Divine Eyes

Divine consciousness and human consciousness co-exist within each of us. Most of us are unaware that, although we are living a human experience, we have access to higher levels of consciousness at every moment of our lives. When we access these higher levels of consciousness, we open up to a divine experience that alters the way we see our lives and the trials and tribulations of our everyday human experience.
This was certainly true for Mark, a man in his late fifties who is now retired. In his youth, Mark was a hotshot Miami attorney - a force to be reckoned with. He was known for his genius and his ruthlessness. He was thought of as strong willed, bright, and in charge. He used his force and his wisdom to bully people. His knowledge of the law propelled him to the top of his field. When he wasn't tending to his clients' business, he was taking care of his own vendettas. His driving commitment was to get even with the people he felt had wronged him. Mark spent 25 years of his life making choices from his humanity, not knowing that these choices would ultimately rob him of his life force, disempower him, and take away his right to live a happy life. In fact, his attachment to his personal battles cost him his passion and fulfillment.
Then one day, at the conclusion of yet another battle, Mark broke down. He realized that it no longer mattered if he won or lost. At the end of any of his lawsuits, he was left feeling drained, tired, and unfulfilled. There was no glory, no real resolution, and no contentment to be found in these shallow pursuits. In this moment of grace, Mark woke up and realized that his victories were hollow and his losses devastating. He could no longer continue making choices from that place inside him that was interested only in getting even.
In a grand gesture, Mark closed his law practice and put away his law degree. Shamed by his obsessive behavior, Mark turned to a higher source for guidance. To his great surprise, the answers he sought came easily. He saw that there was a greater source of justice in the world than himself and that the divine path was the road to glory and the human path was the road to grief. He realized that when he stepped back from his grievances and took the high road, he served not only himself but his entire family and his community at large.
I asked Mark to make a list of what living from his humanity had brought him. His list looked like this:
- Financial security
- A great reputation
- Success
- Stress
- Aggravation
- Emotional turmoil
- Inner conflict
- Anger
- Grief
- Disappointment
- Resignation
- Emptiness
As he made the list, Mark could see that even though he was an outward success, he was an inner mess. He learned that if he accepted that there was a power greater, wiser, and more just than his own - and if he made his choices based in that power - he got rewards he had never imagined. I then asked Mark to list what he would have in his life if he chose from his divinity. His list looked like this:
- Peace of mind
- Self-esteem
- More time to spend on community projects
- More time with my family
- Time and energy to be creative and productive
- A more loving heart
- A greater appreciation for my time and energy
Mark began to take a wider view of his life and his options. He now lives each day with the understanding that as humans, we have so much potential to grow, expand, and contribute to the lives of those we come in contact with, and we have only a limited amount of time in which to do it. He learned the hard way that when we spend our time criticizing, blaming, judging, and making the world around us wrong, we are in fact choosing to live at a level of consciousness where grief resides and discontent breeds. He shared with me the wisdom that his experience gave him. He saw that when we are spending time on the little picture, we have no time left to devote to the big picture. The big picture includes not only ourselves but also the world around us. Mark understood that choosing to act from his highest self might mean that sometimes he has to turn the other cheek or give up his position.
Something magical happened once Mark committed to allowing his divine self to guide him. He began to view the world through a pure, loving lens. He woke up and looked for the evidence of the divine working in his life and was able to focus on what was happening in the moment rather than projecting into the future or dwelling in the past. He looked for opportunities to serve the greater whole and was willing to give up his righteous opinions and instead looked for the gifts in every situation.
When we are looking through divine eyes, we search for what's right about our lives and are grateful that we are alive and in a body - that we have the precious ability to think, feel, love, and make a contribution. We know we are being guided by our divinity rather than our humanity when we stand in constant amazement at - and in awe of - our life and the universe. We feel connected and safe, and we trust that we will receive all that we need and all that we desire. We feel entitled to the help and support of the universe and watch in wonder as our heart's desires are fulfilled spontaneously and effortlessly.

