tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28657242318258914002024-03-13T08:30:54.734-07:00Contemplative IconsDiane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-1268403072730276142014-11-25T08:46:00.002-08:002014-11-25T08:46:42.444-08:00One Sacred Body<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">All human beings are members of one sacred body.<br />Every person is a beam shining out from a single gem.<br />When the world causes pain for one member,<br />how could the other members ever rest in peace?<br />If you lack grief for another one’s sorrow, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">how can you call yourself a human being?<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">—Sa’adi</span></div>
Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-82939400941412141412014-11-23T08:30:00.003-08:002014-11-23T08:30:57.219-08:00Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is how a human being can change:<br />There’s a worm in the garden addicted to leaves.<br />Suddenly, it wakes up.<br />Call it grace, whatever you will, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">something awakens it and it is no longer a worm.<br />Now its flying over the entire garden, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and the orchard too, with its fruit and sea of leaves.<br />Inside is a growing wisdom and joy </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">that doesn’t need to devour anything anymore.<br />—Rumi</span></div>
<br />Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-84229233712180897902014-11-22T10:14:00.002-08:002014-11-22T10:14:47.423-08:00Walking in light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once upon a time the Beloved came and said:<br />I hold you in love as possession both day and night.<br />But we can never be true companions as long as<br />you remain alone inside yourself.<br />I am the Sun, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">and you are but a shadow walking on the earth.<br />So step out of hiding and walk into my light.<br />Once your shade has been erased </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">within the flood of my illumination, </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">we will be the closest of companions.<br />—Attar</span></div>
Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-31813987926810019682012-04-18T14:23:00.000-07:002012-04-18T14:23:59.516-07:00Dawn of Resurrection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V21j0nGUeZE/T48wXQNOS3I/AAAAAAAAV8Q/TpT4yecZSAo/s1600/1cup%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bfriend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V21j0nGUeZE/T48wXQNOS3I/AAAAAAAAV8Q/TpT4yecZSAo/s640/1cup%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bfriend.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whoever has drunk a draught </div><div style="text-align: center;">from the cup of the Friend,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Shall not become sober again </div><div style="text-align: center;">until the dawn of resurrection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>—Hafez</i></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-77640575183682770502012-04-17T12:59:00.000-07:002012-04-17T12:59:04.334-07:00Ocean Freedom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXXrrCluTy0/T43LHdbd2kI/AAAAAAAAV7U/NT-Pq4qKUXU/s1600/1Ocean%2BFreedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXXrrCluTy0/T43LHdbd2kI/AAAAAAAAV7U/NT-Pq4qKUXU/s400/1Ocean%2BFreedom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Ocean Freedom</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What about the Divine Ocean’s great generosity?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who could ever refuse the joy we feel to anyone?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Fish do not hold this sacred liquid in a cup,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they swim the vast fluidity in perfect freedom.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For we’ve come into the presence of the One </div><div style="text-align: center;">who was never apart from us.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">—from Rumi</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-23907365850585111702012-01-22T16:29:00.000-08:002012-01-22T16:29:48.431-08:00Queen of Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1PztgGQQM8/Txypfd3OshI/AAAAAAAAU_o/RDufeKTvTBE/s1600/1+morning+gilds+the+skies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i1PztgGQQM8/Txypfd3OshI/AAAAAAAAU_o/RDufeKTvTBE/s320/1+morning+gilds+the+skies.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Be watchful:</div><div style="text-align: center;">the grace of God appears suddenly. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It comes without warning </div><div style="text-align: center;">to an open heart, </div><div style="text-align: center;">sweeping out the stable of our experience </div><div style="text-align: center;">so that the Spirit -—</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Queen of Light -- </div><div style="text-align: center;">may gladly enter.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>--Rumi</i></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-34660578591805026732012-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:27:30.607-08:00Pain's song<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLjXpFJsmxk/Txm_zy5jeVI/AAAAAAAAU94/A4QGKQ8tPyg/s1600/1Gypsy+madonna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dLjXpFJsmxk/Txm_zy5jeVI/AAAAAAAAU94/A4QGKQ8tPyg/s320/1Gypsy+madonna.