Experience is the Food of Life.

And ever food for thought and digestion.

R.W.Richardson

Crowcombe, West Somerset, UK 2002.

The Real Quest of the Mind and the Cosmos.

Nothing could ever be known without the faculty of conscious existence; and conscious experience is all we ever have. It is not a case of asking as to whether conscious awareness reveals the truth of reality, for, as I said, conscious awareness is all we ever have—so it IS our reality. So, the real question, and pragmatic question, is as to what exists to be known. One of the strangest things about life and all existence is that it is all a mystery. A mystery being something which we know exists to be known yet we cannot explain it or fully comprehend it. The second strangest thing is that we are left to work it out. Well, at least to try to anyway. I often wonder why we bother, for during our lifetime here there does not seem to be any confirmation as to whether one gets it right or wrong in the final analysis. But the mind innately asks questions, and learns through the process of observing, thinking and asking questions. A slow unfolding revelation, bit by bit; page by page; a day at a time. Sufficient food to be digested for that day and time. It seems to me that too much at any one time might well choke us. But life and the nature of reality, albeit many things, is clever.

I think it should be safe to say that all children are born asking questions and with an open mind; or certainly most at least, if not all: and that implicit motivation and process moves us on a step at a time into greater understanding and with more potential in this world. But it soon becomes clear that, for whatever reason, many become closed minded. I have no idea as to why. Maybe it is fear of the unknown (inculcated into them by society itself). Maybe it is because they assume they know everything already. Maybe it is because they believe that many questions have no knowable answer.

But for whatever reason, it soon becomes clear that some folk do close their minds down to further learning and understanding, and which results in an existential (and sociological if there are enough of them) stagnation and entropy. Indeed, much like the thousand year void of knowledge after Rome destroyed the Library of Alexandria and all the documents and wisdom contained therein from antiquity. And indeed murdered the teachers, philosophers and scientists who were active there and then. Culture and knowledge died, slept, for a thousand years.

I have often wondered then as to if there could exist a way of preventing minds from becoming closed. Some kind of wedge that could be placed in the door of the mind to preventing it slamming closed and remaining that way for the duration of their lifetime here. Some idea maybe, a catalyst against entropy and stagnation. Well, who knows.

The nature of realty of course has its own methods so to speak. But it is an infuriatingly slow process. But one which human volition and will might possibly be able to assist and speed it up a little. Since whenever human beings first began to think there have been developed thousands of theories, belief systems, creation myths, religions, philosophies and cult short cuts to the answers to the mystery of existence; and one of course has the option to choose one of these instead of attempting to work it out and think for themselves if one is so inclined, lazy, or rank crazy.

Over the last few hundred years of course we have modern science in on the act. Modern science it seems believes that it has taken over the job of telling us all as to what life and reality is all about, and even how it works. However, I would say this. For science and its methodology to tell us all about life, the universe, and everything, would be much like science telling us what a great painting is all about by studying the molecules of the paint. But a picture is not about the paint—rather it is about the picture and message; the paint is simply the media with which to tell it. Or, for it to tell us what a great musical symphony is all about by measuring the gap between the notes; or telling us what the game of chess is all about by simply studying the rules of the game. The rules can be learned in half an hour, but chess has never been fully mastered even by its greatest exponents; and that is only a man made game. Yet, scientists themselves, and many other people it seems, truly take their claim seriously. And which I find both incredibly funny and pathetically nauseating. Having said that I must add that in so far as sciences goes and what it can do then I am one of its greatest fans and advocates; but certainly not in the area of telling us what life and all existence is all about.

As a mere boy of about five or six years of age I became really fed up with being bombarded by peoples beliefs. Rather, I wanted to know what they actually knew. But when asking them I received strange looks and was told not to be cheeky (not by my parents or relations I hasten to add). Indeed, I found it to be the greatest conversation stopper of all time. Try if for yourself the next time somebody wants to download their stuff on you. Simply say, “Thanks very much but no thanks, simply tell me what you know to be true for yourself”! Invariably the reaction will be hostile; for their beliefs are their idol it seems. The smarter and wiser ones will simply smile.