Debbie Ford

Further Reflections from Fred

To My Fellow OOOW Pilgrims:

The possibility that some of you may not want to affirm the Christian perspective in Yeshua as the tap root of OOOW has given me some pause; yet at the same time, I acknowledge and respect the diversity within OOOW. This response is to share in more detail where I am coming from, yet with the assumption that each of us is on our own unique journey unto the Holy One.

1. My life in the institutional church and with Christianity has been formational in a progressive and loving context for which I feel enormous gratitude. However, I know that many persons have had to cope with rigidity and unChrist-like behaviors within the various expressions of the Christian faith.

At the same time, my journey have been to a deeper and more contemplative spirituality than what I receive in my local congregation and in much of Methodism. Celtic Christianity and OOOW have provided pathways in this regard. More specifically, the wisdom tradition of the Order has opened new and rich horizons.

For me it would be ideal for OOOW to be so identified with the Christian stream of spirituality that we would together find ways of interpreting Christianity in a broader contemplative and wisdom path than is usually represented in our local congregations and in our seminaries. As the same time, we can vigorously learn from, and experience the Divine, from other spirituality streams; but such an approach does not necessitate a blurring or ignoring the best in the diverse Christian traditions.

It’s difficult for me to perceive how I could simultaneously be immersed in Jewish, Sufi, Buddhist, etc spiritualities and wisdom traditions. The more realistic and doable option for me is to more deeply immerse myself in the tradition that has nurtured me so meaningfully and the tradition that my family, network of colleagues and friends take seriously.

Is it not true that the teachers and mystics of all the great traditions do not walk away from a grounding in their particular heritage? That is what Rabbi Shapiro said to us at the last Gathering. I believe this is what the Dali Lama does as well as the Sufi masters like Kabir Helminski and Seyyed Hossein Nasr, the Buddhist masters such as Pema Chodron and Thich Nhat Hanh.

Again, to have the Christian tradition as our home does not prevent us from drawing upon other perspectives. In many ways, Thomas Merton is a model for me in his interactions with Buddhist and Sufi masters, yet remaining in his Christian home even as he internalized insights and perspectives from other faiths.

I have to be honest in affirming that if OOOW evolves into a generic or generalized exploration of wisdom without a grounding and identity in any particular tradition, it would be frustrating for me; and yet, I would still want to be in the OOOW community that is so rich and stimulating for my head, and most especially, my heart!

2. So I want to remain in the wisdom journey with everyone in OOOW. There is obvious love and wisdom in each participant and that is worth traveling all the way to Texas at least once a year!

3. I have been particularly drawn to OOOW because the Order resonates with what has been happening within me for several years ---- a connecting with realities deeper than particular ideas, doctrines or ideologies. i.e., a way of being and living that participates in Life, Light and Love.

4. In my particular situation, the option of processing wisdom without a primary grounding in Yeshua has prompted me to realize that my “liberal” assumptions have often resulted in taking Jesus for granted.

My Christian formation was with pastors, mentors and professors who approached Jesus mainly from the social gospel tradition. Indeed, the reason I was drawn to Jesus was to be like him, i.e., to love tenderly, act justly and walk humbly with God. But it was often more a matter of having progressive ideas about God. When I discovered the contemplative and the wisdom traditions, the journey became deeper and more profound than just a progressive and social justice theology.

Our discussion of the identity and mission of OOOW has helped me to realize anew how vital Yeshua is for me as a wisdom way. I know now that as I seek to “download” more directly from Yeshua that I will connect even more substantively with the Center and thereby connect with all the great religious and spirituality traditions.

The discussion also around the identity of OOOW has helped me realize that I need a primary home, a grounding and that for me it is the Christian perspective, even with all of its problems (which I assume is to be found in all other paths).

On my first read of several responses to our OOOW identity issue, I wondered if I would be isolated in OOOW with my inner invitation to continue with Christianity and Yeshua as the tap root for my exploration of wisdom, but now I am okay with the diversity within the Order. Indeed, I believe that authentic faith and living is not from certainty of ideas, but the creative insecurity of trust and love. So vigorous and heart-perceived discussion is invaluable and that is what I know is happening.

