Another excerpt from a poem from - Rumi: Bridge to the Soul - by Coleman Barks...For Christine - today - on her birthday!
You Shall Not See Me
You are rest for my soul,
a surprising joy for my bitterness.
Imagination has never imagined
what you give to me.
The sound of someone whistling in the street,
or asking questions. If that person
is bringing word from you,
those sounds are worth more
than all the world's poetry.
There is nothing I want but your presence.
In friendship, time dissolves.
Life is a cup. This connection
is pure wine. What else are cups for?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Rumi: Bridge to the Soul
I just received and started reading the new book of Rumi poems translated by Coleman Barks and titled - Rumi: Bridge to the Soul. Journey into the Music and Silence of the Heart.
What a beautiful title! Coleman Barks has spent over 30 years of his life painstakingly recording and translating the ecstatic poems of Rumi - a 13th century Sufi Mystic. If that is not an endeavor of love - I don't know what is!
Here are some excerpts from a couple of poems...
As The Sky Does in Water
For the grace of the presence be grateful...
Images. Presence plays with form,
fleeing and hiding as the sky does in water,
now one place, now nowhere.
Imagination cannot contain the absolute.
These poems are elusive
because the presence is.
I love the rose that is not a rose,
but the second I try to speak it, any name
for God becomes so-and-so and vanishes.
What you thought to draw lifts off the paper,
as what you love slips from your heart.
Music and Silence
Lovers, union is here,
the meeting we have wanted,
the fire, the joy.
Let sadness and any fear of death
leave the room.
The sun's glory comes back.
Wind shakes our bells.
We are counters in your hand
passing easily through.
Music begins.
Your silence deepen that.
Were you to put words with this
we would not survive the song.
And more excepts tomorrow!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Ananda Part Two
Here is an outline of my closing remarks to my taping class and the conclusion to yesterday's blog entry...
CLOSING REMARKS:
Bliss is within us - in each and every one of us - it resides in our hearts and it is what unites us. Hopefully the practice today enabled you to connect more deeply with that reality in some way.
The sages of Kashmir Shaivism - which provide the philosophical and spiritual foundation for Anusara Yoga - sought and recognized the pulsating heart of Divine Bliss within all domains of human experiences. That is what made this system so radical.
Practice bliss as a mantra - say: "Bliss is within me." Or, "I am bliss." Do this for a period of time and notice your perspective shift.
Joy and bliss are in the world. Cultivate the practice of seeing it. Tune into the experience of it within yourself. See it everywhere.
How can you do this if you aren't particularly able to connect to your bliss?
Let me offer two suggestions:
When I need to connect more deeply to the experience of bliss - I surround myself with readings and music that evoke this experience within me - such as the ecstatic poetry of Rumi and Kabir and Hafiz, allowing it to wash over me, and allowing it to rekindle my innate but forgotten state of bliss. I listen to music that evokes bliss - I dance to it.
Think of a time you felt very blissful. How did it feel? Now let go of the details of the event and just dwell on the experience of bliss itself. Let it wash over you, filling every crevice in your being - in your body - in your heart - in your soul.
Now - bring your palms together -
bowing to the temple of infinite bliss -
of Divine ecstasy that resides within your heart:
May your practice lead you here
to the recognition
that not only is bliss your birthright -
but it is your very essence.
May you shine that bliss -
may you shine your Divine Light
and leave this world a better place.
Namaste.
CLOSING REMARKS:
Bliss is within us - in each and every one of us - it resides in our hearts and it is what unites us. Hopefully the practice today enabled you to connect more deeply with that reality in some way.
The sages of Kashmir Shaivism - which provide the philosophical and spiritual foundation for Anusara Yoga - sought and recognized the pulsating heart of Divine Bliss within all domains of human experiences. That is what made this system so radical.
Practice bliss as a mantra - say: "Bliss is within me." Or, "I am bliss." Do this for a period of time and notice your perspective shift.
Joy and bliss are in the world. Cultivate the practice of seeing it. Tune into the experience of it within yourself. See it everywhere.
How can you do this if you aren't particularly able to connect to your bliss?
Let me offer two suggestions:
When I need to connect more deeply to the experience of bliss - I surround myself with readings and music that evoke this experience within me - such as the ecstatic poetry of Rumi and Kabir and Hafiz, allowing it to wash over me, and allowing it to rekindle my innate but forgotten state of bliss. I listen to music that evokes bliss - I dance to it.
Think of a time you felt very blissful. How did it feel? Now let go of the details of the event and just dwell on the experience of bliss itself. Let it wash over you, filling every crevice in your being - in your body - in your heart - in your soul.
Now - bring your palms together -
bowing to the temple of infinite bliss -
of Divine ecstasy that resides within your heart:
May your practice lead you here
to the recognition
that not only is bliss your birthright -
but it is your very essence.
May you shine that bliss -
may you shine your Divine Light
and leave this world a better place.
Namaste.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Ananda
As I was preparing for my yoga classes for this week and looking over possible themes to use - I found a copy of my theme and the opening and closing remarks I made for the last class I taped before receiving my Anusara Yoga Certification - the culmination of a lot of hard work over the course of nearly two years. This class was taped a year ago - the day after my 26th wedding anniversary. As I reviewed my notes I decided to revisit this theme.
Here are my notes for this class:
ANANDA OPENING REMARKS:
There are two reasons for practicing Anusara Yoga:
a. Self knowledge (chit) and
b. The delight of the creative expression of the pose (ananda).
We will focus on this latter one...
The yogic scriptures and sages teach that bliss is our birthright. Our capacity for all creativity comes from bliss.
Sally Kemption, the well known meditation teacher says that the English translation of the word "bliss" for ananda is inadequate. More appropriate descriptions or definitions would be words like - ecstasy, or rapture.
Ananda is a joy that wells up on its own from the very depths of the universe and connects us to the vastness of pure being. What this ultimately means is - that ananda - bliss - as we commonly understand this term - is really a manifestation of the Divine - nothing more and nothing less!
Two verses from the Upanishads highlight this understanding:
"Who could live,
who could breathe,
if that blissful self
dwelt not within the heart?
That which gives joy!"
and,
"All things are born out of bliss.
They live in bliss
and dissolve in bliss."
Think of the implications for living our lives if we truly believe what these verses are saying. The yogic view affirms that happiness is possible because it is already inside of us. It does not reside elsewhere. Therefore - It is not possible for something else - or for something that resides outside of us to bring us joy - not even another person. Persons or things might seemingly trigger joy - but the experience of bliss - of ananda - is intrinsic - is it the soul's birthright and is always there - and when we experience it - it feels complete. We are complete!
Think for a moment of a time in your life in which you felt complete and utter bliss. How did that feel?
In the yogic literature and its teachings - the pinnacle of all our inner experiences is the bliss of Divine Love.
When we think of bliss and joy - we connect those experiences to the physical place of the heart. Working with backbends more than any other category of poses connects us deeply to the heart.
The First Universal Principle of Anusara Yoga - "Opening to Grace" - not only brings us to into our hearts - but it invites us to open within - creating a wider and bigger container - so that we can fill more deeply - and therefore radiate more Divinely our deepest Essence.
And tomorrow I will share my closing remarks...
Here are my notes for this class:
ANANDA OPENING REMARKS:
There are two reasons for practicing Anusara Yoga:
a. Self knowledge (chit) and
b. The delight of the creative expression of the pose (ananda).
We will focus on this latter one...
The yogic scriptures and sages teach that bliss is our birthright. Our capacity for all creativity comes from bliss.
Sally Kemption, the well known meditation teacher says that the English translation of the word "bliss" for ananda is inadequate. More appropriate descriptions or definitions would be words like - ecstasy, or rapture.
Ananda is a joy that wells up on its own from the very depths of the universe and connects us to the vastness of pure being. What this ultimately means is - that ananda - bliss - as we commonly understand this term - is really a manifestation of the Divine - nothing more and nothing less!
Two verses from the Upanishads highlight this understanding:
"Who could live,
who could breathe,
if that blissful self
dwelt not within the heart?
That which gives joy!"
and,
"All things are born out of bliss.
They live in bliss
and dissolve in bliss."
Think of the implications for living our lives if we truly believe what these verses are saying. The yogic view affirms that happiness is possible because it is already inside of us. It does not reside elsewhere. Therefore - It is not possible for something else - or for something that resides outside of us to bring us joy - not even another person. Persons or things might seemingly trigger joy - but the experience of bliss - of ananda - is intrinsic - is it the soul's birthright and is always there - and when we experience it - it feels complete. We are complete!
Think for a moment of a time in your life in which you felt complete and utter bliss. How did that feel?
In the yogic literature and its teachings - the pinnacle of all our inner experiences is the bliss of Divine Love.
When we think of bliss and joy - we connect those experiences to the physical place of the heart. Working with backbends more than any other category of poses connects us deeply to the heart.
The First Universal Principle of Anusara Yoga - "Opening to Grace" - not only brings us to into our hearts - but it invites us to open within - creating a wider and bigger container - so that we can fill more deeply - and therefore radiate more Divinely our deepest Essence.
And tomorrow I will share my closing remarks...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Meditation
I return in the afternoon after a blissful two hours spent in meditation with a community of Yogananda devotees.
There is great power in meditating with a group - regardless of how experienced one may be at the practice of meditation. I find such opportunities transformational and I am able to dive more deeply into the experience. Every word and reading seemed meant for me this morning.
If I were to summarize the readings and the theme of the morning - I would do so with this quote from Man's Eternal Quest by Yogananda:
"The man who is calm and even-minded
during pain and pleasure,
the one whom these things cannot ruffle,
he alone is fit to attain everlastingness."
