In the rich tapestry of human spiritual and religious practices, countless individuals across the globe have, at various points in their lives, committed themselves to vows and oaths within the context of their beliefs. These commitments, ranging from vows of poverty and chastity to more profound pledges like the Bodhisattva vows or monastic oaths, often stem from a deep desire to connect with the divine, to purify one's soul, or to serve a perceived higher purpose. However, as our understanding of spirituality evolves, so too does our perception of these vows, especially when they begin to feel more like chains than wings, binding us to states of being that no longer resonate with our true selves.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://blog.maitreyafields.com/liberating-yourself-from-religious-deceptions-and-restrictive-vows