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">That which sings pain’s song to you is an infinite love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The messenger skilled in the language of the unseen world </div><div style="text-align: center;">is this same, vast, unending love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It is compassion itself that speaks to you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">calling to you now beyond the limits of this created realm.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And it is love alone which frees you </div><div style="text-align: center;">from your tiny self in this world </div><div style="text-align: center;">and allows you to fly</div><div style="text-align: center;">free into its own great fullness.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">— Khaqani Shirvani</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-73528224858984189572012-01-08T13:37:00.000-08:002012-01-08T13:37:17.653-08:00Your heart is a vast ocean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--b3JCZ5hTmA/TwoMayb9YEI/AAAAAAAAUwk/-k0W6dDXkX4/s1600/1heart+like+an+ocean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--b3JCZ5hTmA/TwoMayb9YEI/AAAAAAAAUwk/-k0W6dDXkX4/s320/1heart+like+an+ocean.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your heart is the mirror </div><div style="text-align: center;">of the essence most high.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Of the great royal treasury, </div><div style="text-align: center;">your heart is the prize.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Your heart is a vast ocean</div><div style="text-align: center;">—- but only holds a single pearl.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you want such a treasure, </div><div style="text-align: center;">it is your heart you must find.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">— Shah Ni’matallah Wali</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-1553606028460619042012-01-05T08:22:00.000-08:002012-01-05T08:22:23.985-08:00Let these be the wings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am6mGD8UrX8/TwXOI-ou0kI/AAAAAAAAUto/K_JLNh2q_hY/s1600/1wings%2Bspheres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-am6mGD8UrX8/TwXOI-ou0kI/AAAAAAAAUto/K_JLNh2q_hY/s400/1wings%2Bspheres.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Meditate now on steadfastness and clarity.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Let these be the wings that lift you </div><div style="text-align: center;">as you soar through the celestial spheres.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">— from Rumi</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-40945989186311203452011-12-30T09:49:00.000-08:002011-12-30T09:49:29.163-08:00Atom Glow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVLlnZJjVP8/Tv35eq8nWpI/AAAAAAAAUoo/Mb5gjFDesJY/s1600/1Atom+glow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mVLlnZJjVP8/Tv35eq8nWpI/AAAAAAAAUoo/Mb5gjFDesJY/s400/1Atom+glow.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">O traveler, traveler along the way,</div><div style="text-align: center;">there is not a single soul </div><div style="text-align: center;">who lacks a pathway to God.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There is not a stone or a flower -—</div><div style="text-align: center;">not a single piece of straw </div><div style="text-align: center;">lacking the divine essence.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In every particle of the world </div><div style="text-align: center;">the sun of love</div><div style="text-align: center;">causes the heart of each atom to shine.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">—- Muhammad Shirin Maghribi</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-39527898355278015102011-12-26T17:23:00.000-08:002011-12-26T17:29:35.466-08:00Midwife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYSYQh13rLI/Tvkd48yndcI/AAAAAAAAUk4/IKvue3oVasA/s1600/1midwife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYSYQh13rLI/Tvkd48yndcI/AAAAAAAAUk4/IKvue3oVasA/s400/1midwife.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Every midwife knows </div><div style="text-align: center;">that not until a mother’s womb </div><div style="text-align: center;">softens in the pain of labor</div><div style="text-align: center;">will a way unfold and the infant </div><div style="text-align: center;">find that opening through which it can be born.</div><div style="text-align: center;">O my friend, there is treasure in your heart, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and it is heavy with child.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Listen! </div><div style="text-align: center;">All the awakened ones, like trusted midwives </div><div style="text-align: center;">are saying to you, “Welcome this pain. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let it open the dark passageway of grace."</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>-- from Rumi</i></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-19801013919413624282011-12-24T13:18:00.000-08:002011-12-24T13:22:43.205-08:00Hopeless Desire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pDBrgTPYQk/TvZAczijTJI/AAAAAAAAUjY/A47WwFyWcIc/s1600/1winter%2527s%2Bcross.