The time passed swiftly as I went inside and reflected on readings from the Gospel of John, the Bhagavad Gita, and the writings of Yogananda, interspersed throughout periods of meditation.
On my way out, I picked up two flyers from a rack of free literature.
One was the Spanish translation of my favorite prayer and poem by Yogananda:
God! God! God!
Here entitled: Dios! Dios! Dios!
My favorite verse which is also the last one, rendered here in Spanish:
"Al despertar, al comer, al trabajar, al dormir, al sonar,
al servir, al meditar, al cantar, al amar divinamente,
por siempre mi alma exhala un solo son, silente:
Dios! Dios! Dios!"
Last Sunday I reflected on this prayer and shared it in my blog entry. Here is the last verse again:
"In waking, eating, working, dreaming, sleeping,
Serving, meditating, chanting, divinely loving,
My soul constantly hums, unheard by any:
God! God! God!"
There is great power in meditating with a group - regardless of how experienced one may be at the practice of meditation. I find such opportunities transformational and I am able to dive more deeply into the experience. Every word and reading seemed meant for me this morning.
If I were to summarize the readings and the theme of the morning - I would do so with this quote from Man's Eternal Quest by Yogananda:
"The man who is calm and even-minded
during pain and pleasure,
the one whom these things cannot ruffle,
he alone is fit to attain everlastingness."
The time passed swiftly as I went inside and reflected on readings from the Gospel of John, the Bhagavad Gita, and the writings of Yogananda, interspersed throughout periods of meditation.
On my way out, I picked up two flyers from a rack of free literature.
One was the Spanish translation of my favorite prayer and poem by Yogananda:
God! God! God!
Here entitled: Dios! Dios! Dios!
My favorite verse which is also the last one, rendered here in Spanish:
"Al despertar, al comer, al trabajar, al dormir, al sonar,
al servir, al meditar, al cantar, al amar divinamente,
por siempre mi alma exhala un solo son, silente:
Dios! Dios! Dios!"
Last Sunday I reflected on this prayer and shared it in my blog entry. Here is the last verse again:
"In waking, eating, working, dreaming, sleeping,
Serving, meditating, chanting, divinely loving,
My soul constantly hums, unheard by any:
God! God! God!"
Saturday, January 26, 2008
We Project Our Strengths
These quotes come from a recent newsletter of The Inner Journey:
"Any situation that you find yourself in,
is an outward reflection
of your inner state of beingness."
- El Moroya
"The people we are in relationship with
are always a mirror,
reflecting our own beliefs,
and simultaneously we are mirrors
reflecting their beliefs.
So relationship is one of the most powerful
tools for growth...
If we look honestly at our relationships
we can see so much
about how we have created them."
- Shakti Gawain
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul,
and paints his own nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher
"Any situation that you find yourself in,
is an outward reflection
of your inner state of beingness."
- El Moroya
"The people we are in relationship with
are always a mirror,
reflecting our own beliefs,
and simultaneously we are mirrors
reflecting their beliefs.
So relationship is one of the most powerful
tools for growth...
If we look honestly at our relationships
we can see so much
about how we have created them."
- Shakti Gawain
"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul,
and paints his own nature into his pictures."
- Henry Ward Beecher
Friday, January 25, 2008
Gratitude
These quotes come from the book - The Simple Abundance Journal of Gratitude - by Sarah Ban Breathnach.
Years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Sarah make a presentation and was profoundly moved by her. I also devoured her book - Simple Abundance - and it became my bible for a while. I even corresponded with her - at the encouragement of one of my students who knew her personally while I was still in the academic world - I was hoping to get her do a retreat for the faculty. But it never worked out. She was in high demand in those days.
I pulled this book out from a stack I was weeding out to donate. As I flipped through the pages, the following quotes caught my attention:
"Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives,
as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice
which secret garden we will tend...
when we choose not to focus
on what is missing from our lives
but are grateful for the abundance that's present -
love, health, family, friends, work,
the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure -
the wasteland of illusion falls away
and we experience Heaven on Earth."
- Sarah Ban Breathnach
"Be ready at all times
for the gifts of God,
and always for new ones."
- Meister Eckhart
"Let us be grateful to people
who make us happy -
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom."
- Marcel Proust
"We learn each day how cultivating gratitude
tills the soil of our souls,
and then how the seeds of simplicity;
order, harmony, beauty, and joy
send their roots deep down into the earth
of everyday existence."
- Sarah B. B.
"Nature has been for me,
for as long as I remember,
a source of solace,
inspiration, adventure,
and delight;
a home, a teacher,
a companion."
- Lorraine Anderson
"The ordinary acts we practice every day
at home are of more importance to the soul
than their simplicity might suggest."
- Thomas Moore
"Walk through the different rooms where you eat,
sleep, and live. Bless the walls, the roof, the windows
and the foundation. Give thanks for your home
exactly as it exists today; sift and sort, simplify,
and bring order to the home you have.
Realize that the home of your dream dwells within."
- Sarah B. B.
"To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant,
to enact gratitude is generous and noble,
but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven."
- Johannes A. Gaertner
"Grace is available for each of us every day -
our spiritual daily bread - but we've got to remember
to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry
about whether there will be enough for tomorrow."
- Sarah B. B.
"God has two dwellings;
one in heaven,
and the other in a meek
and thankful heart."
- Izaak Walton
"Love wholeheartedly,
be surprised,
give thanks and praise -
then you will discover
the fullness of your life."
- Brother David Steindl-Rast
I thought of hearing Brother David in my twenties and thought of so many other quotes in this book that were beautiful. So many reminders to be grateful for every experience in our lives...
Years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Sarah make a presentation and was profoundly moved by her. I also devoured her book - Simple Abundance - and it became my bible for a while. I even corresponded with her - at the encouragement of one of my students who knew her personally while I was still in the academic world - I was hoping to get her do a retreat for the faculty. But it never worked out. She was in high demand in those days.
I pulled this book out from a stack I was weeding out to donate. As I flipped through the pages, the following quotes caught my attention:
"Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives,
as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice
which secret garden we will tend...
when we choose not to focus
on what is missing from our lives
but are grateful for the abundance that's present -
love, health, family, friends, work,
the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure -
the wasteland of illusion falls away
and we experience Heaven on Earth."
- Sarah Ban Breathnach
"Be ready at all times
for the gifts of God,
and always for new ones."
- Meister Eckhart
"Let us be grateful to people
who make us happy -
they are the charming gardeners
who make our souls blossom."
- Marcel Proust
"We learn each day how cultivating gratitude
tills the soil of our souls,
and then how the seeds of simplicity;
order, harmony, beauty, and joy
send their roots deep down into the earth
of everyday existence."
- Sarah B. B.
"Nature has been for me,
for as long as I remember,
a source of solace,
inspiration, adventure,
and delight;
a home, a teacher,
a companion."
- Lorraine Anderson
"The ordinary acts we practice every day
at home are of more importance to the soul
than their simplicity might suggest."
- Thomas Moore
"Walk through the different rooms where you eat,
sleep, and live. Bless the walls, the roof, the windows
and the foundation. Give thanks for your home
exactly as it exists today; sift and sort, simplify,
and bring order to the home you have.
Realize that the home of your dream dwells within."
- Sarah B. B.
"To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant,
to enact gratitude is generous and noble,
but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven."
- Johannes A. Gaertner
"Grace is available for each of us every day -
our spiritual daily bread - but we've got to remember
to ask for it with a grateful heart and not worry
about whether there will be enough for tomorrow."
- Sarah B. B.
"God has two dwellings;
one in heaven,
and the other in a meek
and thankful heart."
- Izaak Walton
"Love wholeheartedly,
be surprised,
give thanks and praise -
then you will discover
the fullness of your life."
- Brother David Steindl-Rast
I thought of hearing Brother David in my twenties and thought of so many other quotes in this book that were beautiful. So many reminders to be grateful for every experience in our lives...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
A Prayer by Thomas Merton
Since I've essentially been on this theme of 20th century Catholic mystics - I thought I would include this prayer by Thomas Merton which comes from his book - Thoughts in Solitude published in 1956:
"My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following Your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please You
does in fact please You.
And I hope that I have that desire
in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart
from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore, will I trust You always
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and You will never leave me
to face my perils alone."
"My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following Your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please You
does in fact please You.
And I hope that I have that desire
in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart
from that desire.
And I know that if I do this,
You will lead me by the right road
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore, will I trust You always
though I may seem to be lost
and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and You will never leave me
to face my perils alone."
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
A Soul in Deep Surrender
Every Tuesday afternoon - I look forward to my nearly two hour commute on the metro - to and from my yoga class - for it gives me the opportunity to lose myself in uninterrupted reading.
As I continue to delve into The Cave of the Heart - about the life of Henri Le Saux - the Benedictine monk turned swami - the realization came to me that his sojourn in India was really an invitation he received spiritually - perhaps unknown to him in the beginning - to abide in deep surrender. This theme of the necessity of cultivating surrender is evident in the writings of all spiritual giants since there is perhaps - no more difficult or pertinent lesson for a soul.
Here are some passages that are indicative of Le Saux's experiences with his pursuit of greater solitude and what he described as being "stripped stark naked in my soul."
This excerpt follows an extended period of meditation in a cave in India:
"What if he knew he would be there forever? What if no one knew or cared that he was there? What if no one brought him his mid-day meal and he had to beg for his food? Would he still feel such joy?
Then, in the depth of his soul, he heard what he called 'the call to total dispossession.'
I thought of how difficult it would be to actually live this way in our culture and society - yet we are able to considerably reduce our materialism and our spiritual attachments in particular - for these truly hold a soul back from its progression.