Finally, we all have different perspectives. I look forward to appreciatively understanding your orientation and to continuing in the OOOW community with you.

Thanks for hearing me.
Fred Macon, 4/24/08

The Sacred Path

"I believe in the abundance of this planet. I don't want to speak too much about it because the more you think you know, the less the magic works. But I am a true believer that there is an abundance factor, either through angels or through karma." There is definitely a spiritual element, an element of magic, in Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey. There is a sense though that while you can glimpse the magic, and often feel it, you cannot understand it. If you think you know what is really going on, you are mistaken. If you talk as if you know what is going on, the magic won’t work. You approach the magic with humility not hubris. You surrender to the sacred path; the sacred path does not surrender to you. You must serve it before it will serve you.

Ethan Hubbard

Gary "weighs in"

Sally's (tongue-in-cheek?) suggestion of an alternate name raises the issue of "what's in a name". As the Bard pointed out, "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet", so I suspect that the name issue is not problematic for those already in the OOOW. I actually don't see a problem with the name of the Order since it doesn't actually refer to a specific religion, and the "oriental" part implies not only orientation but both eastern and far eastern. Orthodox bothers me a little because of the (I think) original meaning of "right or correct belief". I've come to feel that there is no "right belief" which can be adequately communicated (at least verbally). What does bother me is the "Pledge of a World Christian". While I see nothing problematic with the current wording of the pledge, I believe the content could be broadened to include other wisdom traditions, and the name of the pledge could be more inclusive, say perhaps The Pledge of the World Wisdom Seeker.

There is absolutely nothing problematic about the actual practices of the OOOW since it appears to me that in practice we are already encompassing other traditions. My only concern is that by singling out Christianity in the "public face" of the OOOW we may discourage both those of other traditions and those whose negative experiences within Christianity cause them to throw the baby out with the bath water.

Nameste,

Gary

Linda's comments

I also have been delighted to be privy to this ongoing conversation. It was hard to miss the gathering this year, but family matters were too pressing at the time. I am happy to say our precious little granddaughter is doing well now. From your conversations, I have felt the incredible sweet flow of energy that is such a beautiful part of this Order. It is something entirely different than what I have ever experienced in all my years in the church. Like Sally, I feel I am a mixture of these wonderful traditions we have studied. Buddhism and Taoism have given me such a practical way to live a more peaceful, compassionate life. Our study of Sufism almost felt like a coming home to some deep place in my heart. Each morning in my time of meditation, I look deeply into those incredibly expressive eyes of my Pantocrator. Yeshua is an amazing energetic force. I think we are such a blend, it is a shame to have to put any type of label. I still wrestle with how to explain to someone what it is I am a part of. So this ongoing dialog is wonderful for me. Maybe the time will come when we can just feel each others hearts and won't have to struggle so much with the nuisance of words.


Love and peace

Linda

Sally's response

I have had much joy and amazement at the conversations that I have been so priviledged to see flying across the internet. It is wonderful to be able to peer into the hearts that we love so well on even a deeper level.
For my own part I have found the winter question of the Order bringing an awareness in my own heart about where I have really come from. While my worship has been Christian my whole life the rest of my being has not. My thought pattern is Buddhist and my heart is Sufi. I have recently remembered an early age when I "divorced" Jesus as being superfluous to my inner walk with The Source. The path of wisdom is a total expression of where I feel comfortable. In that, I feel no need to align myself with any one tradition as the knowledge of each feeds the path. Yet in saying that the most acessible teacher is Yeshua and I have come to appreciate that.
When I speak with others about the Wisdom Tradition I most often have to start with what Christianity is not. Christianity is most often the tradition from which most in this country come and therefore the platform from which to leap. I find that in having to do so the conversation is not restoring Christianity to what it truly was, but creating a different entity of what we all could be. It is tempting to find a new name for this so as not to confuse the issues. Wisdomites???
Much love to you all,
Sally

Sharing

Before adding my windy comments, I prayed about what and how best to share. So here goes.

