Meet a Unitarian

If you've checked out the FAQ's in our 'about' section you've probably realised that the beliefs held by Unitarians can be pretty varied. Whilst we all generally share the quality of having enquiring minds, and strive for religious freedom, our journey's towards identifying as 'Unitarian', and how we engage with this label is personal to each of us. In the first of what will be a series of 'Meet a Unitarian' posts, we'll be meeting Lis Dyson Jones. Lis is a long-standing and valued member of Cardiff Unitarians, as well as district secretary. Let's take a look at her journey towards Unitarianism...

Q. Do you consider yourself a Unitarian, or do you also use other terms?

A. Generally, I don’t tend to use labels to identify people, however, I feel I could be called a Buddhist Unitarian whilst Unitarian Universalism is part of my spiritual journey. Buddhism is of course, not a religion but along with Universalism represents a spiritual way of life and both traditions follow ‘The Golden Rule’ (some may call it The Diamond Rule)- treating others as one would wish to be treated.

This is a harmonious, comfortable space for me to be able to access the higher ground within. The wealth of embracing the ethos of Buddhism and Unitarian Universalism is to discover the level of understanding and insight each tradition reveals and not by limiting understanding of any one spiritual path.

Q. How long have you been a Unitarian?

A. I was born into a Unitarian family of several years standing. My grandfather was a Unitarian Lay Preacher and had brothers and sisters who all contributed to church life and social change in the north of England. One of his brothers became a Quaker after being a conscientious objector during WW1.

So I was always encouraged to think for myself whilst considering my actions and the views of others.

I have served the Unitarian Movement in many capacities and in many different UK Unitarian communities over the years, using my skills wherever I could and have been glad to have done so. Since 1975, I have been a member of Cardiff Unitarians, serving as Secretary and Chair in my time. I was honoured to be National Unitarian President during 2011/2012.

Q. How do you spiritual beliefs influence your everyday life?

A. I have come to realise that despite differences in belief and through my learning and practice of Buddhism that we all have a Buddha nature. Our true spiritual task is to awaken to who and what we are, recognizing that working for a better world, without ego, begins with each of us. So, if I work being a Buddha now and not just a Buddhist, I must work towards being authentic and how can that not influence how I live my life? (Be the Peace I want for the World).

Q. Could you describe any personal practices you have?

A. After spending many years devotedly attending church worship, as a member of Cardiff and other Unitarian communities and in being South East Wales District Secretary, I know that my spiritual path involves more than just attending Sunday worship. (As a young Unitarian this was part of a whole way of life, providing social weekly activities and access to a variety of programmes; a way of life, infact)

I have found that Buddhist concepts offer me comfort and an acceptance that nothing is permanent and plumbs the depths of my understanding. After much thought and several years deliberation, I joined a Buddhist Sanga (a community meeting to practice awareness, harmony and joy, realizing liberation and bringing peace), where I can take refuge and where I have found a group of spiritual, courageous people who live and practice, without fear of reproach, breath by breath. This open minded focus has helped me to open my own eyes.

I meditate daily and am grateful to the wellspring of clarity and compassion my personal practice gives me, just as I value belonging to a Unitarian community. In Buddhism and Unitarian Universalism, the answers are pretty much out there in the liturgies, academic writings, poems, readings and in the human examples of how to live and be in the world. Nothing is hidden, but knowing the questions needing to be asked about oneself is a different matter.

Q. What would you say to someone interested in Unitarianism?

A. This is a difficult one, but I would probably say something like,

‘Be yourself but be open minded, open hearted and work out for yourself what a spiritual path means to you. Be curious, ask questions and pay little attention to hindrances. Face your doubts. Your spiritual path comes from within but take what you learn with a generous spirit and without ego. Try to cultivate joy, stillness, peace and loving kindness. It’s not easy but let the love-light in, breath by breath with attention and know that you will be welcome. Be delighted and enjoy your journey; it will be worth it’