Is Salvation Found Outside Ourselves? 

Have you ever paused to consider why so much of human effort is directed toward seeking salvation—whether through religion, philosophy, or some other system of belief? Almost every tradition seems to suggest that something is inherently flawed in us, something that needs fixing, cleansing, or redeeming. But is this assumption true? And if it is not, what does that mean for the search itself? 

Let’s explore this together. 

The Assumption of Flaw 

Religions and philosophies often begin with the idea that human beings are fundamentally flawed. They present a vision of salvation as something to be achieved—a destination to reach, a state of perfection that lies beyond where we are. This belief shapes not only how we see ourselves but also how we live. It creates a gap: “I am here, but I should be there. I am incomplete, but I must become whole.” 

But have we ever questioned this starting point? Why do we assume we are broken? Is it because others have told us so? Is it because we compare ourselves to some ideal or standard set by tradition? 

If you really look, isn’t this notion of inherent flaw just a product of thought? Thought, which is conditioned by culture, upbringing, and past experiences, sets up these ideals and then convinces us to strive for them. It creates a problem and then offers a solution—but is the problem real? 

The Limits of External Means 

Now, if we accept the idea that we are flawed, we naturally seek remedies. And so, religions, rituals, and belief systems promise salvation. They offer paths, rules, and practices to follow. But have you noticed how these external means often lead to dependence, division, and even conflict? 

Consider this: if salvation is presented as something outside yourself, something to be earned or granted, doesn’t that imply you are powerless on your own? And doesn’t that dependency breed fear—the fear of failure, of not measuring up, of losing what you hope to gain? 

Furthermore, can any external system truly address what is within you? Beliefs and rituals may provide temporary comfort or a sense of belonging, but do they transform the root of fear, confusion, or sorrow? Or do they merely cover it up? 

A Rational Inquiry 

Let’s approach this logically. If salvation is about wholeness or freedom, can it ever come from something outside? Wholeness implies that nothing is missing, nothing needs to be added. If you rely on an external authority to “complete” you, aren’t you reinforcing the idea that you are incomplete? 

And can freedom ever be given to you by another? Freedom, by its very nature, cannot be bestowed. It must arise from understanding—understanding the workings of your own mind, the patterns of fear, desire, and conditioning that keep you bound. 

Looking Within 

Perhaps the notion that we are flawed is itself flawed. What if the issue is not that we are incomplete but that we have never truly understood ourselves? What if salvation is not about becoming something but about seeing clearly what we already are? 

This seeing does not require beliefs, rituals, or systems. It requires inquiry—a willingness to look, question, and understand without judgment or preconception. It is not about fixing the self but about understanding it.