First is a poem by, Yunus Emre, a 13th century Turkish Sufi. The first stanza captures best what I sensed should be shared but the rest of the poem expands on the theme and, by the way, is pretty good too. (The Drop That Became the Sea, pg. 37-38)



That by which our hearts are held,
Whole worlds love it too.
I can’t deny the truth-
Many ways lead to the One.

Those whom the Beloved loves,
We must also love.
If someone is a friend of the Friend,
How can we afford not to be friends?

If you would be a lover,
Befriend him who loves your Friend;
And if you cannot,
Don’t call yourself a friend of mine.

Whomever you tend to despise,
Hold dear instead.
Don’t belittle others, respect them,
This is where the Path leads.

If your heart is filled with love,
Your way is sacrifice.
Through sacrifice you will find you place
In the ranks of Love.

Hearts which truly love the Truth.
Truth opens the door wide.
Dismantle the house of selfishness.
Put away your self-regard.

High and low, enemy, neighbor,
The Friend serves them all.
Whoever wants to spread this word
Must first go out of his home.

This counsel that Yunus gives
Is like buried gold.
Those who love the Friend
Find peace in both worlds.

Second is a photo of wild flowers from the backyard. The seeds by the way came from Fredericksburg but don’t read too much into that. My sense here is that each wild flower is unique and burst forth from a seed that contains its essence and unique Beingness, much like the different ways that lead to the One/Sun that Yunus mentioned. Each represents a sacred tradition and together they combine to form a beautiful arrangement of wild flowers/sacred traditions that dance in the breeze and sunshine together. (NOTE: I am that weed in the bottom left of the photo).



Third and this will take some time since you will have to listen. The talk describes a wonderful meeting of three sacred traditions, which is occurring as you read this, as well as a confirmation and expansion of what Lynn shared with us on retreat.

http://www.roguefortune.com/sohbets/2008/080405_Sequoia_15mb.mp3
or
http://www.sufism.org/society/sohbet/ (Sequoia, April 5th)

Fourth is something personal. I have been graced to be part of three sacred communities…OOOW, Benedictine Camaldolese, and Mevlana Sufis. Each is a unique wild flower and each has rooted in my heart. Together they form a flower bed that guides me on my path of transformation and help me express my role in Beingness. I sense that my heart is the flower bed where diversity (Praise Sacred Unity!) of sacred traditions somehow returns to Unity.

We, the OOOW sisterhood and brotherhood, are the wildflower that has its roots in Yeshua. What a blessing and what mystery. Our purpose is to cultivate our Yeshua wildflowerness, to dance with and love the other wild flowers, and, together manifest the Unity from which all the wild flowers arose.

If my metaphors are stretched or convoluted, I dropped a couple petals during the writing.

(NOTE to Karen: This approach to sharing should take care of all future retreat art assignments)

Blessings,

Ed

Alice Despard's Response

Dear All:

I am enjoying this exchange tremendously.
I think we should always have an on-going topic that we can
weigh in on together in a forum style such as this.
It will help keep us grounded and in touch with each other,
especially since we are so far-flung geographically
and getting together, at least as often as we'd like, is a challenge.
I know the OOOW blog was intended to serve this purpose,
but I would guess that some are more comfortable posting
only to the group in this more intimate way.

As a preamble, I'd like to say that the retreat spent
in the presence of Rabbi Rami Shapiro and Lynn, et al,
was a phenomenal, blessed time.
I returned home so inspired by Rami's teachings,
and so energized and focused from Lynn's
invitation to re-examine our mission statement.
For me, these retreats are so important --the synergy
of teamwork is an invaluable aspect of our work in the world.
I welcome any chance I can get to converse with you,
the members of the Order, especially as a newbie
struggling to find my path.

I really resonated with all the responses so far,
and particularly with Blake's main points regarding
our particular ministry within this powerfully transformative
era of the Church.
Midwives, triage workers, and hospice caretakers are all needed.
Furthermore, I feel this work cannot be accomplished without deep
commitment to one's particular stream of faith.
Grace pours itself into the vessel wherein there is strong faith.

