As a peaceful warrior, I would choose when, where and how I would behave.
With that commitment, I began to live the life of a warrior.
~Dan Millman

Friday, December 07, 2007

On Self Knowledge ~Kahlil Gibran

And a man said, Speak to us of Self-Knowledge.

And he answered, saying:
Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge.
You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.

And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs
rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths
would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your knowledge
with staff or sounding line.
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.

Say not, "I have found the truth"
but rather, "I have found a truth."
Say not, "I have found the path of the soul."
Say rather, "I have met the soul walking upon my path."
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.


Thanks Jeff for reminding me that sometimes the message is not about me! We are all connected at a very deep level. Busy or not, there is always a little time for sharing. I value and enjoy that those of you who do drop in just might be on the same page that I am today. Thanks!
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With the busy-ness of the season upon us, it is an incredible time hear that you would know in words that which you have always known in thought. How often do you find yourself completely wrapped up in your head. For me it is usually while I am driving and then, once the destination has been reached, poof. I feel like Chicken Little, 'what were we talking about again?'!
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Roaming unencumbered in the place inside that is free, fearless, creative and soulful, honestly I find it magical. This time of year often brings emotions and memories from years gone by, or reflection upon our dreams and aspirations of the future. Don't let them slip back into the depths! Allow those petals to unfold even if just a little. Reveal a little more of your soul today, if not to the world, to yourself!
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And smile, you are on your path! ~j

1 comment:

JeffO said...

Where DO you find these pearls?
Great prose and wisdom.
I have chosen not to embrace any religion because they tend to proclaim they are "the way".
Is there one "way"? Maybe. But proclaiming yourself "found" and on "the" path is to end your search.
If I look for my keys, and I find them, then why would I continue to look for them (or any other, better, set of keys)?
Life is a journey. There are no destinations - only way-points.

"Emotions and memories from years gone by" - I've got a rocky and depressing past. Holidays are painful for me and something to endure. Difficult for me to keep my energies steered in positive directions. (You can choose your friends but not your family.)
Having great, insightful friends, who are struggling, like me, to be more than they are helps keep me from straying too far.
Or are all of us stray (blind leading blind)?

Glad to read another post after so long. Nutritious food for the soul as well as the body.
Thanks, J~!