June 27, 2018 Banat Banat Ban Jai

Image is detail of painting I created in 2006

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We have traveled far.
Making, making, one day made.
With yet far to go.
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We have traveled far.
Rocks cutting into our feet.
Destination sure.
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We have traveled far.
Crossing rushing waters deep.
Mighty OM resounds.
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We have traveled far.
Making, making, one day made.
Enter bliss abode.

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When I think I cannot take one more step, when I think it is just too hard, I take one more step. Then, I take one more.
Here is what I have found: Those rocks which I thought were placed to make me stumble, were placed to support and encourage me towards the direction of my true heart. Those very stony obstacles turn out to be exactly what is needed to grow a soul with the fortitude to carry the light. Hard stony lessons build endurance, compassion and focus. I had not understood, that those rocks had been placed one by one by The Great Masters to guide us across the rushing waters.
Each stone has been placed exactly where we need it. With a love and a friendship, I do not yet fully grasp, The Great Ones have come back for us. With their own hands, they have placed the stones which are the path to our salvation.
Listen. The simple truth is shared; ‘Banat banat ban jai.’ The Great Master from India, Lahiri Mahasaya would say these words to encourage and uplift those who came to him seeking guidance, especially in meditation practice. Translated to English ‘Banat banat ban jai’ is “making, making, one day made.”

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June 26, 2018 Shakespeare's Sonnet 144

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Friend, this is my truth;
The good and light increases.
Traveling, hands held.
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I feel, through the darkest days of this age, yet are we advancing towards the light. Things are improving. Whereas the darkness grows more feverish today, it seems these are fearful death throes for the darkness seekers. Sometimes I have wondered how many lives may be lost, severely injured as we climb, seeking to be conduits for goodness. So many still find chaos attractive, perhaps even addictive. So many are still without hope for redemption for the people.
I take a weekly Shakespeare class. We read and have thoughtful discussion of his writings. The number attending varies from about 8 to 12 at this time. In the fall, winter and spring the numbers are higher. It is an insightful gathering of good hearts and I am grateful to be a part of the group. Shakespeare offers much wisdom – as without judgement - he shows us the play (pun intended) of various personalities which go to create so many of the common situations which plague us even today. He shows us the mixture of good/bad, saint/sinner in each and every human being. Invariably with the play before us, those in the class juxtapose and cross over to the world situation today. It is in this cross over and application to today’s world wherein his words and stories are especially helpful. I am so grateful that as a class, we compare and contrast the story lines with pertinent issues today.
One of the people attending recently spoke with me one on one noting their personal perception; "The world is a terrible place, with many terrible people, IT HAS NEVER IMPROVED AND IT WILL NEVER GET BETTER and all we can do is personally make good choices." The reasoning mind sees this as truth.
However, I was floored by this person’s perception. How I wish I could give this one my knowing that goodness will prevail. Such a heavy burden is carried by one who is without hope of improved life. I know, we are moving towards a tip point into the light. I know that loving compassion is the glue that will bring us together into the light. This intuitive feeling that guides, there is no conscious A plus B equals C to create this knowing. Yet, I know without a doubt that it is so.
In Elizabethan England to be a ‘friend’ was more powerful and important than to be a ‘lover’. In today’s world I see we are recognizing and beginning to gather with true friends. All will improve as we become friends. We purify one another – the one we think of as enemy - may indeed be dearest friend as they open us up.
The one we think of as enemy is part of ‘us’ also.
Aspects both inner and outer help to create the goodness we are becoming. Feeling and Reason dancing together.
With gratitude for all the people - the friends – we share this earth walk with at this time. 

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Pictured here sonnet 144, written by William Shakespeare
From The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Oxford University Press, 2005, page 803
…. My interpretation of this sonnet relates to the dance of Reason and Feeling. Male Reason is seen as good. Feminine Feeling is often seen by male dominated societies as weak and inferior – and so She is the ‘worser spirit’ – until it is revealed intuitive feeling is the savior - the ‘purifier’. Hand in hand Reason and Intuitive Feeling enter the light.
… this is of course only my interpretation of sonnet 144. 

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