The spiritual tourist of which Blake speaks will not be able to withstand
the pressures and intense difficulties inherent in the work of the shifting of ages.

We all share the cultural and theological bedrock of the Abrahamic traditions...
the foundation is wide and the bedrock is deep-rooted.
The combined forces of wisdom and faith within the inner Christian tradition creates
a unique space within the psyche. This space--this spaciousness--
is essential and it is from this spaciousness that we can convey
and transmit to others the most precious tenets of our faith and gnosis.
The commitment of the heart to one stream--the Yeshua teachings in this case,
is essential for deep transformative inner work.

We know this.

And yet, I sense in many people, both within and outside of the Order,
a fundamental ambivalence towards their Christian heritage.
Many people--even those who have practiced within the Christian
faith their entire lives--seem to have suffered some degree of trauma with regard
to being a Christian: they have suffered through bigoted fundamentalism,
sexual hypocrisies, moral relativism, spiritual distortions and rampant egoism
in the ranks of both clergy and lay--in short, the Church's tarnished image in the world
has been more of a cross to bear than most seem able to carry.
Christianity, as it exists in the institution of the Church today, has a terrible
self-image, and it looks at itself through a glass darkly.
We need to be aware that each of us carries a piece of the Church's stigma--
that a portion of the Church's shadow-side has taken up residence within each of us
in sometimes subtle ways. I think it is part of our task, as monks, to
purify ourselves of this shadow-side of the Church.
That does not mean we must turn away from the Church--no, we must,
in fact, turn back towards her and pull up every ounce of loving-kindness (caritas)
and mercy (chesed) which grace has bestowed upon us to raise her back up into her
new form out of the remaining ashes of the dying Church.

Drinking deeply from the wider waters of the Abrahamic traditions, such
as we accomplished with Rami, is a welcome antidote and I think
we should continue to taste of the fountainheads of our tradition--surely
this will have a salutary effect upon our mission.

With warm regards,

Alice Despard

Oprah's Views

Talk about coincidence: a fundamentalist internet buddy of mine sent me the following streaming video link decrying Oprah's views on religion. It is perhaps the video being described as her denying the existence of God, but in any event I found it most interesting. It seems to me that she is far closer to the Source than her critics and is indicative of the baggage attached to institutional Christianity. Would someone for whom Oprah's espoused views make sense be attracted to an group such as ours which is closely linked to Christianity? It seems a significant burden to overcome. While I agree with John and Blake that perhaps our "pivot foot" needs to be in the Christian wisdom tradition, failure to somehow distinguish ourselves from the negative connotations attached to traditional Christianity runs the risk of alienating folk who are on or want to be on the wisdom path but are turned off by the popular understanding of Christianity.

link

More on Spiritual Similarities

While following the link in Lynn's post about the Cartographer of the Afterlife, I discovered the following article which in some ways is germaine to the OOOW discussion. The article, Hinduism and Christianity Are One, draws on both the Bible and Hindu scripture to make the case that at the essential level the two religions are more similar than we think.

link

Perspective

Those who believe everything to be created by God see Him in everything. They find comfort in regarding the Creator and not His creation. All problems stem from the illusion that created things hold the ultimate power. Turn to Him, therefore, if you seek deliverance.

-Al-Nuri

Cartographer of the Afterlife

I came across the following article concerning Steve Beckow, a resident of Vancouver, B.C., who has a very unusual pastime. You might call him an afterlife cartographer. A sociologist, historian, and a former member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Beckow prefers to call himself a student of cross-cultural spirituality. His primary interest now is in making sense of the afterlife from revelations that have come to us through various forms of mediumship, including the mediumship of the Bible and other sacred texts.

link

Gary's response

First I want to say that I am blown away by the thoughtfulness and eloquence evidenced in the contributions to the debate. Emily and I feel truly blessed to be associated with such a wonderful group.