This whole concept for the desire to comprehend, to understand things, is not simply a matter of choice or idle curiosity when there is nothing better to do; no, it is something which is innate and fundamental to the phenomenon of mind and conscious existence. Maybe the power or dynamics behind creation is waiting for us to work it all out for it—maybe not; but you never know eh. Well, one of the things which I did learn for a fact is that humour helps to keep us sane, and seems to be as necessary to the process of our particular existence on earth as breathing air, eating food and drinking fluid…. preferably clean air and fluid that tastes like real ale.

However, and be all that as it should be, there is the serious side also. It often used to strike me as odd that seeds did not have to be taught how to become a fine plant, and fulfil their cosmic job without hassle and a nervous breakdown. Why then should human beings have to be told everything I wondered. Well, it turns out that they do not; for life itself supplies some of the answers, and everything which we really need (not everything which we want I hasten to add). I often wonder as to whether there will come a time when it supplies them all. If so then @role on that day.

However, even that is not quite true in the deeper sense. For in one sense the process of learning things (from life itself) simply throws up more mysteries. Yet the answers, at least which I have ever had thus far, simply bring more and more questions along with it. One could well say that it all becomes more complicated and mysterious rather than more simple. But I like to think of an analogy which I came up with many years ago, and which is this. If knowledge and understanding were a small white dot on a large sheet of black paper (the old analogy) then as the dot gets bigger and bigger then so too would the circumference of the unknown. However, if that dot were on a balloon instead of an infinite yet flat piece of paper, then eventually the whole balloon would be filled with the light of understanding eventually. So, is the mind more like a flat sheet of paper or a balloon in this respect? Well, as of yet I am not totally sure; but I think the latter.

Over the course of the last sixty three years I have learned a few things; not many but just a few. And as pointed out above these things do address the deeper questions (perennial questions) and answers some of them; but they also raise more questions than they answer. Almost like a bit of a game really is it not? However, you and I invent games for fun (even chess, but do not tell the grandmasters that) but life is certainly not all fun and games, far from it alas. And neither is it game at all, fun or otherwise.

I have to mention here that the things which I say and write do not come from any living or dead person; nor from books, nor from belief systems (for I have none and want none) nor from any man made religion or philosophy; but only, and I emphasise only, from living life itself and experiencing some of it. Thus, nobody, and no other thing, is in any way responsible for my assertions and claims, only me, and me alone. Well, I guess one could blame life as well—to a degree anyway.

The beauty of this approach however, is twofold. Let me explain. I see nothing wrong in keeping an open mind and letting life itself teach us, for we did not produce ourselves after all. If life is going to bring us forth then let life itself take the responsibility for teaching us what we have to know. It sure seems to know more about it than scientists, priestcraft, politicians and academics do; and as I mentioned before, plants and animals do not need tuition in order to fulfil their cosmic purpose in existence. The ‘stuff’ is within the system. The other great advantage is this. If every human being came to write down what they have learned in life and about life (albeit briefly as I and others have done) then we could all seek for correlation’s within those affirmations of experience and thence the understanding derived from it.

One of my theories (not certain knowledge) is that life is not relative to every conscious mind which exists (some really do believe this so they tell me). Hence, the nature of reality is what it is and is the same for all observers beyond the mere level of our existential daily experiences of life. True, we all experience existence from within our selves and we are all somewhat different from each other, but they are mere surface wonders and differences, as is the skin or the personality. But deeper down than all that changing daily phenomena, there is something which holds it all together, the rules, the dynamics of existence etc, and these levels of realty are what they are, and they are the same for all. The nature of reality is complex and mysterious enough without it being a different reality for every living entity within its encompass.

Creation entails great economy and wise use of energy. Including recycling the stuff—i.e., note black holes… the space-time vacuum cleaners that gobble up matter which is well past its shelf life. Thus it is that if people were to openly share their experience of life and their eventual views and understanding derived after some experience of it, then it would be highly interesting to accumulate those affirmations and views and to seek out direct correlation’s of life experience itself therein; and whilst minus of all the diatribe of socially constructed belief systems and academic philosophies and creation myths.