Later on, a friend and teacher notices the depth of Le Saux's spiritual progress and tells him:
"There is only one thing you need, and that is to break the last bonds that are holding you back. You are quite ready for it. Leave off your prayers, your worship. Your contemplation of this or that. Realize that you are, Tat tvam asi - you are That!"
In other words - you are already that which you seek and you are already one with the Source of your seeking...
The ultimate experience here was to transcend the ego which Le Saux began to have glimpses of - knowing he had to:
"Dive down into myself, to the greatest depth of myself. Forget my own 'aham,' lose myself in the 'aham' of the divine Atman which is the source of my being, of my consciousness of being. And in this unique - or primordial - Aham feel all being to be oneself."
It was so interesting to me to follow Le Saux's spiritual development - as he pursued his quest in two traditions at once - which mirrors my own quest to a large extent:
"It is through YOU that it is seen and heard, through you that it is thought and willed. You are what remains when nothing is any more seen or thought, willed or heard. That is the atman, the Self; it is what YOU ARE yourself in reality and beyond all outward appearances which change and pass away. Tat Tvam asi - You are That! What prevents you from realizing this?"
Le Saux experiences deeper surrender - letting go of even his attachment to his ashram - letting go of all his moorings, in his own words.
Later on in the book - there are beautiful descriptions of what he referred to as his awakening. Truly, this work tells the story of the journey of a soul in deep surrender...
These two final excerpts are from his diary after a profound experience and from a letter written to his sister, who was a Benedictine nun:
"The solitude of the one who has found God, for there is no longer any God to be with: God is only with himself and one who has found God exists only in the Self. It is the Self that he finds everywhere, in God, in his fellow human being...
And to discover oneself everywhere, what a draining out of oneself it is, what an emptying, kenosis. Everything is taken away from me. Supreme solitude, which is supreme emptiness, for how can the one who is Alone still define himself; no coordinates left by which to situate himself."
To his sister:
"...when you have discovered this I AM, scorching, devastating, then no longer even (can you say) God is - for who is there to speak of God? This is the great grace of India, which makes us discover the 'I Am' at the heart of the Gospel (John 8). May the devastating joy of this 'I Am' fill your soul."
He truly wished for others the beauty of his experience and the fruit of his life long quest for union with the Divine through the pursuit of solitude and deep surrender.
As I continue to delve into The Cave of the Heart - about the life of Henri Le Saux - the Benedictine monk turned swami - the realization came to me that his sojourn in India was really an invitation he received spiritually - perhaps unknown to him in the beginning - to abide in deep surrender. This theme of the necessity of cultivating surrender is evident in the writings of all spiritual giants since there is perhaps - no more difficult or pertinent lesson for a soul.
Here are some passages that are indicative of Le Saux's experiences with his pursuit of greater solitude and what he described as being "stripped stark naked in my soul."
This excerpt follows an extended period of meditation in a cave in India:
"What if he knew he would be there forever? What if no one knew or cared that he was there? What if no one brought him his mid-day meal and he had to beg for his food? Would he still feel such joy?
Then, in the depth of his soul, he heard what he called 'the call to total dispossession.'
the call to total stripping,
which is the call to total freedom;
since he only is free who has nothing,
absolutely nothing that he can call his own."
which is the call to total freedom;
since he only is free who has nothing,
absolutely nothing that he can call his own."
I thought of how difficult it would be to actually live this way in our culture and society - yet we are able to considerably reduce our materialism and our spiritual attachments in particular - for these truly hold a soul back from its progression.
Later on, a friend and teacher notices the depth of Le Saux's spiritual progress and tells him:
"There is only one thing you need, and that is to break the last bonds that are holding you back. You are quite ready for it. Leave off your prayers, your worship. Your contemplation of this or that. Realize that you are, Tat tvam asi - you are That!"
In other words - you are already that which you seek and you are already one with the Source of your seeking...
The ultimate experience here was to transcend the ego which Le Saux began to have glimpses of - knowing he had to:
"Dive down into myself, to the greatest depth of myself. Forget my own 'aham,' lose myself in the 'aham' of the divine Atman which is the source of my being, of my consciousness of being. And in this unique - or primordial - Aham feel all being to be oneself."
It was so interesting to me to follow Le Saux's spiritual development - as he pursued his quest in two traditions at once - which mirrors my own quest to a large extent:
"It is through YOU that it is seen and heard, through you that it is thought and willed. You are what remains when nothing is any more seen or thought, willed or heard. That is the atman, the Self; it is what YOU ARE yourself in reality and beyond all outward appearances which change and pass away. Tat Tvam asi - You are That! What prevents you from realizing this?"
Le Saux experiences deeper surrender - letting go of even his attachment to his ashram - letting go of all his moorings, in his own words.
Later on in the book - there are beautiful descriptions of what he referred to as his awakening. Truly, this work tells the story of the journey of a soul in deep surrender...
These two final excerpts are from his diary after a profound experience and from a letter written to his sister, who was a Benedictine nun:
"The solitude of the one who has found God, for there is no longer any God to be with: God is only with himself and one who has found God exists only in the Self. It is the Self that he finds everywhere, in God, in his fellow human being...
And to discover oneself everywhere, what a draining out of oneself it is, what an emptying, kenosis. Everything is taken away from me. Supreme solitude, which is supreme emptiness, for how can the one who is Alone still define himself; no coordinates left by which to situate himself."
To his sister:
"...when you have discovered this I AM, scorching, devastating, then no longer even (can you say) God is - for who is there to speak of God? This is the great grace of India, which makes us discover the 'I Am' at the heart of the Gospel (John 8). May the devastating joy of this 'I Am' fill your soul."
He truly wished for others the beauty of his experience and the fruit of his life long quest for union with the Divine through the pursuit of solitude and deep surrender.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
OM and the Christian Monk
Late into last night I read The Cave of the Heart by Shirley de Boulay. It is an intimate portrait of the Benedictine monk - Henri Le Saux - who went to India and became Swami Abhishiktananda - in the late 1940's.
As William Johnston, SJ, notes on the back cover - Le Saux "stands besides Thomas Merton, Anthony de Mello, and Bede Griffiths as one of the architects of a new mystical Christianity." And these of course, have been three of my favorite writers for decades.
Le Saux underwent a radical transformation as he truly immersed himself in the practices of two traditions - being fully anchored in both.
I was moved by reading how he went to the Himalayas, and there practically stripped naked - he recited the Psalms and chanted OM for three weeks.
These are some of his insights on his experiences and the meaning of this Sacred Syllable:
"Not allowing myself to locate God anywhere outside of me, but recognizing that within as well as without there is only He alone. For if there were God plus an 'other,' he would no longer be God, the Absolute! Nothing is left but he who says: I AM! Then what does it matter where I 'myself' am? Nothing is left but He who says 'I' 'aham,' from eternity to eternity. OM is precisely the word of the one who in the presence of the mystery can do no more."
Du Boulay notes that "Abhisiktananda loved the sacred syllable OM and wrote about it with a rare passion and insight."
Here are some more of this mystic's musings:
"OM is not a name for God...it has no special meaning...It stands...for the ineffable and unsearchable nature of the abyss of the divine Being...It is a kind of barely articulated exclamation, which is uttered when anyone finds himself personally confronted with the infinite mystery of God...
OM is the primordial word uttered by God in creating. OM is the beginning of God's self-manifestation. OM is at the origin of the universe. OM is also at the center of the soul from which arises the awareness of being oneself. All the possible sounds that our lips could utter, all the words which will ever be derived from them in the languages of mankind, are already contained in this primordial OM, the shabda-brahman, brahman in the form of sound, as it is also called."
And this final excerpt comes from a poem written by Le Saux that is a hymn to OM:
"The OM which our rishis heard resounding in their souls,
when they descended to the greatest depths in themselves,
deeper than their thoughts
and deeper than all their desires,
in the existential solitude of Being.
The OM which sounds in the rustling of leaves
shaken by the wind,
the OM which howls in the storm
and moans in the gentle breeze,
the OM which roars in the rushing torrent
and the gentle murmur of the river
flowing peacefully down to the sea,
the OM of the spheres making their way across the sky,
and the OM that throbs at the core of the atom.
That which sings is the song of the birds,
that which is heard in the call of beasts in the jungle,
the OM of people laughing and the OM of their sighs,
the OM that vibrates in their thoughts and in all their desires,
the OM of their words of warfare, of love, or trade,
the OM that Time and History utter on their way,
the OM uttered by Space when entering into Time.
This OM suddenly burst out, whole and entire,
in a corner of space and at a point of time,
in its indivisible fullness,
when in Mary's womb was born as Son of man,
the Word, the Son of God."
And Le Saux's one journal entry during this time:
"The solitude of the Alone. An advaitic retreat...Solitude with God is not solitude. Accept being alone, infinitely alone. Alone in my eternity. This is the royal road that leads to the real face-to-face with the Father. Jesus was alone in his death: Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabachtani."
I was left speechless. In a place of profound insight...
Monday, January 21, 2008
Prayer of Abandonment
I know the title for this entry sounds rather bleak - but it is not meant quite as it is first understood. So let me clarify...
"The Prayer of Abandonment" is a prayer that was written by Charles de Foucauld - a North African priest and hermit of French origins that was martyred in Algeria in 1916. His was a fascinating life - born into great wealth - he went on to become a soldier, a Trappist, an adventurer, a hermit, and a mystic.
Years ago, I read his writings and was deeply moved by his passionate love for God.
A little over two years ago on my 50th birthday, I went to Notre Dame in Paris, arriving at the time Mass was being offered in celebration of his beatification on that precise day. I was very happy to share such a special day and occasion with him.