While I agree with much of what has been said about the importance of maintaining ties to the Christian community as individuals, my concern is that by emphasizing the Order’s connection to Christianity as opposed to wisdom traditions as a broader group we may unwittingly exclude members whose contributions and perspectives can enrich us all. One of the characteristics of Ken Wilber’s classification of what constitutes a “higher” stage of psycho-spiritual development is that it both transcends and includes the stages that precede it. I suspect most of us sense that there is a Unity behind the diversity we experience, and the broader the scope of the dialogue with all traditions, the greater the likelihood of perceiving that Unity. I often recall Lynn’s metaphor of religions being like an axle with multiple wheels: the core experience (axle) for all the wheels (religions) is the same, but as the experience is transmitted out the spokes to the rim, the immediacy and clarity is diluted and lost. The resulting religions perceive themselves to be different, unique and exclusive even though the Source is the same. I feel the Order should be open to anyone seeking the Source.

My preference would be to emphasize the wisdom tradition aspect so as to be inclusive yet encourage individual OOOW members to remain active in the tradition that serves them and that they can serve. To Lynn’s list of three possible roles for OOOW members I would add a fourth, one that most of all already play; that of change agent. Most of us have the opportunity to interject what we are discovering about Yeshua in our local congregations or other groups in a way that will encourage others to re-examine their understanding. We can interact as Christians (or Jews, Muslims, Hindus, etc.) locally but draw strength, understanding and inspiration from association within OOOW as we deepen our respective searches for experiencing the Source.

Perhaps there is some danger in seeking a broad perspective rather than drilling deep in our own tradition(s), but because we are different in background, personality, and ways of perception, and because many of us feel put off by much of institutional Christianity, exploration of other wisdom traditions in tandem with growing understanding of what Yeshua actually taught may strengthen our appreciation of Christianity. Or we may, like Scott Peck, feel another faith serves us better during a part of our lives but then return to our roots toward the end of our lives. Life is, after all, a journey and a process, not a destination.

Namaste!

Fred Macon's Response: The OOOW and Christianity

Summary: Stay open to and Drawing from All Wisdom Traditions, Yet Retaining and Enhancing Our Tap Root in Christianity

Globalization means we can incorporate insights and practices from all traditions. At the same time, having our tap root or ballast in Christianity enables us to have a grounding, a perspective for processing the diverse resources available to us.

As Rabbi Shapiro reminded us, inclusivity is pointless and meaningless if we do not have a place to stand. I would add: if we do not have clarity around the pivotal place for Yeshua in OOOW, then what is our mission and identity?

If we blur or neglect our particularity in Christianity, then, dialogue loses its significance. Indeed, honest dialogue with other wisdom traditions can stretch and deepen our spirituality and praxis, i.e., it is vital for refreshing and returning to our own Christian heritage with renewed eyes.

I believe, then, that we need to continue clarity about our Christian identity within OOOW. For me, it is about sharpening and refining my personal presence to and with Yeshua. At the same time, I want to deepen my knowledge and participation in the other Abrahamic traditions as well as such perspectives as Buddhism, Vedanta, Taoism, Native American, etc.

To say it another way, what makes OOOW so unique and invaluable to me is the claiming and returning to Yeshua, but with a transformative lens drawn from all the wisdom traditions.

A further personal need for OOOW is my desire to be a bridge and presence for Yeshua in an expansive wisdom context in the midst of my life long involvement in Methodism. Likewise, there is opportunity for others in OOOW within their particular religious background to interpret OOOW in whatever situation they find themselves. Such engagement with our particular traditions could have a significant impact upon the vitality of Christianity in America.

Finally, not blurring or neglecting our Christian heritage does not in any way have to undercut our commitment to be world citizens defending the rights, dignity and practices of all religions and cultures.
Fred Macon: 4/8/08; OOOW Postulant; macon61@charter.net

Ron Poidevin's Thoughts On The Third Annual Gathering 2008

For the better part of almost 2 months I find that I continue to return to the wonder, and yes, the mystery, of our last gathering. The sheer energy that Rabbi Rami released, and our willful participation, continues to resonate in my heart. Yet the greatest prominence I feel centers around our discussions about the pledge, the future and our individual and collective grounded-ness reflected in OOOW.