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pDBrgTPYQk/TvZAczijTJI/AAAAAAAAUjY/A47WwFyWcIc/s400/1winter%2527s%2Bcross.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I had such a hopelessly desperate desire for You </div><div style="text-align: center;">till I saw how your light </div><div style="text-align: center;">had always yearned for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I pushed and I pulled till I saw that it was You</div><div style="text-align: center;">who had already drawn me to every good</div><div style="text-align: center;">that I have ever known.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>—arranged from Rumi</i></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-60108784408601182212011-12-18T20:24:00.000-08:002011-12-24T13:22:56.980-08:00Living signs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTzl69O46ks/Tu68YyON8YI/AAAAAAAAUek/j-X0VDnM-PY/s1600/1Gods+eye+on+the+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTzl69O46ks/Tu68YyON8YI/AAAAAAAAUek/j-X0VDnM-PY/s320/1Gods+eye+on+the+stars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Your names reflect your boundless essence.</div><div style="text-align: center;">This world displays your living signs.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The stars trace out </div><div style="text-align: center;">the beauties of your perfection.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are not enraptured by these wonders </div><div style="text-align: center;">then the eye of wisdom is truly blind.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">—<i>Maftun Hamadani</i></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-32025397039762776132011-12-10T17:46:00.000-08:002011-12-24T13:23:17.066-08:00Fire of Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rj4cBj2qX-I/TuQLUDCGjwI/AAAAAAAAUaI/hsp19Z0gfco/s1600/1noble%2Bbeast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rj4cBj2qX-I/TuQLUDCGjwI/AAAAAAAAUaI/hsp19Z0gfco/s400/1noble%2Bbeast.jpg" width="272" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">That fire, that light whose name is love</div><div style="text-align: center;">burns away both belief and unbelief.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Religious belief is one thing —</div><div style="text-align: center;">but the way of love </div><div style="text-align: center;">is something entirely different.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love’s Prophet, Love’s messenger, Love’s angel</div><div style="text-align: center;">is beyond creeds, beyond petty distinctions</div><div style="text-align: center;">and leads us out beyond ourselves </div><div style="text-align: center;">into the fields of infinite compassion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>— Abu Sa’id abi-l Khayr</i></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-80391250510327912282011-12-07T13:44:00.000-08:002011-12-07T15:53:46.181-08:00The Morning of Friendship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoubAzW4Kn4/Tt_8e7M51dI/AAAAAAAAUYs/_B1JBAyHeCo/s1600/1Stitched+Image+of+the+divine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AoubAzW4Kn4/Tt_8e7M51dI/AAAAAAAAUYs/_B1JBAyHeCo/s400/1Stitched+Image+of+the+divine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">When the morning of friendship with God</div><div style="text-align: center;">begins to dawn,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the soul grows distant from</div><div style="text-align: center;">the landscapes of this world,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and you reach a place inside yourself where</div><div style="text-align: center;">without any hindrance from your external eyes</div><div style="text-align: center;">you can catch a glimpse </div><div style="text-align: center;">of the face of the Friend.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And you ask: “With your overwhelming beauty,</div><div style="text-align: center;">what are you? </div><div style="text-align: center;">And who are you like, O God?”</div><div style="text-align: center;">And God replies:</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am love, I am lover,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am (the) Beloved One.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I am the beauty reflected </div><div style="text-align: center;">in the mirror of creation around you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I am the deep longing </div><div style="text-align: center;">of your eyes to see it.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For you see, the imprint of the divine beauty</div><div style="text-align: center;">already exists inside of you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Mirror of the divine face </div><div style="text-align: center;">is already reflecting out through you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In truth, there is not a thing in this world </div><div style="text-align: center;">separate from you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever you are seeking is already waiting there</div><div style="text-align: center;">inside of you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For in the end, we are all images </div><div style="text-align: center;">you stitch with gold thread </div><div style="text-align: center;">into a tapestry you are weaving.