This week’s spiritual wisdom comes from
American writer and philosopher Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862):
I said to myself, — I said to others, —
“There comes into my mind such an indescribable, infinite, all-absorbing, divine, heavenly pleasure, a sense of elevation and expansion, and [I] have had nought to do with it. I perceive that I am dealt with by superior powers. This is a pleasure, a joy, an existence which I have not procured myself. I speak as a witness on the stand, and tell what I have perceived.” The morning and the evening were sweet to me, and I led a life aloof from society of men. I wondered if a mortal had ever known what I knew. I looked in books for some recognition of a kindred experience, but, strange to say, I found none. Indeed, I was slow to discover that other men had had this experience, for it had been possible to read books and to associate with men on other grounds. The maker of me was improving me. When I detected this interference I was profoundly moved. For years I marched as to a music in comparison with which the military music of the streets is noise and discord. I was daily intoxicated, and yet no man could call [me] intemperate. With all your science can you tell how it is, and whence it is, that light comes into the soul?
— Journal, July 16, 1851
what is this throreau quote from?
ah i see…his journals…
His experience sounds a lot like the monastic experience, such as that of Buddhist forest monks. Once one drops out of the rat race, one can live a more natural, authentic life off the treadmill, a simple life with time for contemplation. Some people have argued that anyone has this option, that we are free to drop out and meditate and do good and turn our backs on the ways of the world, but I think, as in Thoreau’s case, this is not meant to be a permanent lifestyle, but a time to get in touch with our higher power and then come back to the world, ready to do battle, or at least live a different kind of life. I think most people have responsibilities that would prevent them from doing this for any extended period of time (I’m thinking of people with financial dependents). But what probably stops most people from doing it is that they feel weird doing it on their own impulse, like they might be seen as having gone crazy. It would be nice if there was a program to support this kind of non-directed meditational retreat, but I guess part of the experience is feeling what it’s like to be a social outcast. Maybe that’s why Buddha had his followers beg for their meals?
Maybe whats needed – is a little History Lession – we’ll pick – France VS Free-Masion’s – There creditors. So question? Why are we putting up with – They buy it – Then resell it – and both ends are screwed? they screw the farmers – and then screw the consumers – Works across the board for everything – And on top of that – you need there credit-number they place on you – to even do that. But washington id-jiets rush out and save them – and then you have all the investors proping up that system too. They all have no intention of having any morals – the system – Itself is built beyond morals. So you see – Thats why the supremes are so adoment – There right – and they are – This system they built – allows for it. America live’s or di*s – on what happens on wall-street. Okay at noon – everyday – You will all face New-York and worship wall-str**t. Behold Your G*D! ! !