Here is one of the many prayers he wrote, and which I recently came across:
Prayer of Abandonment
By Charles de Foucauld
Beloved.
I abandon myself into your hands.
Do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you.
I am ready for all.
I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me,
and all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, my friend.
Into your hands I abandon my soul.
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart.
For I love you and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands
without reserve,
not without boundless confidence.
For you are the heart
of my heart.
Truly, this is a prayer of abandonment. Not of being left behind - but of being lost totally in the Divine Love of God. This is what Charles de Foucauld sought to do with his life. And that is what he accomplished - in the end surrendering his mortal existence.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
God! God! God!
I awake - on this - my 27th wedding anniversary - and my parent's 53rd - with thoughts of this lovely poem and prayer by Paramahansa Yogananda.
It has been a favorite of mine for nearly two years - especially the last verse which I often silently repeat and divinely chant. It is a fitting way to start this - and truly - any day. There is no better way to end a day either. Often I pray the last verse as my last words or thoughts of the day...
God! God! God!
By Paramahansa Yogananda
From the depths of slumber,
As I ascend the spiral stairway of wakefulness,
I whisper:
God! God! God!
Thou are the food, and when I break my fast
Of nightly separation from Thee,
I taste Thee, and mentally say:
God! God! God!
No matter where I go, the spotlight of my mind
Ever keeps turning on Thee;
And in the battle din of activity my silent war-cry
is ever:
God! God! God!
When boisterous storms of trials shriek
And worries howl at me,
I drown their noises, loudly chanting:
God! God! God!
When my mind weaves dreams
With threads of memories,
On that magic cloth I do emboss:
God! God! God!
Every night, in time of deepest sleep,
My peace dreams and calls: Joy! Joy! Joy!
And my joy comes singing evermore:
God! God! God!
In waking, eating, working, dreaming, sleeping,
Serving, meditating, chanting, divinely loving,
My soul constantly hums, unheard by any:
God! God! God!
It has been a favorite of mine for nearly two years - especially the last verse which I often silently repeat and divinely chant. It is a fitting way to start this - and truly - any day. There is no better way to end a day either. Often I pray the last verse as my last words or thoughts of the day...
God! God! God!
By Paramahansa Yogananda
From the depths of slumber,
As I ascend the spiral stairway of wakefulness,
I whisper:
God! God! God!
Thou are the food, and when I break my fast
Of nightly separation from Thee,
I taste Thee, and mentally say:
God! God! God!
No matter where I go, the spotlight of my mind
Ever keeps turning on Thee;
And in the battle din of activity my silent war-cry
is ever:
God! God! God!
When boisterous storms of trials shriek
And worries howl at me,
I drown their noises, loudly chanting:
God! God! God!
When my mind weaves dreams
With threads of memories,
On that magic cloth I do emboss:
God! God! God!
Every night, in time of deepest sleep,
My peace dreams and calls: Joy! Joy! Joy!
And my joy comes singing evermore:
God! God! God!
In waking, eating, working, dreaming, sleeping,
Serving, meditating, chanting, divinely loving,
My soul constantly hums, unheard by any:
God! God! God!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
A Prayer Service
As I went through all of my books in the last week, trying to weed out a good third to half of my collection, I found all sorts of interesting notes, cards, and pictures lodged between the covers of many of the books.
I found this script for a prayer service I wrote and led on October 2, 2001, just a couple of weeks after 9/11. Different faculty members read the alternating verses.
Opening Reflection
Reading: Mathew 22: 36 - 39
Teacher: Which commandment in the law is the greatest?
Jesus said to him: You shall love the Lord your God
with all of your heart,
and with all of your soul,
and with all of your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
And the second is like it:
you shall love your neighbor as yourself...
This is the Gospel and the Word of the Lord...
Response to the Reading: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
We are a good people...Terrorists have cells...well, we need to become cells of peace. It is not enough to defend ourselves against violence. The greatest antidote to violence is that we pro-actively create fields of non-violence, fields of peace. (Marianne Williamson)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Martin Luther King Jr., said we have a power in us more powerful than the power of bullets. The power of love can be harnessed...Prayer is a conduit for miracles...Love dismantles hatred. (Williamson)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
It is not just enough to say "God bless America." We must say, "God bless the world." Colin Powell has said we must listen to other cultures and respect other cultures in a way that has not been characteristic of American foreign policy. (Williamson)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
We should not condemn others because we do not like their political system. We can always talk to them. we must try to speak to the goodness that is in people. Nothing is lost in the attempt. Everything may be lost if we do not work together to save peace. (Pope John XXIII)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Peace is the tranquility in the order of all things...The peace of humankind is ordered harmony. (St. Augustine, City of God)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth and both have helped us in the finding of it. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Intentions
Concluding Prayer
And I thought to myself as I re-read this service, that even though I had no recollection of writing it - I find the words as timely now as they were in the aftermath of that fateful tragedy.
I found this script for a prayer service I wrote and led on October 2, 2001, just a couple of weeks after 9/11. Different faculty members read the alternating verses.
Faculty Meeting Prayer Service 10/2/01
Opening Reflection
Reading: Mathew 22: 36 - 39
Teacher: Which commandment in the law is the greatest?
Jesus said to him: You shall love the Lord your God
with all of your heart,
and with all of your soul,
and with all of your mind.
This is the greatest and the first commandment.
And the second is like it:
you shall love your neighbor as yourself...
This is the Gospel and the Word of the Lord...
Response to the Reading: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
We are a good people...Terrorists have cells...well, we need to become cells of peace. It is not enough to defend ourselves against violence. The greatest antidote to violence is that we pro-actively create fields of non-violence, fields of peace. (Marianne Williamson)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Martin Luther King Jr., said we have a power in us more powerful than the power of bullets. The power of love can be harnessed...Prayer is a conduit for miracles...Love dismantles hatred. (Williamson)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
It is not just enough to say "God bless America." We must say, "God bless the world." Colin Powell has said we must listen to other cultures and respect other cultures in a way that has not been characteristic of American foreign policy. (Williamson)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
We should not condemn others because we do not like their political system. We can always talk to them. we must try to speak to the goodness that is in people. Nothing is lost in the attempt. Everything may be lost if we do not work together to save peace. (Pope John XXIII)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Peace is the tranquility in the order of all things...The peace of humankind is ordered harmony. (St. Augustine, City of God)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives. (Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
We must love them both, those whose opinions we share and those whose opinions we reject. For both have labored in the search for truth and both have helped us in the finding of it. (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Intentions
Concluding Prayer
And I thought to myself as I re-read this service, that even though I had no recollection of writing it - I find the words as timely now as they were in the aftermath of that fateful tragedy.
Friday, January 18, 2008
The River in Silent Stillness
fervent prayers
of a soul in total surrender
late into the night
dissolve into deep and dreamless sleep -
erasing pain
for the first time in years -
thanks to a gifted acupuncturist
I awake late
and offer morning prayers
by the river
in silent stillness
my spirit merges
with falling snowflakes
and time stands still
for what seems to be
an eternity -
together we dance
in suspended animation
beauty
so penetrating
I do not breathe
of a soul in total surrender
late into the night
dissolve into deep and dreamless sleep -
erasing pain
for the first time in years -
thanks to a gifted acupuncturist
I awake late
and offer morning prayers
by the river
in silent stillness
my spirit merges
with falling snowflakes
and time stands still
for what seems to be
an eternity -
together we dance
in suspended animation
beauty
so penetrating
I do not breathe
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Mejda - The Young Yogananda
As I delve deeper into this fertile time of reading, studying, reflecting, meditating, and writing - I am immersing myself much more completely in the writings and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
I am currently enjoying the book - Mejda - a portrait of the early life of Yogananada written by his younger brother and early companion - Sananda Lal Ghosh.
This comes from a review of the book I wrote for Amazon:
"For anyone who has ever read, loved, and been profoundly impacted by a reading of Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi - Mejda is an indispensable companion to this classic work.
"Mejda" is a term of endearment given to the second eldest brother in a Bengali family. This book presents a very intimate portrait of Yogananda by Sananda Lal Gosh - who was not only Yogananda's younger brother, but also his companion, friend, and ultimately devotee.
The book fills in many gaps about Yogananda's childhood and documents amazing events about his life that are supernatural, heart-warming, and inspirational. I came away with a greater sense of repect and awe and a deeper appreciation for Yogananda - whose life, work, and priceless gift of Kriya Yoga to lay men and women in the West are simply beyond measure..."
One of my favorite anecdotes involves a young Yogananda and a friend who decide to meditate throughtout the night until they see God. Sananda recalls his brother's words:
"If a devotee prays wholeheartedly,
'Lord, You must come to me,' He will appear.
When the devotee's prayer
spreads the sincere longing of his heart
into the very atoms of the universe,
where then can God hide?
He will have to reveal Himself."
The two boys meditate fervently and as dawn approaches, Yogananda's friend is ready to quit believing the task they set for themselves was unattainable.
Just at that moment, the young Yogananda becomes entranced by a vision of God. However, his friend does not see the vision and is disappointed. Yogananda then touches his friend's heart - who is then able to see the same vision with his own eyes. Tears flowed from both of their eyes and they bowed down humbly to God.
The lesson here was a simple one. It is never too late to seek God. Seek Him with all your heart, your mind, and your soul - and He will come to you. There is no task that is more important.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Amazed
Yesterday I received a wonderful gift of song. It was a CD of liturgical music recorded by the daughter of one of my oldest and dearest friends dating back to high school and college - Betty Ann.
