A Vow To/Against God

[RobertZ]

What might give a person the right to do an activity that an unmistakable vow of gratitude (i.e., a promise to God) restricts? 

For example, I do not admit and I expressly deny that I consciously vowed to God that I would never consume 5-MEO-DMT.

 

I am looking for ideas about what could support a person in such a circumstance. Some ideas I had were:

(a) ambiguity of the vow,

(b) ignorance,

(c) intent, and 

(d) necessity.

To what extent would you revoke such a promise, if you found out that someone else did that?

[Leo Gura]

What kind of silly knots have you tied yourself in??

[Shin]

Why do you think you have to vow ?

[RobertZ]

As for the nature of this silly knot, I was journaling last night and this old memory popped up, where I thought that I had prayed once, many years ago. That being said, I did not experience anything mystical on that occasion, besides an ecstatic feeling of whole-hearted generosity.

For the reason I think it is a vow—actually, probably it is not, now that you mention that. It might be a psychological foible or something. I think that vows might need a context of validation—like someone to receive the vow. The silly promise in question was silent and internal.  However, the first external request for this promise’s invalidation (to a previous spiritual guide) was put off with some qualification of ‘culturally appropriate’ exceptions to the promise.  That being said, I am not in good standing with that Religion anymore, so I am not sure if their validation matters to my experience right now. 

[Leo Gura]

Let it all go. Throw it all away. Deconstruct yourself until there's nothing left to cling to. That is the truest spirituality.

[RobertZ]

Thanks @Leo Gura

Edited May 27, 2019 by RobertZ