When I was first asked to write about these things (instigated from some initial poems which I wrote years ago simply for myself) I did not think it worth while to even bother. But two things later occurred to me (and also through direct first hand experience and observation). One was that the power of the word can have great effect on our inner system at times—like love, and like music and beauty. The other was the realisation that open debate and sharing information, can at times be fruitful despite all the pains of continual arguments and downright abuse. And which is soon proved to us in this day and age on the internet—been there done that got the psychological wounds and scares for so doing; but no problem, for such is life and people. Time to move on however.

In the final analysis my only real concern and reason for communication is in the hope that it may help even one other person in time to come in some small way. I have already known the reward of seeing peoples faces and hearts open up when mentioning these things and thence them realising that they are not alone, not crazy or deranged, and no different from many other people on earth here and now. If speaking the truth of human conscious experience (and ones deepest feelings about it all) is an anathema to many, then so be it, and their problem not mine. But as for myself, and many others it now seems, then truth is my overriding criteria of operation. I would rather learn and understand absolutely nothing at all about life and existence than to learn a whole bag-full (or book-full) of lies, distortions and untruths. And many of which are erected for vested personal or sociological interests in this backward little world as it yet is.

Thus, would it not also be wonderful to be able to give spirituality back to people where it belongs and out of the grasp of profit orientated cartels of power? That, as far as I am concerned is as much as one can hope for. And hope truly springs eternal. But that would take millions of people to achieve it, and acting accordingly and in harmony and accord with each other. Time does not change things, but in due course things change, and for good reason. But let me first offer, here and now, my four foundations of premise, for all young people to give thought to, if they have a mind and will to think for themselves.

When contemplating on the nature of the truth of reality one must keep in mind four Foundations of Premise. My own were as follows; and they still seem to hold good many years later. The first three are self evident to all; the last premise is known by a growing minority as yet. And evolution marches on.

(1) The Existential

(2) The Extant Phenomenal

(3) The Integrative

(4) The Mystical

1… An observer cannot know objectivity independent of observation. Thus, from the reference point of the Existential, reality is as real as experience makes it.

2… There has to exist extant phenomena for a subject to observe; otherwise it would not be an observer; and irrespective of the absolute nature of the observed.

3… A subject is not independent of creation and is therefore a part of it. In the act of observing a subject is an integrative part of what it is observing, i.e. creation observing creation.

4… If one would come to ascertain the objective then it is a prerequisite to know the limitations of the observer: for only in knowing what we are can we then know as to what is objective. Likewise, if we would come to know our self then so too must it be known as to what is not our self.

Theories based upon wishful thinking are about as useful as a chocolate tea pot. Well, even less so really for one could at least eat the chocolate tea pot. Useful theories however, have to be based upon something which is already known to exist; hence some knowledge has to exist before one can speculate further beyond the existing knowledge. But knowledge, wonderful though it is, does not equate with understanding it. Knowledge is merely data, information. The end goal being is to understand that knowledge and then put it to good productive use in life.

A head full of mere data without one grain of understanding and thence a practical use for it is tantamount to garbage in the mind. Hence it is far better to know and understand just one thing, and to use it well; than to know everything yet not understand any of it and have no use for it. Many people have called me many things, but in all truth I am nothing more than a rank pragmatist. However, even theories are ten a penny until proved to be the case. And life itself does the only real proving—not oscilloscopes and telescopes. When did a telescope ever find love and good will—or paradise :- )) Oh, yeah yeah eh! Fools look in the wrong place for the wrong things: the wise simply sit still and wait for things to come—which they do.

Hence, one does not really need to point out that intelligence is not (as many like to believe) having a head full of data and facts (like quiz show fanatics) but rather what is done with the little bit of knowledge and understanding that one has. I guess we have all met the type of pure academic who gives the impression of knowing everything, yet could not even mend a blown fuse. Or the kind of social worker type academics who tell everybody how to raise children when they have not even had any of their own. One of the problems of course being the types who live their life by proxy and obtain all their information from books alone. They seem to miss the obvious point that not everything written in books is correct and therefore does not correlate with the nature of reality itself. It is true enough that no man is an island; it is also true that life is not learned about in books, by proxy, but rather by living it first hand. Warts and all.