In college, my friends Pat, Betty Ann and I, worked as liturgical musicians at the College Church and at a couple of parishes near by. While Pat and I continued our stint into graduate school - and I did for a while beyond that while I was teaching - only Betty Ann made a career out of music and went on to have three children who are musically gifted as well.
The CD titled - Holy is His Name - features her daughter Sarah in the vocals and her daughter Danielle as the mixing engineer - in addition to other young members of their parish who also contributed musically.
I put the CD in my player as soon as it arrived...
The melody, lyrics, and Sarah's voice - hooked me in by the very first song...
I had never heard any of the songs before except for one - which was a personal favorite...
As I listened, I was initially transported to memories of another time and place - playing and singing decades ago in the company of friends...But almost immediately I came back - and I listened and felt myself moved beyond words by the passionate faith - and the purity and beauty of Sarah's voice that brought tears to my eyes - as memories of the past and present blended: two generations praising and worshiping in song.
All of the tracks on this CD spoke to me and brought great joy into my heart - but I will share the lyrics of two in particular:
Amazed
By Jared Anderson
You dance over me
while I am unaware
You sing all around
but I never hear the sound
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
How wide
How deep,
How great -
is Your love for me!
You Are Still Holy
By Rita Springer
Holy, You are still holy
even when the darkness
surrounds my life
Sovereign, You are still Sovereign
Even when confusion
has blinded my eyes
Lord, I don't deserve
Your kind affection
when my unbelief has kept me
from Your touch
I want my life to be
a pure reflection of Your love
And so I come into Your chambers
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Savior and I am at Your mercy,
All all that has been in my life up to now
Belongs to you,
for you are still holy
And for the first time in months,
as an act of praise
and an act of faith -
as an expression of gratitude,
and as embodied prayer -
I danced...
(For CD Info: hnjlifeteen@yahoo.com)
In college, my friends Pat, Betty Ann and I, worked as liturgical musicians at the College Church and at a couple of parishes near by. While Pat and I continued our stint into graduate school - and I did for a while beyond that while I was teaching - only Betty Ann made a career out of music and went on to have three children who are musically gifted as well.
The CD titled - Holy is His Name - features her daughter Sarah in the vocals and her daughter Danielle as the mixing engineer - in addition to other young members of their parish who also contributed musically.
I put the CD in my player as soon as it arrived...
The melody, lyrics, and Sarah's voice - hooked me in by the very first song...
I had never heard any of the songs before except for one - which was a personal favorite...
As I listened, I was initially transported to memories of another time and place - playing and singing decades ago in the company of friends...But almost immediately I came back - and I listened and felt myself moved beyond words by the passionate faith - and the purity and beauty of Sarah's voice that brought tears to my eyes - as memories of the past and present blended: two generations praising and worshiping in song.
All of the tracks on this CD spoke to me and brought great joy into my heart - but I will share the lyrics of two in particular:
Amazed
By Jared Anderson
You dance over me
while I am unaware
You sing all around
but I never hear the sound
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
Lord I'm amazed by You
How wide
How deep,
How great -
is Your love for me!
You Are Still Holy
By Rita Springer
Holy, You are still holy
even when the darkness
surrounds my life
Sovereign, You are still Sovereign
Even when confusion
has blinded my eyes
Lord, I don't deserve
Your kind affection
when my unbelief has kept me
from Your touch
I want my life to be
a pure reflection of Your love
And so I come into Your chambers
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Savior and I am at Your mercy,
All all that has been in my life up to now
Belongs to you,
for you are still holy
And for the first time in months,
as an act of praise
and an act of faith -
as an expression of gratitude,
and as embodied prayer -
I danced...
(For CD Info: hnjlifeteen@yahoo.com)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Awakening the Spine
This excerpt comes from an entry for this week in the 2008 Yoga Planner by Marsha and Donald Wenig, given to me by a friend:
Vanda Scaravelli's approach to yoga was as an inquiry into her body:
listening to it,
trusting it,
and "undoing."
Her inner teacher was her eternal guide to develop a softer, more feminine approach to yoga, with an emphasis on gravity and breath to gently increase the suppleness of the spine. Scaravelli's is both a hard and soft approach, mixing power with fluidity.
In her book, Awakening the Spine, Scaravelli advises:
"Do not fight your body.
Do not carry the world on your shoulders like Atlas.
Drop that heavy load of unnecessary baggage...
Do not kill the instinct of the body for the glory of the pose.
Do not look at your body like a stranger,
but adopt a friendly approach towards it."
Vanda Scaravelli died in 1999 at the age of 91 and was still doing poses like Eka Pada Rajakapotasana and Supta Kurumasana.
I thought of Scaravelli's insight on working with the spine - which is considered to be the doorway to experiencing union with the Divine in the yogic tradition.
Her approach to yoga was a sound one - and her advice - wise and wonderful - and a good reminder for all yoginis to heed - particularly in the New Year as we re-dedicate ourselves to the practice.
Vanda Scaravelli's approach to yoga was as an inquiry into her body:
listening to it,
trusting it,
and "undoing."
Her inner teacher was her eternal guide to develop a softer, more feminine approach to yoga, with an emphasis on gravity and breath to gently increase the suppleness of the spine. Scaravelli's is both a hard and soft approach, mixing power with fluidity.
In her book, Awakening the Spine, Scaravelli advises:
"Do not fight your body.
Do not carry the world on your shoulders like Atlas.
Drop that heavy load of unnecessary baggage...
Do not kill the instinct of the body for the glory of the pose.
Do not look at your body like a stranger,
but adopt a friendly approach towards it."
Vanda Scaravelli died in 1999 at the age of 91 and was still doing poses like Eka Pada Rajakapotasana and Supta Kurumasana.
I thought of Scaravelli's insight on working with the spine - which is considered to be the doorway to experiencing union with the Divine in the yogic tradition.
Her approach to yoga was a sound one - and her advice - wise and wonderful - and a good reminder for all yoginis to heed - particularly in the New Year as we re-dedicate ourselves to the practice.
Monday, January 14, 2008
A River Called the Arms of God
In her book - Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far - Amy Grant tells the story of being baptized in a river in Texas called "Rio de los Brazos de Dios" - The River of the Arms of God.
As I sat briefly in the cold wind by the banks of the Potomac River this morning - I thought of this river as being symbolic of the arms of God for me - for it too sustains and envelops me in the very same way.
Water is symbolic in all the major religious traditions. In the Christian tradition, water is used in baptism as it washes the soul of the penitent clean.
Amy speaks of the healing she experienced in this river that embraced her as she felt all the weight of grief and pain in her life released and washed downstream.
In an earlier portion of the book she speaks of the ocean and how it is "constant and powerful, and like the love of God, whether we're immersed in it, standing on the shore, or a thousand miles away, it remains."
The stories in this book are breathtakingly beautiful, healing, and inspirational. I know I will go back to them again and again. Yes - they speak of pain and loss - but also of great faith and redemption - and magnificent love.
Towards the end of the book, I found the lyrics for this song titled - What the Angels See:
If I could see what the angels see
Behind the walls, beneath the sea
Under the avalanche, through the trees
Gone would be the mystery
If I could see what the angels see
If I could hear what the angels hear
The thunderous crash of a falling tear
Holy, holy in my ear
I'd never doubt that God is near
If I could hear what the angels hear
If I could know what the angels know
That death is just a swinging door
And spirits go where spirits go
I feel them but they never show
If I could know what the angels know
If I could stand where the angels stand
And watch the world while God commands
And see how love designed this plan
Reminders on his feet and hands
If I could stand where the angels stand
If I could see what the angels see
Behind the walls to you and me
And let the truth set me free
I would live life differently
If I could see what the angels see
And I closed my eyes and gave thanks to the river for reflecting the very Image and Love of God - and to all my angels and guides - who have been with me - making their presence known throughout these many months. Both the river and angels - have finally seen me safely to the other side...Blessings without end abound...
As I sat briefly in the cold wind by the banks of the Potomac River this morning - I thought of this river as being symbolic of the arms of God for me - for it too sustains and envelops me in the very same way.
Water is symbolic in all the major religious traditions. In the Christian tradition, water is used in baptism as it washes the soul of the penitent clean.
Amy speaks of the healing she experienced in this river that embraced her as she felt all the weight of grief and pain in her life released and washed downstream.
In an earlier portion of the book she speaks of the ocean and how it is "constant and powerful, and like the love of God, whether we're immersed in it, standing on the shore, or a thousand miles away, it remains."
The stories in this book are breathtakingly beautiful, healing, and inspirational. I know I will go back to them again and again. Yes - they speak of pain and loss - but also of great faith and redemption - and magnificent love.
Towards the end of the book, I found the lyrics for this song titled - What the Angels See:
If I could see what the angels see
Behind the walls, beneath the sea
Under the avalanche, through the trees
Gone would be the mystery
If I could see what the angels see
If I could hear what the angels hear
The thunderous crash of a falling tear
Holy, holy in my ear
I'd never doubt that God is near
If I could hear what the angels hear
If I could know what the angels know
That death is just a swinging door
And spirits go where spirits go
I feel them but they never show
If I could know what the angels know
If I could stand where the angels stand
And watch the world while God commands
And see how love designed this plan
Reminders on his feet and hands
If I could stand where the angels stand
If I could see what the angels see
Behind the walls to you and me
And let the truth set me free
I would live life differently
If I could see what the angels see
And I closed my eyes and gave thanks to the river for reflecting the very Image and Love of God - and to all my angels and guides - who have been with me - making their presence known throughout these many months. Both the river and angels - have finally seen me safely to the other side...Blessings without end abound...
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Mosaic
Last night I curled up in bed with Amy Grant's - Mosaic: Pieces of my Life So Far.
