I am an agnostic. I would not be so arrogant as to say I know the answers to the ultimate questions: Is there a God? Why are we here on earth? Are there other intelligent beings in the Universe? Any organized religion that claims exclusive knowledge of the nature or will of God is seriously deluded and I would be choosing ignorance and superstition to follow it.

What I do know is this: I am committed to do no harm, no evil; to do good (as best I understand it) and to encourage good in others; to understand and learn and dispel ignorance, fear, anger, and other negative aspects wherever possible.

I also know that there is suffering and pain in life as well as joy and love. Suffering and pain are a product of attachment and desire; a clear head and freedom from greed and desire will free us from pain and suffering. The way to detachment is through understanding and acceptance (acceptance means acknowledgment of its existence, not endorsement): it is as it is.

Suffering and pain? All things pass, life is impermanent; all things are interconnected, including us with each other. Therefore, ego attachment and control, greed and lust lead to pain and corruption. Even hatred is a kind of attachment, as the one who hates tells over the beads of his grievances and angers and doesn’t let them go.

When our minds are clouded and we think we “own:” things, we “have” our man, we “prove” our worth, we “get” our just rewards—that is when we are vulnerable to loss and pain. The way to lead our lives is to do the best we can, do good, not harm and yet refrain from ego-attachment to the results of our actions. Let go of the desire to claim the results; all things and relationships and pleasures are impermanent. Just do what needs to be done and be as gentle and life-affirming as possible.

I don’t know what the answers are to God, the Universe and Everything. I only know how to live my life as best I can, wherever, in whatever circumstances I find myself. I am an Agnostic.