I would endeavour (and as I have always done so) to try to implore people to do their own thinking, their own observing, their own feeling, their own laughing and weeping, and acquiring their own understanding, and using whatever degree they have of their own intelligence as opposed to becoming a mere walking talking parrot on behalf of others. For such people truly are the walking dead, entropic zombies who sleep walk through life brainwashed by the social political systems of any one time. Why should it bother me one way or the other? The answer is simple. The consensus of a society creates the society which I have to live in; and I would rather live in a society of intelligent open minded human beings, than the one we have at present or any time in the past here on earth. True, I shall not be here much longer. But children will, and for a long time to come. Anyway, I may even have to come back sometime, who knows. Heaven forbid!

Hence I would want to see all children acquiring their own direct first hand experience of life as much as possible; and the opportunity to do so. For experience is the food of life, and understanding it is the digestion process by which we grow and become the more that we are. Experience is to the mind what food and drink is to the body. Then again, in a world where all ones time is taken up in work and sleep, and the few mere remaining moments being spent in front of a box of moving soap opera pictures (by courtesy of the state) does not give one a great deal of past experience to contemplate upon and digest—let alone desirable nuggets of information to think on.

It is imperative to spend at least a few hours per week or month simply sitting quiet (lone) and contemplating on the past weeks or months experiences, and asking oneself as to what one has learned from it. For those who do not learn from their own experience are sure not going to learn anything, let alone from other peoples experience. Society loves to encourage people to remain stupid it seems, and simply pay their taxes and become a national insurance number; yet with no mind of their own. There is great profit to be had from ignorance. Ask any Bishop, for they are the past masters of mind manipulation; but even they are the mere puppets of the politics of money organisations on earth, and always have been. In this world money rules. OK. Well, that is the way it is and the way it has been for some thousands of years; but it is not the way it will stay—for evolution is going somewhere, either with, or without, our help and co-operation. In life one can swim with the tide of life and existence itself (one cannot get more pragmatic than that) or one can swim against the tide. The latter is painful, and it takes a long time to be turned around when done the hard way.

Maybe youngsters can give some thought to this. A good starting point is to realise that you know nothing, and accept that fact, for it is true. There is nothing wrong with ignorance, for we are born into this world that way, like a clean conscious slate to be written upon by the experience of living life itself; we have no memory or recall of anything.

It is true enough that many adults can offer good constructive advice from hindsight of their own learning, and they do so in most cases. Moreover, interesting data does exist in books (on rare occasions anyway). But the whole point is this: no matter how much truth (or lies for that matter) is given to you by proxy then you will still not know as to whether it is true or not—not until you have been there for yourself and learned it to be true or false for yourself, alone. So it is wise to listen, and give thought to things said and written, but not to simply take it all in as gospel in blind faith. Question everything—including the very nature of your own existence. It pays dividends to do so.

Some folk seem to miss the whole point and the truth of the reality that life is a private dance and affair between the observer and the observed, and the forces which shape our being. Your life and existence is for you; a cosmic message for you: lessons for you; a dance with you alone and in private. This does not mean that you have to keep it all to yourself, far from it, share what you have and what you have learned with anybody and everybody; and they can do with it what they will; that is not your problem. But to do your own best is your business, your job, and your problem. No man is an island, and everything which exists has to exist: nothing is for nothing and everything is for something. Or so I have learned anyway; as have many others since humanity first existed here. I cannot emphasise enough that the things which you observe all around you are not only whatever they are in the nature of absolute reality but they are also a cosmic communication with your mind. Observing objectivity is a conversation (communication) with creation itself. You will not learn that in school yet. Perhaps they overlook it for some reason. I wonder why!