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Even the least figure in that tapestry </div><div style="text-align: center;">is a playful addition.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nothing you ever work on is ever dull.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Each of us is a manifestation </div><div style="text-align: center;">of your divine beauty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>—Sayfal-Din Bakharzi, , Baba Afdal Kashani, Abu Sa’id Abil Khayr</i></div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-8848532344075390502011-12-04T18:20:00.000-08:002011-12-05T08:15:40.334-08:00Love's Currency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA1O2VCItk0/TtzuHioGPiI/AAAAAAAAUV4/7LT4N-qlKYE/s1600/1love%2527s+currency.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sA1O2VCItk0/TtzuHioGPiI/AAAAAAAAUV4/7LT4N-qlKYE/s400/1love%2527s+currency.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Reason said, </div><div style="text-align: center;">“We live in a world of only six directions, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and that’s it!”</div><div style="text-align: center;">But Love replied, “There is a field </div><div style="text-align: center;">beyond all of that, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and I have traveled its path many times.”</div><div style="text-align: center;">Reason saw a marketplace in this world </div><div style="text-align: center;">and immediately set up shop,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But love trades in another kind of currency altogether—</div><div style="text-align: center;">a consciousness that flows</div><div style="text-align: center;">through the arteries of the universe.<br />
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-- Rumi </div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-20984829892766309622011-11-18T13:34:00.000-08:002011-11-18T13:40:57.848-08:00Bubble of Foam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6uZnNCU8XE4/TsbPUUwkIVI/AAAAAAAAUGU/kdJySeEUqHk/s1600/1Coast%2Bbubbles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6uZnNCU8XE4/TsbPUUwkIVI/AAAAAAAAUGU/kdJySeEUqHk/s400/1Coast%2Bbubbles.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Pass away — even from your self:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then you’ll find </div><div style="text-align: center;">the infinite and eternal shore.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To reach the Friend, </div><div style="text-align: center;">you have to go beyond yourself.</div><div style="text-align: center;">One day a bubble of foam </div><div style="text-align: center;">was wondering about its own existence, </div><div style="text-align: center;">when suddenly it popped</div><div style="text-align: center;">and rejoined the sea.</div><br />
—Fekri KhurasaniDiane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-9627674553923331752011-11-11T22:26:00.000-08:002011-11-11T22:26:24.465-08:00Gospel of Thomas: Logion 21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gln0Gm6a_8A/Tr4RTP4BJAI/AAAAAAAAT58/RM3sjD3ZRf8/s1600/1Logion+21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gln0Gm6a_8A/Tr4RTP4BJAI/AAAAAAAAT58/RM3sjD3ZRf8/s320/1Logion+21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Miriam said,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Then tell us, Master, what your students are like.</div><div style="text-align: center;">How would you describe them?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He answered,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"They are like small children</div><div style="text-align: center;">living in a field not their own.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the landlords return and demand,</div><div style="text-align: center;">'Give us back our field!'</div><div style="text-align: center;">the children return it by simply stripping themselves</div><div style="text-align: center;">and standing naked before them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So then, I must also tell you this:</div><div style="text-align: center;">If a householder knows for sure</div><div style="text-align: center;">that thieves are coming to steal his goods,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he will keep careful watch before they get there</div><div style="text-align: center;">to prevent them from tunneling in and taking his possessions.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You too, from your beginnings,</div><div style="text-align: center;">must keep a watchful eye on the cosmos,</div><div style="text-align: center;">binding great power to yourselves</div><div style="text-align: center;">so that thieves cannot find a way to get to you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pay attention then.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Any outside help you look for they will try to seize first.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">May there be someone among you who truly understands this.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So listen carefully, if you have an ear for this!