As we concluded our time together a desire was expressed to continue the dialog with one another. While we did not finalize how to do this, there were two suggestions. One suggestion was to use our blog page and the other was via e-mail. Perhaps we can use both methods in whichever way best encourages us to enter into the dialog during the year. The blog page offers a way to see and respond to input from multiple sources. If used, remember that such a dialog is exploratory and may not represent anyone’s complete thoughts on the topic. In other words --- be gentle if I appear off base! The e-mail option may contribute more personal reflection and input that can be offered to an individual, to a select group or to all who participate with OOOW. Of course you can select either or both methods.

I offer the following thoughts with the hope of starting the sharing of perspectives and ideas to explore the continued formation of OOOW. During the several years prior to OOOW and continuing after the formation of OOOW a teaching focus has been on deepening the depth of our Christian spiritual heritage and/or broadening our awareness of the wisdom of other sacred traditions. Each of these learning paths has contributed to the strength of the other.

In 2003 as possibilities were discussed leading to the creation of OOOW, inclusivity was one of the stated foundations of the proposed ideas and was incorporated into the language of the Order. I celebrate the ease with which we work seamlessly across denominations sharing wisdom and experience and commitment. But inclusivity points to many other areas of integration that can be part of our future. As we continue to dialog directly with representatives of other traditions and each other we will be challenged too by the question: “Do we lose our grounded-ness in Christianity by integrating wisdom from other traditions or can non Christians participate with us fully?” That is “Does inclusivity in the Order extend to other traditions or even more broadly to humanity.” If so, “What then becomes the role of the Order?”

OK! Here is a shift from OOOW developmental background to a partial personal response to these challenging questions.

My cultural, social and spiritual grounding has been in Christianity – more specifically as an Anglican. Our work together has given to me a more exciting, and, I believe, a more accurate grasp of the Good News, The Gospel. However, Christianity does not have a “proprietary” claim to the wisdom of Yeshua who is the expression of the completed Human. As redeemer, Yeshua models for all that which has been God’s plan from the beginning of time and continues its expression in each one of us. Robert Capon in his book The Astonished Heart, says it this way “ ...the incarnation of the word revealed in Jesus is not the insertion of a fix into creation at some point in time and place; it is the sacramentalization at one point in history, of a Mystery that underlies all of history.” No institution, or tradition or individual is the complete expression of the Logos. While any individual denomination or church may have masked the good news of Apocatastasis it remains true even when we are unaware or even reject it. One task of the OOOW is to remain true to the inclusivity of all of humanity in God’s redemptive plan and to carry the message into our environments including (maybe even specifically) into our church environments.

The OOOW helps me personally by encouraging me to ask the questions, to express my experience and doubts without fear of rejection or expulsion. I love and honor the dialog we share in OOOW and the contributions to growth of wisdom that emanates from our time together. This helps me to strive to live in right relationship to all things in a world rampant with social and political conflicts. These conflicts may have us at a critical period in history that challenge all of us to respond in unique ways and challenge us to preserve an array of Wisdom that will be needed beyond our lifetimes. Therein lie the multiplicity of opportunities and paths for each of us as individuals while sharing the support of a unique community.

Let the dialog begin by hearing from each of you.
Blessings, Ron Poidevin

Enlightenment

Enlightenment is a way of saying that all things are seen in their intrinsic empty nature, their Suchness, their ungraspable wonder. Names or words are merely incidental, but that state which sees no division, no duality, is enlightenment.

-Prajnaparamita

Myths Aren't Fairy Tales

On the intellectual side of religion and spirituality we are still dwelling in the lingering shadow of medieval night, hypnotized and victimized by superstition of the weirdest types flaunted from pulpit and seminary. This beclouded day of gloom will continue as long as we have not the acumen to dissociate sublime myth, allegory, drama and symbol from the dregs of history.

Alvin Boyd Kuhn, Who Is This King of Glory

Those who lack discrimination may quote the letter of the Scripture, but they are denying its inner truth.

The Bhagavad Gita

Myth is what never was, yet always is.

Joseph Campbell