It is therefore wise to keep in mind that in the final analysis all you ever have is conscious experience; and no matter where you are in creation, or whatever level of reality you are existing in; all you will ever have, anywhere, is conscious experience. So please take note of it, eat it, digest it, understand it, grow by it, and then spew it all out for the assistance of others. The only time that you do not take in conscious experience is when you are switched off; and yes, the mind can be switched off. And not simply by going to sleep. I also find this amusing; for as a little boy one of the questions which I asked myself was this… “Given that consciousness exists then what exists for consciousness to become conscious of?” From hindsight I realise this was not only a good question but also a profound one; and highly relevant. I guess what I did not realise at the time was that everything was a conscious experience—and irrespective as to what else it may be. Even the data of scientific investigations, is, in the final analysis, conscious experience. So can one be permitted to give an email wink here to our scientific experts on life and the nature of reality ;-)

The question arises as to what is the real nature of observed things beyond the experience of them? There are two answers to that question, and the first one is simple. The answer is another question—Does it really matter? For the experience is what the experience is, and has its effects, and it works. However, we know well enough by now that the five outward looking senses each only see a small spectrum of the wavelengths objective phenomena. Imagine if all those contact points of experience were shifted along the spectrum for some reason. Objectivity would not look, feel, sound, taste and smell anything like it does to us now. We take in what we are given to take in by the very nature of our own existence within the sum of the whole. We do not see what is out there (that which is not us) let alone the sum of what is out there; we simply see what our objective sensory data allows us to see.

Taking things for granted in life is far from being a good idea or a wise course of action. Moreover, as well as learning from it then also enjoy it, for it will not always be there, let alone as it is today. As to what it all looks like beyond the spectrum of what we can see, then that can never be known; and in all truth is somewhat academic and irrelevant. Somebody once asked (trying to be smart I guess) as to if objective reality still exists when nobody is observing it. The answer is irrelevant, but it is always there when we are observing it, and that is all that matters; and by definition it could be no other way; for if it were not there then by definition we would not be observing it. Some Philosophers, I ask you! Tut tut!

One philosopher (self-called I guess) once said “Cogito ergo sum”! “I think, therefore I exist”! And naturally such an obvious statement must make him a genius of some kind. He may as well have said… “I can tie my shoe laces up, therefore I exist”! Sure, no problem, and any conscious experience proves that you exist. What he did not know however was that thinking was not the criteria of existence. He did not seem to know that we still exist when not in a position to be able to think. I have explained that in depth elsewhere. But for starters we sleep every night, and we cannot think when we are unconscious, yet we still exist; for if we did not we could not be woken up. There is far more to the mind and nature of our existence than thinking. Some philosophers, yeah, tally ho!

Moreover, if one did not exist then one would not be in a position to question it. Perhaps that is what he really meant to say however; but who cares; for we all learn these things soon enough for ourselves anyway. But, and would you believe or credit it, I have had a few young people come to me and ask if they really existed—well, so much for my presence then; and the chair on which they were sitting at the time :- ) I wonder where and how that seed was sown into their mind? How can anybody question their existence whilst they can still question their existence? True enough, we can question the nature of our existence, and I seem to have done it all my life, but to question our very existence is a bit over the top and very ‘New Age’ I guess. But they will get over it in due course. Perhaps they need a few kids around them, they will sure not question their existence then—they will no doubt long for a break from it on occasions.

However, and be all this as it is, experience does not stop with objectivity. That is to say there is far more to be experienced than merely the outside stuff, phenomena, of objectivity. We are taught by the wisdom of humanity that we have five antenna (senses). With which of the five senses, I would then ask, do we experience, love, hate, fear, joy, happiness, misery, dreams, hallucinations, ideas, concepts, and far more besides? We have far more and far deeper antenna than merely the five external physical senses.

Life has a way of hiding things until they are mysteriously revealed—and that fact too one has to learn to live with and accept; for it is so. To simply run away from that which is known to be so, is of course another cop-out to reality. And we certainly learn that fact well, and early on in our life.

To question the nature of objectivity is both fine and important (and in truth there is little choice about having to do so); but to forget to question and observe the observer itself is to totally miss one half of creation and existence altogether.

Think for a while, in these terms. In so far as we initially know, by life experience itself (and every child knows it well) is that only two things exist from our point of conscious reference… “I and IT”. Meaning of course the observer and the observed. We are all “I” the observer. True there are millions of us on earth, and no doubt all over the shop of creation, but that does not alter the fact that they are all observers, living conscious mindful entities; and hence ‘The observer”. And every experience they ever have which is not an experience of themselves is an experience of objectivity; hence “I and Thou” or “ME and IT”. The observer and the observed.