Amy Grant has always been one of my favorite songwriters and performers. (I think I have a lot of them!) I still remember seeing her in concert two decades ago with my college friend Pat - when I was the mother of a two year old - and Amy's son was only a few months old. Since then, I have followed her career and collected all of her recordings.
This book is a fascinating collection of musings using the lyrics of many of her songs as a backdrop. Some of the writing is indicative of the inspiration for the songs. But most of it reflects the heart of a woman of deep faith. The book is inspiring and touching.
She speaks of meeting so many other musicians along the way - and many of her favorite - are mine as well: Carole King, James Taylor, and so on.
Here are some parts of the book that spoke to me:
"We have a way of branding each other, of branding ourselves...You're puffy...getting older...I see gray hairs...In a culture that worships youth and beauty, the process of aging, even gracefully, is not the feel-good experience everyone is looking for. I decided it's time to start reminding myself of some other words that are true. Today as I was brushing my teeth...I spoke to my forty-six year old reflection:
'You are made in the image of God.
You are the salt of the earth.
You are like starlight shining out in the darkness.
You're the light of the world.'
What is it about these words that is so mysterious and powerful?
I am just repeating what has already been said.
What is already true."
I thought of the So Ham Mantra - "I am That."
I thought of the inner self that is contained within the Supreme Self - and how we are one with the Divine...Aham - I AM...All we need is to recognize this...
Much of Amy's writing reflects her insights and prayers. She prays that her children will also have faith:
"God, find them, the way you found me..."
And she summarizes:
"They say hindsight is twenty-twenty. On paper the direction of my life seems so clear. The experience of it, however, has felt much more like a twisting, curving road full of surprises. My passion has always been the connecting power of music, connecting us to each other, to ourselves, and to the love of God..."
Ah! So true!
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Prayers of Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Last night I finally allowed myself to finish the book - Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light - a collection of her private writings and letters - which not only disclosed the most intimate state of her soul - but were never meant for publication. I had been savoring these letters for months.
Here are some excerpts from the book - particularly some of her prayers. No matter what one's religious tradition or spirituality - Mother Teresa's fervent passion can be easily recognized and appreciated by all devout hearts:
Jesus in my heart,
I believe in your faithful love for me.
I love you...
In union with all the Masses being offered
throughout the world,
I offer Thee my heart.
Make it humble and meek like yours...
WHO IS JESUS TO ME?
Jesus is the Word - to be spoken.
Jesus is the Truth - to be told.
Jesus is the Way -- to be walked.
Jesus is the Light - to be lit.
Jesus is the Life to be lived.
Jesus is the Love to be loved.
Jesus is the Joy - to be shared...
The fruit of silence is prayer.
The fruit of prayer is faith.
The fruit of faith is love.
The fruit of love is service.
The fruit of service is peace...
And this final excerpt, was written to her sisters, exemplifying the true vocation of a Missionary of Charity:
True love is surrender.
The more we love -
the more we surrender.
If we truly love souls
we must be ready to take their place...
It is only thus that we make ourselves
their means and them our end.
We must be living holocausts,
for the world needs us as such.
For by giving the little we possess,
we give all - and there is no limit
to the love that prompts us to give.
To give oneself so completely to God
is to be...the victim of His unwanted love -
the love that made the heart of God
love men so much...
We have to satiate the thirst
of an Infinite God, dying of love...
I closed the book shortly thereafter, in awe and genuine respect which prompted me to renew my commitment to do everything with love and to make every act, an act of devotion.
Here are some excerpts from the book - particularly some of her prayers. No matter what one's religious tradition or spirituality - Mother Teresa's fervent passion can be easily recognized and appreciated by all devout hearts:
Jesus in my heart,
I believe in your faithful love for me.
I love you...
In union with all the Masses being offered
throughout the world,
I offer Thee my heart.
Make it humble and meek like yours...
WHO IS JESUS TO ME?
Jesus is the Word - to be spoken.
Jesus is the Truth - to be told.
Jesus is the Way -- to be walked.
Jesus is the Light - to be lit.
Jesus is the Life to be lived.
Jesus is the Love to be loved.
Jesus is the Joy - to be shared...
The fruit of silence is prayer.
The fruit of prayer is faith.
The fruit of faith is love.
The fruit of love is service.
The fruit of service is peace...
And this final excerpt, was written to her sisters, exemplifying the true vocation of a Missionary of Charity:
True love is surrender.
The more we love -
the more we surrender.
If we truly love souls
we must be ready to take their place...
It is only thus that we make ourselves
their means and them our end.
We must be living holocausts,
for the world needs us as such.
For by giving the little we possess,
we give all - and there is no limit
to the love that prompts us to give.
To give oneself so completely to God
is to be...the victim of His unwanted love -
the love that made the heart of God
love men so much...
We have to satiate the thirst
of an Infinite God, dying of love...
I closed the book shortly thereafter, in awe and genuine respect which prompted me to renew my commitment to do everything with love and to make every act, an act of devotion.
Friday, January 11, 2008
A Photographer's Life
I am still in awe after having seen the exhibition of prints by one of my favorite photographers - Annie Leibovitz - yesterday afternoon.
The collection is a retrospective of her work from 1990 - 2005. Contemplating many of those images was truly a sacred experience. While Leibovitz may primarily be known for her portraits of celebrities and political figures - her documentation of events - such as the war in Sarajevo may be less known. Yet it was many of these photographs that struck a deep chord in my heart.
Annie Leibovitz is very gifted, and has the ability to capture a person's soul on print. I have always joked that I wanted to be photographed by her once before I died because she can make anyone look good!
I fell in love with her work in the '70's when I was in college and studying photography myself. Music and photography were two side areas of interest while I was pursuing a double major in theology and psychology - music ended up being a minor for me. As it was, I found my music and photography buddies much more interesting to hang out with most of the time. I did the photography for my senior college yearbook, but haven't spent much time in a dark room since.
The flyer from the exhibition summarizes the essence of this wonderful collection which enables us - not only to see the world through Annie's eyes - but through ours as well:
"At the heart of the exhibition, Leibovitz's personal photography documents intimate moments from her life, including the birth and childhood of her three daughters, as well as vacations, reunions and rites of passage with her parents and extended family. A Photographer's Life, threads together the two sides of Leibovitz's work both chronologically and creatively, projecting a narrative of the artist's private world against the backdrop of her public Image as one of America's best-known portrait photographers."
And as she herself noted:
"I don't have two lives, this is one life, and the personal pictures and the assignment work are all part of it."
Perhaps what I enjoyed most was reading the comments by Leibovitz that accompanied the pictures she took - particularly of those she loved dearly - for the beautiful insights and the window into the loved one's soul that she provided.
All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon...
A book based on this exhibition is available and is titled: A Photographer's Life.
The collection is a retrospective of her work from 1990 - 2005. Contemplating many of those images was truly a sacred experience. While Leibovitz may primarily be known for her portraits of celebrities and political figures - her documentation of events - such as the war in Sarajevo may be less known. Yet it was many of these photographs that struck a deep chord in my heart.
Annie Leibovitz is very gifted, and has the ability to capture a person's soul on print. I have always joked that I wanted to be photographed by her once before I died because she can make anyone look good!
I fell in love with her work in the '70's when I was in college and studying photography myself. Music and photography were two side areas of interest while I was pursuing a double major in theology and psychology - music ended up being a minor for me. As it was, I found my music and photography buddies much more interesting to hang out with most of the time. I did the photography for my senior college yearbook, but haven't spent much time in a dark room since.
The flyer from the exhibition summarizes the essence of this wonderful collection which enables us - not only to see the world through Annie's eyes - but through ours as well:
"At the heart of the exhibition, Leibovitz's personal photography documents intimate moments from her life, including the birth and childhood of her three daughters, as well as vacations, reunions and rites of passage with her parents and extended family. A Photographer's Life, threads together the two sides of Leibovitz's work both chronologically and creatively, projecting a narrative of the artist's private world against the backdrop of her public Image as one of America's best-known portrait photographers."
And as she herself noted:
"I don't have two lives, this is one life, and the personal pictures and the assignment work are all part of it."
Perhaps what I enjoyed most was reading the comments by Leibovitz that accompanied the pictures she took - particularly of those she loved dearly - for the beautiful insights and the window into the loved one's soul that she provided.
All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon...
A book based on this exhibition is available and is titled: A Photographer's Life.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Deeper Still
One of my favorite songwriters and performers is Beth Nielsen Chapman.
Recently, I found one of her CD's that I had hardly listened to - entitled Deeper Still.
The material for this CD was written right before she discovered she had breast cancer. As if this weren't traumatic enough, Beth had also recently gone through the experience of losing her husband.
She writes about making this record:
"I don't know where to begin to describe the amazing journey my life has been during the making of this record. Lots of angels, detours, side trips through purgatory, bursts of grace and gratefulness have brought me to this place of finally releasing this music. I guess the songs will have to speak for themselves...
Having come through the coldest of winters, I feel myself stepping back into spring...like 'every little seed trying to find where the light comes from.'"
And here are the lyrics to Deeper Still:
In the tears you gave to me
I found a river to an ocean
Concrete sky, and a stone cold sea
I came to where the emptiness
Cracked open
All my fears came crashing through
And met the fire of my sorrow
But I found my strength
In forgiving you
I never even dreamed
How far my heart could go
To give my life beyond each death
From a deeper well of trust
To know that when
There's nothing left
You will always have
What you gave to love
In the this life the love you give
Comes back around
To be your treasure
What you lose will be what you win
Too deep to measure
A silver coin rings down that well
You can never spend too much
A diamond echoes deeper still...
And you'll always have
What you gave to love
Truly, a beautiful song sprung from a beautiful heart...
