I was recently questioned in a discussion forum on why there is no gap between what I feel (believe) and what I know.
I do not form my worldview from what others have written or what I'm told to believe, but from what I've experienced.
From what do you form your worldview?
Is your worldview based on personal experience or do you derive your worldview based on Scripture and what you are told by religious leaders what to believe?
Which is better? Why?
From experience and scripture (suttas and sutras). When I can, I go to the temple. I cant go often since its so far. Forms of tradition helps put things in communal perspective as well. As for going by others, Im uncomfortable with that. I rather find my own place in spirituality and expression.
Experience mostly through everyday life, art, and such. I finally started with my novel; so, thats spirituality and good life long goal for me (my bucket list of sorts) Experience is overated, though. Its the same pet phrase people use journey and not the destination.
We all learn from some sort of written text (say in education or collecting our mothers memior and family albums). We do go by authority and tradition by our laws and social standards of behavior. Military is a huge influence of tradition and such.
Experience is my driving force. Knowledge is second. Sutras third. I have to have some sort of nudge etc to continue with my spiritual journey. I have to know something of what I believe. The suttas help put what I cant figure out into perspective and it goes back in a circle. Suttas arent idols so I dont go to them often as I would going back to my journal or finding ways to tell my story by canvas.
Which is better? Depends on how you learn. Experiences from the heart can make you jump every which a place. Too much knowlege you would be studying and talking more than you practice. Too much scripture, you loose site of finding spirituality in yourself before you look towards others.
Knowledge gives you facts. Scripture guidence. Experience the actual Dharma to which the other two depends.