I read spiritual texts from many traditions. The TRUTH is the truth regardless of the language used or the topics discussed. In the book Alcoholics Anonymous there is a quote mistakenly attributed to Herbert Spencer. The actual source of the quote however is William Paley.
“There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance—that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”
— William Paley
We all scoff at things that seem foreign to us. Stop turning your nose up at those things you have not experienced. These new things are not better or worse than your own experiences, they are merely different.
If there is an inner revulsion to this new experience try to soften and let go of this revulsion. A softening could be: “Other people do action X, but I’ve chosen not to partake”. Let others have their own ways. There is no reason to have everyone conform to the same set of rules and actions.
Let’s say that you scoff at the idea of meditation, and you believe that it is a sham. Have you ever really tried to meditate? Have you been willing to devote a block of time to become somewhat competent in this new thing before you pass judgement on it?
Be willing to try new things. Step outside of your comfort zone. Come on in, the water is warm. Let go of your contempt, if only for the present moment. Engage in this new experience fully so that you can make an informed judgement. If after you have personally experience it you believe that it is not beneficial to you, say that you found no truth in it, but other people may have a different experience.
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