And I thought of redemption and resurrection - of hope and all that springs eternal - of goodness - and all the wonderful gifts we receive in life which overshadow all that does not prevail in the light...
And I felt warmth in my soul...
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Beautiful and Fullness
Amy Ippoliti, a senior Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher, considers the meaning of a word we often use lightly in her latest newsletter...
Beautiful...
She ponders:
"What does beautiful really mean?
It means that it is full (purna). Your year may have started out with a bang of triumph and happiness or it could have started with deep challenge, grief or loss, or somewhere in between, but ultimately it is FULL. Beautiful. It is all happening as part of being alive.
Every day I am grateful for the teachings of our yoga which help me see the beautiful even when I perceive my circumstances, and the pains of others as tough or unbearable..."
How often do we think of beautiful as embodying fullness?
How often do we find that what most challenges us also makes us richer and more full?
Truly, it is something to think about...
Last night I began taking my yoga class again. It was the start of a new session.
I looked around the room and there was so so much love and beauty radiating from dedicated practitioners I genuinely cared about.
I felt full.
I decided not to struggle so much anymore in my practice but to enjoy it more in the company of this supportive group. I decided I would accept what is.
My teacher's theme for the class and new session was - "the sky is the limit."
We were invited to reach for the stars as we became trees and went from pose to pose in what almost seemed like a dance.
I drove home basking in the beauty of the evening - thinking of spontaneous hugs given and so many well wishes received.
I felt full.
Beautiful...
She ponders:
"What does beautiful really mean?
It means that it is full (purna). Your year may have started out with a bang of triumph and happiness or it could have started with deep challenge, grief or loss, or somewhere in between, but ultimately it is FULL. Beautiful. It is all happening as part of being alive.
Every day I am grateful for the teachings of our yoga which help me see the beautiful even when I perceive my circumstances, and the pains of others as tough or unbearable..."
How often do we think of beautiful as embodying fullness?
How often do we find that what most challenges us also makes us richer and more full?
Truly, it is something to think about...
Last night I began taking my yoga class again. It was the start of a new session.
I looked around the room and there was so so much love and beauty radiating from dedicated practitioners I genuinely cared about.
I felt full.
I decided not to struggle so much anymore in my practice but to enjoy it more in the company of this supportive group. I decided I would accept what is.
My teacher's theme for the class and new session was - "the sky is the limit."
We were invited to reach for the stars as we became trees and went from pose to pose in what almost seemed like a dance.
I drove home basking in the beauty of the evening - thinking of spontaneous hugs given and so many well wishes received.
I felt full.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
As Above, So Below
These quotes come the Inner Journey Newsletter...
"There is in all visible things -
a hidden wholeness."
- Thomas Merton
"From a hologrammic viewpoint...
you are one little physical image
that reflects all of humanity,
when projected spiritually
upon the cosmic screen."
- Wayne Dyer
a hidden wholeness."
- Thomas Merton
"From a hologrammic viewpoint...
you are one little physical image
that reflects all of humanity,
when projected spiritually
upon the cosmic screen."
- Wayne Dyer
"As above, so below..."
Everything is connected. The universe is a hologram where every part contains the whole. Outside echoes the inside. The lower is a reflection of the higher. The other is a reflection of you. We are all a microcosm of each other. The big picture is within us and even our cells.
Be open to see the interconnections, influences and inter-relationships of things.
"Unity consciousness is a state of enlightenment
where we pierce the mask of illusion which
creates separation and fragmentation.
Behind the appearance of separation,
is one unified field of wholeness.
Here the seer and the scenery are one."
- Deepak Chopra
"To me there is no difference
between one person and another.
I behold all as soul-reflections
of the one God.
I can't think of anyone as a stranger,
for I know that we are all part
of the One Spirit."
- Paramahansa Yogananda
where we pierce the mask of illusion which
creates separation and fragmentation.
Behind the appearance of separation,
is one unified field of wholeness.
Here the seer and the scenery are one."
- Deepak Chopra
"To me there is no difference
between one person and another.
I behold all as soul-reflections
of the one God.
I can't think of anyone as a stranger,
for I know that we are all part
of the One Spirit."
- Paramahansa Yogananda
Monday, January 7, 2008
The Eye of God
It was a gloriously beautiful and unseasonably warm morning today at the river.
One lone kyaker gently erased the cloud's reflections and a Jack Russell was overjoyed at her free reign of the park.
I thought of some pictures taken by the Hubble Telescope and how one in particular reminded me of the "Eye of God."
In his works, especially - The Autobiography of a Yogi and The Second Coming of Christ - Yogananda writes of seeing the Spiritual Eye in meditation - where we ultimately encounter and commune with the Divine.
He often quoted verse 22 from the sixth Chapter of Matthew:
"The eye is the lamp of the body.
So, if your eye is healthy,
your whole body will be full of light..."
We have often heard it said that the eyes are the window to the soul...
One glance can speak volumes...
One look can disclose what lies in the cave of the heart....
(This picture is of Nebula NGC 2392 - also known as "Eskimo" and it is 5,000 light years away from us.)
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Downward Dogs and Warriors
I am having a lot of fun with the book - Downward Dogs and Warriors: Wisdom Tales for Modern Yogis - by Zo Newell.
It is an unusual book because it invites the reader to enter deeply into the experience of the asanas - physically and emotionally - but from the context of the mythological tales that gave rise to the poses.
Unfortunately, just a small selection of poses are explored. The book left me wanting so much more! But this small tome is exquisite - the writing is delicious - and the insights I derived from reading just a few sections - was nothing short of astounding.
All of the poses are told from the perspective of a particular story about Shiva - who is - after all - the Lord of all Yogis, for it was he that created the discipline of yoga.
The book is not only a font of information - but very therapeutic in its essence. As the author notes in the preface:
"This is a book about using asana and related images for reflection, self-examination, and healing. I discuss the use of asana, mythology, and culturally resonant imagery as tools for deepening your yoga practice through observation of your body, your mind, and your emotions...
Use this book in your personal practice, choosing a story, an asana, or an image to work with for the day, the weekend, or the week. Read the story. Practice the pose. Contemplate the image. Let them sink in and become part of you."
I feel this book is destined to become a classic. It also contains beautiful, full colored illustrations.
I'll share a couple of other paragraphs from the Preface and Introduction that shed more light on what this book is about:
"We all know the yoga maxim, 'As on the mat, so in life.' If we are persistent, our asana practice can reveal not only which joints or muscles are in need of strengthening or realignment but also where we are impatient, lazy, unkind; and let's hope, also where we are patient, dedicated, forgiving...
If you have a yoga practice, you will have noticed that it involves your whole being... ...What you do on your mat carries over into your life...
Your practice is like a mirror of your life.
Are you straining and forcing your way through your practice? You're probably doing that in some other areas.
Can you figure out through your practice how to be a little more compassionate with your own shortcomings, your tight hamstrings...?
Do you find it hard to find time to practice? Ha! Could you possibly be neglecting your health or spiritual well-being in other ways?
Yoga is ultimately about relationship: the relationship of spirit and matter, body and soul, intention and action, teacher and student. You are both teacher and student, in relation to yourself as well as to others..."
I know I will be reading and re-reading this book!
Saturday, January 5, 2008
12 Tenets for Conscious Living
Today I remember my friend Jerry Thompson - who would have been 63 today - but died unexpectedly almost 6 years ago. He encouraged me to walk my path and I would not be here today without him.
I also honor Paramahansa Yogananda - whose birthday is also today.
Blessings be upon both - who have shined their light into mine...
The following is a transcription of a video file I received that is inspirational and a wonderful reminder of virtues and habits we should cultivate, particularly as we begin a new year. It comes from the Anthony Robbins web site.
12 Tenets of Conscious Living
Each New Year brings changes - a new commitment to health - to how we spend our time - and a renewed dedication to those we love. Each day within the year brings an opportunity for change. We are here for a reason - and it is a magnificent one. We are limited by nothing. We are called to create a masterpiece and to give more of ourselves.
1. Live a life of service.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi
2. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
"We need lots of love to forgive, but we need more humility to ask for forgiveness." Mother Teresa
3. Be kind.
"Life is short. But there is always enough time for courtesy." Ralph Waldo Emerson
4. Be remarkable.
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Les Brown
5. Seek unity.
"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man, as self sufficiency." Gandhi
6. Strive for wisdom.
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life." Immanuel Kant
7. Be grateful.
"When you are grateful, fears disappear and abundance appears." Anthony Robbins
8. Think critically.
"The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking." Albert Einstein
9. Be brave.
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt
10. Be humble.
"Do you wish people to think well of you? Don't speak well of yourself." Blaise Pascal
11. Be creative.
"A creative person is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others." Ayn Rand
12. Be present.
"How wonderful it is that nobody need to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
A fitting reminder on this day of the first week of the year - of what is truly important. And an excerpt from the final chapter of Marianne Williamson's The Age of Miracles in the same vein and spirit:
"I remember when Barbra Streisand used to sing 'The Best Things in Life Are Free.'
And so are the most powerful things.
Compassion. Reading to children. Mercy.
Tender touch. Sweet thoughts. Forgiveness.
Prayers. Meditation. Love. Respect. Peace."
I also honor Paramahansa Yogananda - whose birthday is also today.
Blessings be upon both - who have shined their light into mine...
The following is a transcription of a video file I received that is inspirational and a wonderful reminder of virtues and habits we should cultivate, particularly as we begin a new year. It comes from the Anthony Robbins web site.
