The bridge

There is a bridge between man and eternity
and this bridge is Atman, the Spirit of man.
Neither old age, death, sorrow, evil, nor sin
can cross this bridge
because the world of the Spirit is pure.
That is why, after crossing the bridge
the eyes of the blind man can see,
the wounds of the wounded heal
and the sick recover from all sickness.
To that one who crossed the bridge
night turns into day
because in the world of the Spirit
there is a Light that is eternal.

-- Chandogya Upanishad

I realize only too well that my last few postings have been downers. They have been meant as commentary on this world, not to create negativity. The world of appearances is valid on its own level -- as the man said, "Everything is real, as long as you don't take it for more than it is" -- and we must act in it according to our sense of what is right and true.

But there is a greater Reality that is never in danger.

The torch of the sun could burn to ashes, the night fall permanently on our cities and homes, the very globe degrade into countless grains of sand that blow and disperse through the universe, and it would be nothing to the serene Spirit at the heart of everything, manifest and unmanifest.

Strive, hope, seek, and even in our human circumstances, do not fear.

* * *

I'll be out of town for a few days and unlikely to post until after Sunday, August 3. If for some reason I should not return, this is as good an exit as I can manage. But let's try to meet back here next week.