</div><div style="text-align: center;">When the fruit was ripe, ready to burst,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the harvester came quickly, sickle in hand, and took it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-71563399385531624842011-11-11T22:24:00.000-08:002011-11-11T22:24:45.510-08:00Gospel of Thomas: Logion 20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vj97KFo9iyg/Tr4Q-lPbwCI/AAAAAAAAT50/xeBPSAuD4hA/s1600/1logion+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vj97KFo9iyg/Tr4Q-lPbwCI/AAAAAAAAT50/xeBPSAuD4hA/s320/1logion+20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">His students said to him,</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Tell us about this kingdom of yours in the heavens.</div><div style="text-align: center;">What is it like?"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeshua answered them,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Let me compare it to a mustard seed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the smallest of all seeds.</div><div style="text-align: center;">When it falls into prepared ground,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it grows into a great tree</div><div style="text-align: center;">capable of sheltering the birds of the sky."</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-45766338212088918962011-11-11T22:22:00.000-08:002011-11-11T22:23:22.325-08:00Gospel of Thomas: Logion 19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg7v0RBSYGM/Tr4QgszU5MI/AAAAAAAAT5s/9FZo9XbGvbU/s1600/1logion%2B19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wg7v0RBSYGM/Tr4QgszU5MI/AAAAAAAAT5s/9FZo9XbGvbU/s400/1logion%2B19.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Yeshua says...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blessed are all who come to live</div><div style="text-align: center;">at the point of arising--</div><div style="text-align: center;">their "genesis,"</div><div style="text-align: center;">before they came into temporality.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you become my students,</div><div style="text-align: center;">listening deeply to my words,</div><div style="text-align: center;">even these stones will serve you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And in paradise five evergreen trees await you.</div><div style="text-align: center;">They do not change in summer</div><div style="text-align: center;">nor shed their leaves in winter.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you come to know them,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you will not know the taste of death.</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-73707495633002875412011-11-08T07:52:00.000-08:002011-11-11T22:19:47.150-08:00The Gospel of Thomas: Logion 18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--uuXtefhD-A/TrlP-ToL3cI/AAAAAAAATx4/AG7GYbjq2lo/s1600/1logion%2B18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--uuXtefhD-A/TrlP-ToL3cI/AAAAAAAATx4/AG7GYbjq2lo/s400/1logion%2B18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">His students said to him,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, tell us, then, </div><div style="text-align: center;">what our end </div><div style="text-align: center;">and destiny will be?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeshua answered, </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">“Have you already discovered your origin </div><div style="text-align: center;">so that you are now free to seek after your end? </div><div style="text-align: center;">It is only at your source </div><div style="text-align: center;">that you will find your destiny.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Blessed are those who come to stand </div><div style="text-align: center;">in their place of origination, </div><div style="text-align: center;">for it is there that they will know their end—</div><div style="text-align: center;">never tasting death.”</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-75562272439836117052011-11-02T17:15:00.000-07:002011-11-11T22:20:43.764-08:00Gospel of Thomas: Logion 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMg7WRC_h6o/TrHc6iRza5I/AAAAAAAATtg/Edu054IWY8A/s1600/1logion%2B17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tMg7WRC_h6o/TrHc6iRza5I/AAAAAAAATtg/Edu054IWY8A/s400/1logion%2B17.jpg" width="309" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Yeshua says,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What your own eyes cannot see, </div><div style="text-align: center;">your human ears do not hear, </div><div style="text-align: center;">your physical hands cannot touch,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and what is inconceivable to the human mind—</div><div style="text-align: center;">that I will give to you! </div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-10790719023550314372011-10-30T08:20:00.000-07:002011-10-30T08:23:22.881-07:00Psalm 17<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHxFbWhAgG0/Tq1q85Ian7I/AAAAAAAATrg/tUzVIL5rTR0/s1600/1Shadow%2Bof%2Byour%2Bwings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PHxFbWhAgG0/Tq1q85Ian7I/AAAAAAAATrg/tUzVIL5rTR0/s400/1Shadow%2Bof%2Byour%2Bwings.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">God As Judge</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1. O God, as judge of everything and all,</div><div style="text-align: center;">hear my plea of innocence, this cry, this prayer;</div><div style="text-align: center;">it does not come to you from lips that lie.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2. You be the judge</div><div style="text-align: center;">and let what vindication there is to be,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Come from your presence,</div><div style="text-align: center;">O you whose eyes discern the right and wrong.