It is perhaps best to think of the five outer senses as being periscopes above the waves of the surface of space and time. And one has to ask oneself of course as to what are those periscopes connected to below he waves of the surface (your self) or the submarine. And then of course one can ask… “So OK, who or what is the captain of this submarine?!” And where is that captain found; and what is it like? They are the real questions of eternal meat and food; for the justification of their legitimacy is axiomatic. Hence, ask questions about things which you know exist—not things which you imagine exist. If your questions are not justified questions then there will be no forthcoming answer—even reality itself cannot answer a question about something which does not exist. Be smart and practical—like life itself!

An old but good analogy is this. Imagine a power source beyond your self, or the life force if you like (for without a life force we would not be here, which is obvious to all). Then imagine yourself asking this life force as to what it is. Your answer from it would be thus…. “If you would know me, then you must first know your self, for it is your self which knows me, and it is your self which is the first thing ever to be brought forth from the point of no duration and no thing created: the very first stone in the pond of being”!!! Well, there is some food for thought for the time being. And I hasten to add that it is true. Correction, conscious experience reveals it to be true. The question is as to do you trust conscious experience?

Before you say that you do not trust conscious experience, I would remind you again that conscious experience is all you will ever have anywhere, any time, any how. Worth thinking about is that one. Moreover, it is well to keep in mind that anyone stating that something does not exist, must first, by definition, know everything which does exist; for if they make that statement in ignorance of what does exist then they are a fool. And just as it is also true that anyone stating that something does exist, without the experience of its existence, is also a fool. Tell of what you know and as to how you came to know it. That, as dignified human beings, is all we can do; and the best we can do. And likewise does it keep ones integrity together.

Exactly the same applies with regard to the observer and the observed. You cannot know as to what is not you until you know what you are in the final analysis; in essence. And one could be surprised and illuminated. Correction—one will be surprised and illuminated.

Truly it seems to me that the responsibility for effecting a wedge to keeping young peoples minds open, enquiring, searching, asking questions; is their own parents in the final analysis. But this should also be in parallel and co-operation with social nurture; and politics. A society, and hence this world, reaps what it sows, brews what they ferment, grows what they plant. Manifest creation we do not. But have a say in the matter we decidedly do. A daunting task to be sure. But one which we have no choice to walk away from—without suffering the consequences thereof.

As it is at the moment alas the existing social philosophy and paradigm is ‘Let sleeping dogs lie’, for they do not rock the boat of beloved state conventions. But I would have to point out that the nature of reality abhors a vacuum and stagnation. So too does evolution. If we do not ask questions then only do we not get answers, and we do not move on. Tomorrow will come whether we are there or not, or ready for it or not. And before the world of humanity comes right then first we have to get ourselves right, and working properly as the nature of reality decrees by self-evident observation of it.

I find it ironic that we live in a day and age of wondrous technology and potentials, mass world-wide communication: the first tentative steps in creating a global village; the knowledge and means to be able to cure so many ills and diseases; to be able to feed and house the world of humanity for the first time in our history here: and all the other things which would take too long to mention. And yet, despite all this, the existential life of so many people in this day and age is sick; not firing on all cylinders and in a unified effort of wilful intent. Isolationism is even endemic in family life worldwide these days; in every village and city on the face of the earth. A trillion loose nuts and bolts manufacture nothing—and fast. I do not know the answer to these things. Neither do I know as to where it will all finish up. The only thing I do know, and for sure, is the place to start looking for the answers.

And the answer is within your self. Know Thy Self. And thence be guided and motivated by what it is; and in the eternal dignity that is the pure mind of Man. Until you seek there, and find, then you will learn nothing of lasting and eternal value. That may well be not a lot to know, or not much of an achievement for a lifetimes hard work; not a lot to offer: but it is all I have; and I know that it is the place to start: for it is where we start. And I know that it is important; beyond any shadow of doubt.

*

THE ODYSSEY

Experience is the food of life

which ever onward flows;

understanding is digestion,

and wisdom that which grows.

But what is it that dwells beneath

the appearance of the day,

and integrates our freedom

with the deeper Cosmic way?

