And think not you can guide the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, shall guide your course.

*Kahlil Gibran

Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart
and try to love the questions themselves ...
Don't search for the answers,
which could not be given to you now,
because you would not be able to live them.
And the point is, to live everything.
Live the questions now.
Perhaps then, someday far in the future,
you will gradually, without even noticing it,
live your way into the answer.

*Rainer Maria Rilke

When the rabbi led in worship
each evening the temple cat would
get in the way and distract the
worshippers. So the rabbi ordered that
the cat be tied during the worship.

After the rabbi died the cat
continued to be tied during evening
worship. And when the cat
expired, another cat was
brought to the temple so that it
could be duly tied during evening
worship.

Centuries later learned treatises
were written by the rabbi's scholarly disciples
on the liturgical significance
of tying up a cat
while worship is performed.

*Anthony de Mello. The Song of the Bird. "The Guru's Cat." Adapted.

* * *

There are two extremes for us to avoid regarding tradition in religious faith. First, we need to avoid being anti-tradition. Some persons act like tradition is all-bad. Tradition flows into our present, and we participate in the wisdom and guidance of those of the past.

Likewise, we need to avoid mindless adherence to tradition. This can appear in carrying over into the present tradition that, valid and helpful in another time, is no longer such now. This can happen when persons quote revered texts of the past, apart from knowing or respecting the historical context that led to a teaching in another time and culture.

Certainly, there are absolutes. Yet, there are many non-absolutes. Also, there are teachings and practices that have an underlying validity for us, while the exact application is no longer essential.

For example, Christians would do well to grasp this fact: Nowhere does the Bible teach adherence to the Bible always literally or to be applied the same in all contexts and times. Such a teaching is itself non-Biblical; yet, many who claim to be biblical practice such non-Biblical faith.

We might not study the metaphysics or theology of tying up a cat during worship, but religion can come over as inapplicable. A brain evolved within us for a reason. Let us use it and discover fresh ways to let tradition flow into the needs of now and prepare for needs in the future.

* * *

The Essence of LOVE-Mysticism is to look "within," to find there the Light of G-D That is in Everyone...

* * * CLOSING BLESSING * * *

The Sacred in Me bows to the Sacred in You

*Arem Nahariim-Samadhi and Love Light Fellowship (5.30.11). Arem is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for groups. For questions pertaining to these ministries, or other matters you wish to write Arem about, see Arem on Facebook at Arem Nahariim-Samadhi.