12 Tenets of Conscious Living
Each New Year brings changes - a new commitment to health - to how we spend our time - and a renewed dedication to those we love. Each day within the year brings an opportunity for change. We are here for a reason - and it is a magnificent one. We are limited by nothing. We are called to create a masterpiece and to give more of ourselves.
1. Live a life of service.
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Mahatma Gandhi
2. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
"We need lots of love to forgive, but we need more humility to ask for forgiveness." Mother Teresa
3. Be kind.
"Life is short. But there is always enough time for courtesy." Ralph Waldo Emerson
4. Be remarkable.
"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Les Brown
5. Seek unity.
"Interdependence is and ought to be as much the ideal of man, as self sufficiency." Gandhi
6. Strive for wisdom.
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life." Immanuel Kant
7. Be grateful.
"When you are grateful, fears disappear and abundance appears." Anthony Robbins
8. Think critically.
"The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking." Albert Einstein
9. Be brave.
"You must do the thing you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt
10. Be humble.
"Do you wish people to think well of you? Don't speak well of yourself." Blaise Pascal
11. Be creative.
"A creative person is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others." Ayn Rand
12. Be present.
"How wonderful it is that nobody need to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
A fitting reminder on this day of the first week of the year - of what is truly important. And an excerpt from the final chapter of Marianne Williamson's The Age of Miracles in the same vein and spirit:
"I remember when Barbra Streisand used to sing 'The Best Things in Life Are Free.'
And so are the most powerful things.
Compassion. Reading to children. Mercy.
Tender touch. Sweet thoughts. Forgiveness.
Prayers. Meditation. Love. Respect. Peace."
Friday, January 4, 2008
More Miracles and Midlife
I nearly finished Marianne Williamson's new book - The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife - last night. I made myself "save" the last 50 or so pages for tonight.
The book addresses the nuances of human relationships in practically every chapter, and interspersed throughout the book are essential teachings and wisdom from The Course in Miracles. The titles of the chapters are cleverly named after lyrics of famous songs from the sixties.
In addition, Marianne interjects some of her famous prayers throughout the text, resulting in a book that is very satisfying, nurturing, and comforting. A perfect read before drifting off at night for it reminds one of life's essential truths and what is ultimately important in life.
Some other passages that caught my attention (titles mine):
On the true self and heart:
The physical self ages...but the spiritual self does not. As we identify more with the spiritual dimension of our lives, then our experience begins to shift from the changeable to the changeless...from limitation to limitlessness...from fear to love. As our journey through linear time gets shorter, our consciousness can in fact expand....The understanding of that which does not change is the key to our power within a world that does...
The heart's transformation is not attained through the mind - it's attained through surrender, authenticity, forgiveness, faith, honesty, acceptance, vulnerability, humility, willingness, nonjudgment and other...values that have to learned and relearned continuously...
Dear God,
please forgive me the
mistakes in my past.
May neither I
nor anyone else
be bound by them.
Please God,
may I begin again.
Amen
On releasing and going forward:
I could be hostage to my ego or host to God. I knew that there is no letting go of others - the kind or release that frees not only them but you as well - without giving them your genuine blessing...I had to be able to say, 'I release you and pray that you walk with angels. I release you and hope your dreams come true. I release you and wish you happiness...'
...In the words of the Persian poet Rumi,
"Out of a shattered open heart
springs a fountain of fiery sacred passion
that will never run dry."
Don't skip a beat. Perfume your soul. Make ready your house. Prepare your heart.
Perhaps you were let down by a love of this world, so you would learn at last to lean on God.
On contemplation:
...The convent experience is an inner domain...The convent that matters is a space in the heart, where you live for God...as an ultimate effort at right living...Life isn't out there. Life is with God.
And my favorite!
Every woman has an inner priestess, but she often takes a few decades to emerge. A priestess is fierce - particularly in bed. Once she arrives, she is looking for men and not boys.
...[A man]...has to learn to handle a woman's being, and often it's a priestess who teaches him...With a younger woman, a man can conceive a child. But with a priestess, he...conceives the man he wants to be.
Dear God,
Please make me
a master at love.
Reveal to me its mysteries,
and give to me its magic.
And may I never use its power
for any purposes
but the ones You intend.
Amen
The book addresses the nuances of human relationships in practically every chapter, and interspersed throughout the book are essential teachings and wisdom from The Course in Miracles. The titles of the chapters are cleverly named after lyrics of famous songs from the sixties.
In addition, Marianne interjects some of her famous prayers throughout the text, resulting in a book that is very satisfying, nurturing, and comforting. A perfect read before drifting off at night for it reminds one of life's essential truths and what is ultimately important in life.
Some other passages that caught my attention (titles mine):
On the true self and heart:
The physical self ages...but the spiritual self does not. As we identify more with the spiritual dimension of our lives, then our experience begins to shift from the changeable to the changeless...from limitation to limitlessness...from fear to love. As our journey through linear time gets shorter, our consciousness can in fact expand....The understanding of that which does not change is the key to our power within a world that does...
The heart's transformation is not attained through the mind - it's attained through surrender, authenticity, forgiveness, faith, honesty, acceptance, vulnerability, humility, willingness, nonjudgment and other...values that have to learned and relearned continuously...
Dear God,
please forgive me the
mistakes in my past.
May neither I
nor anyone else
be bound by them.
Please God,
may I begin again.
Amen
On releasing and going forward:
I could be hostage to my ego or host to God. I knew that there is no letting go of others - the kind or release that frees not only them but you as well - without giving them your genuine blessing...I had to be able to say, 'I release you and pray that you walk with angels. I release you and hope your dreams come true. I release you and wish you happiness...'
...In the words of the Persian poet Rumi,
"Out of a shattered open heart
springs a fountain of fiery sacred passion
that will never run dry."
Don't skip a beat. Perfume your soul. Make ready your house. Prepare your heart.
Perhaps you were let down by a love of this world, so you would learn at last to lean on God.
On contemplation:
...The convent experience is an inner domain...The convent that matters is a space in the heart, where you live for God...as an ultimate effort at right living...Life isn't out there. Life is with God.
And my favorite!
Every woman has an inner priestess, but she often takes a few decades to emerge. A priestess is fierce - particularly in bed. Once she arrives, she is looking for men and not boys.
...[A man]...has to learn to handle a woman's being, and often it's a priestess who teaches him...With a younger woman, a man can conceive a child. But with a priestess, he...conceives the man he wants to be.
Dear God,
Please make me
a master at love.
Reveal to me its mysteries,
and give to me its magic.
And may I never use its power
for any purposes
but the ones You intend.
Amen
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Miracles and Midlife
One of my favorite authors is Marianne Williamson.
Last night I started reading her new book - The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife.
As I prepared to begin to read - the book fell open to page 60 and my eyes were drawn to this section:
Miracles are available in any moment when we bring the best of ourselves forward.
It isn't the amount of our years that will determine the life we live now, but the amount of our love...
I had an experience once that depressed me greatly. I felt wounded by something in my past and fairly hopeless about my future. Around that time, I moved into a house on the water, where I had a view of the sunrise each day that was more gorgeous than anything I had ever seen...
Every day my eyes would automatically open as the sun began to rise. I'd lie there and not just look at the dawn; the dawn would enter me.
The imprint of sunrise - of a new day following the darkness of night - made its way into my cells. And one morning it was as though I heard the voice of God, telling me as I witnessed the dawn that "Such is the work I will do within you." I too would experience a new dawn after the dark night of my soul. God would give me a new beginning. I knew it then...
I was hooked...I sat and read for a while and closed the book for the evening when I got to that page again - and I imagined the deliciousness of being entered by the dawn...Anyone who has experienced resurrection of any kind will surely revel in that image...
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Siddhartha and the River
This morning I went down to the river after an absence of a few days.
It was very cold and windy - but comforting - and familiar.
The remains of the broken sapling were gone...
As I clutched a warm thermos - I did my lovingkindness meditations and prayers while I listened to the water lapping ferociously against the rocks and surfaces, and the section within Hermann Hesse's classic - Siddhartha - where Siddhartha has an enlightening experience and relationship with a river he crosses at two important junctures of his life - came clearly into focus in my mind.
Here are some excerpts I found relevant:
I will remain by this river...
May my present path, my new life, start from there!
In his heart he heard the newly awakened voice speak,
and it said to him:
"Love this river, stay by it, learn from it."
Yes, he wanted to learn from it, he wanted to listen to it.
It seemed to him that whoever understood this river and its secrets,
would understand much more, many secrets, all secrets.
But today he only saw one of the river's secrets,
one that gripped his soul.
He saw that the water continually flowed
and yet it was always there;
it was always the same and yet every moment it was new.
Who could understand, conceive this?
The river has taught me to listen; you will learn from it too.
The river knows everything; one can learn everything from it.
You have already learned from the river
that it is good to strive downwards, to sink, to seek the depths...
..He learned much more from the river
[than anyone] could teach him.
He learned from it continually.
Above all, he learned from it how to listen,
to listen with a still heart,
with a waiting, open soul, without passion,
without desire, without judgment, without opinions...
[He learned from the river that there was no thing as time.]
That the river is everywhere at the same time,
at the source and at the mouth,
at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean,
and in the mountains, everywhere,
and that the present only exists for it,
not the shadow of the past,
nor the shadow of the future...
And when I learned that,
I reviewed my life and it was also a river...
The river has many voices...
[He] listened silently to the water,
which...was not just water,
but the voice of life,
the voice of Being,
of perpetual Becoming...
I sat here and listened to the river.
It has told me a great deal,
it has filled me with many great thoughts,
with thoughts of unity...
I left the river filled and with a deeper appreciation for its role in my journey...
I left the river with Siddhartha's experience - a mirror of my own - emblazoned on my heart.
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