And in what realm, (beyond the form),

from which place all things flow,

will temporal mind return to seed,

and say... “Ah yes, I know”!?

That realm, it is a mystery,

the deepest mystery known,

and on returning then we know

it is our natural home.

Thus Man is made a meeting ground

of dimensions deep and wide,

and brought forth by cosmic passion

which nought can subdivide.

The mystic centre is the root

from which then all things flow;

and in that deepest dwelling place

we learn—Ah yes, I know.

* * *

THE GRAIL

I told it at the outset,

and I’ll say it one more time,

that the power is within you

to make this world divine.

Seek not the grail beyond you

for the magic is inside;

the deepest root within you,

loves eternal cosmic bride.

The marriage is outside of time;

before the stars did shine;

before time tore asunder

the repose of the divine.

Wait not then for Paradise,

and all glory yet to come,

for it’s even now within you

and the first thing ever done.

Do not believe the truth of this

but seek it for yourself;

for life on Earth is far too short

to miss such Divine wealth.

And so, when times are cold and hard,

and the winters chill is rife,

gather the Babes around the hearth,

and speak to them... of LIFE.

Fire the flame within them,

as the coals do warm the hand,

and tell them of from whence they came,

the Divine Eternal Land.

* * *

CONSUMMATUM EST

The Fulfilment of Incarnate Being.

(Paradise on Earth—or the Reciprocal Convergence)

How many coats of consciousness

must yield before the dawn

where man can live incarnate

without such pain to mourn.

What scalpel could be honed so sharp

to heal the wounds therein;

or does the knowledge of one’s self

eradicate the sin.

What lies before the thought of things

which manifests the day;

the realm of infinite duration,

where there is no price to pay.

What road transcends the temporal things

of form and shape and size,

where knowledge of the ground of self

illuminates the prize.

Where feeling is not touching

and knowing is not thought,

yet overcoming paradox

is a lesson to be taught.

Where metaphysics hangs its coat

and mystics dwell in awe

the singer may be sighted,

but the song goes on yet more.

part two

The inward journey trod and done

will yield the truth, but not the sum.

From whence we come we must return,

knowing not how, but with will to learn.

When Cosmos in the Atom dwells,

and the seer is that seen,

still yet our senses manifest

illusions of the dream.

But slowly moves the dawning

of illusions bubble burst,

when first we take a faltering step

with philosophic thirst.

What substance hath a shadow,

the minds virus of great might,

wherein the death of living truth

is but the lack of light.

Self-righteous halls of intellect

who’s substance is but I,

like the sound of one hand clapping

knows not that which is nigh.

Like jewels cast out upon the tide

that sink with marching time,

it is not an act of nature

which perpetrates the crime.

part three

The idea which creates the ‘self’

and enshrines its love therein;

is the first sour fruit of freedom;

for the idol is the sin.

Stand not in awe, nor bow, nor scrape,

to creation by your hand;

for can it ever match the truth

within a grain of sand?

The symphony of man’s delight

is but a passing tune,

now waxing, and then waning,

like seasons of the Moon.

What magnitude of counterpoint

beholds the greater me,

when casting back its freedom

like winds across the sea.

The greatest love a man beholds,

like the tiddler on a line;

must yet, by self, be cast back to

a freedom, beyond time.

Where all is one, and one is all,

is a mere lesson for a boy;

while MAN is now the affirmation

of a vast eternal joy.

part four

Of what, and when, and how, and why,

the knowing will come clear

if time you make with quiet mind,

and communicative ear.

What then comes amid the calm,

whatever be its name,

the wing like voice of insight pleads,

“Go forth, and do the same !”

How provest thou of what is known,

in rhyme, or verse, or prose,

where awareness was the essence,

before the thought arose?!

Where nothing was excluded;

though only briefly dwelt,

the mono-pole existence

wherein no pain was felt.

But if the mind denies itself

and turns its face away,

then the glory that is man’s by right,

won’t see the light of day.

So how can man discover,

that which, by truth, is best?

Unleash the ties of ego’s grasp;

Meta-Aesthesis, Consummatum Est.

* * *

rwr