Thursday, September 17, 2009

UNLIMITED

I was recently reading a book called Celebrating Divine Presence:  Journeys Into God.  It’s an anthology, collecting a series of essays—originally presented during a symposium at Northern Arizona University—about major world faiths.  A piece on Hindu spirituality by Kelly William McCabe contained a small, glittering jewel of wisdom that totally resonated with my view of the universe.  Talking about those moments when the miraculous suddenly intrudes on our (seemingly) mundane lives, McCabe writes:


We don’t need to believe or understand everything told to us about such things, but the more we can open our hearts and minds to the limitless possibilities in this universe the better off we are.  It’s always a dicey game to limit the limitless.

It’s been my experience that, once we get beneath the layer of illusion that I call The Skin Of The World, the universe is a truly magical place.  The impossible isn’t a limitation, it’s an invitation.  The unbelievable is the very thing we should believe in.  Miracles are all around us, just waiting to be discovered.  

Deep thanks to Mr. McCabe for mirroring that truth back to me.  I don’t know about you, but I always need reminders.



©copyright 2009  J.M. DeMatteis


    

8 comments:

  1. I too value the reminders, these mirrors of truth, as you describe. And for me, discovering that some strange, goofy, new, awesome, grotesque, whatever thing is actually another mirror is truly inspiring. and humbling. How many different ways can this message be received? Reading the fine print suggests there's always one more, just keep looking.

    In this funhouse, there are many mirrors.

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  2. "In this funhouse, there are many mirrors." If you just made that up, Tim, copyright it fast. It's a fantastic line and so true. Sounds like something out of Hafiz.

    Seems we just reminded each other, which is the way this funhouse works.

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  3. It came to me as an adjustment to John 14:2 "In my Father's house are many mansions", inspired by the "mirrors of truth" of your post.

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  4. However it came to you, it's a great line.

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  5. JMD, your words, "The impossible isn't a limitation, it's an invitation," are an inspiration. Copyright that -- fast!

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  6. Okay, Ompoint, it's official: "The impossible isn't a limitation, it's an invitation" is © copyright 2009 J,M, DeMatteis!

    Or is copyrighting that thought putting a limit on the limitless?

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  7. I try to actively enjoy things that often get taken for granted. I try to make sure that several times a day, even if just for a few seconds at a time, I enjoy the beautiful blue sky above me, or the brilliant colors of some nearby flowers, or other things like that. In this world where people with agendas spend all their time trying to tell you about what's important to them (supervisors at jobs, for instance), it's good to remind oneself what truly matters is closer to just enjoying "mere" existence. I love watching a nice sunrise, and contemplating the miracle that is the universe, regardless of what religious dogma you do (or don't) subscribe to.

    I should put this up in my own blog...

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  8. You should, Ken!

    In my experience, it's often in moments of quietude that the universe comes into clarity and our souls feel the fullest. Moments that have nothing to do with with the day to day noise of the world, with our efforts or achievements. But sometimes the Divine (however you see Him, Her or It) is revealed right in the middle of the noise and mess. Emerging, in full radiance, in the unlikeliest of places.

    Proving, once again, that we just can't limit the limitless.

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