The Teaching will act in its space as I have described. And the people, who make up any society, will decide whether they like it or not.