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">3. You visit me at night in search of truth,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you assess the heart, so test me for impurities.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">4. My mouth speaks no offence as others do,</div><div style="text-align: center;">for I follow only what falls from your own lips.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">5. I walk in truth and beauty on your smooth path,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I walk before you and all your ways are mine, </div><div style="text-align: center;">O God.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">6. I call to you and hear the answer of your voice,</div><div style="text-align: center;">for your ear is ever near my lips to hear my words.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">7. You show to me the wonder of your love,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and grasp me in your strong hands to hide me safe.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">8. O guard me ever there in you, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and keep me as the apple of your eye,</div><div style="text-align: center;">protect me in the shadow of your outstretched wings,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">9. Safe from the assaults of evil foes</div><div style="text-align: center;">surrounding me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">10. You know how they have closed their hearts to mercy, Lord,</div><div style="text-align: center;">their words so full of pride and arrogance.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">11. They come close and pressing in on every side,</div><div style="text-align: center;">watching carefully to capture me.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">12. Like lions, greedy for the prey,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they lie low and hidden in the grass.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">13. Rise up, O God, and from your hiding place,</div><div style="text-align: center;">confront them all and bring them down,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Release me from this evil</div><div style="text-align: center;">by your swift, sharp sword of truth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">14. Let your strong hand deliver me</div><div style="text-align: center;">from those whose only goal in life</div><div style="text-align: center;">is to seize and own this world of yours;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">15. Who fill their bellies and gorge their souls,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with goods of earth,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or pass it to their children.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">16. But I, when I awaken,</div><div style="text-align: center;">shall see your face my God.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I shall gaze upon your image and be satisfied.</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-10574463887641804812011-10-24T12:13:00.000-07:002011-10-24T12:13:52.453-07:00The Gospel of Thomas: Logion 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iN2_hED_AYE/TqW4vCZwP1I/AAAAAAAATn4/VaSSnxDFVxw/s1600/1logion+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iN2_hED_AYE/TqW4vCZwP1I/AAAAAAAATn4/VaSSnxDFVxw/s400/1logion+16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yeshua says,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some of you are thinking perhaps </div><div style="text-align: center;">that I have come into the cosmos </div><div style="text-align: center;">to bring it peace. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">No! You do not yet realize that I have come </div><div style="text-align: center;">to throw it into utter chaos </div><div style="text-align: center;">through burning, blade, and battle.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Five will be living in one household. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Three will face off against two, and two against three.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Parents will rise up against children, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and children against their parents, </div><div style="text-align: center;">until at last they shall stand as one on their own feet.</div>Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865724231825891400.post-76007099313193581272011-10-23T12:06:00.000-07:002011-10-30T07:52:38.836-07:00Psalm 16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj9HQWK832c/TqRlUuLE50I/AAAAAAAATnI/WDpHBAskraI/s1600/1francis%2Bfountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj9HQWK832c/TqRlUuLE50I/AAAAAAAATnI/WDpHBAskraI/s400/1francis%2Bfountain.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>1. Protect me, Lord, for I have taken residence,<br />
as refugee in you.<br />
<br />
2. I said, “You are my Lord and Master,<br />
and my God;<br />
what gifts of life I have all came from you.”<br />
<br />
3. I take delight in all who trust in you,<br />
who have settled in your land,<br />
and made your good their every gain,<br />
their livelihood.<br />
<br />
4. But those who sport with other gods,<br />
the ones they own,<br />
will only multiply their troubles here.<br />
<br />
5. I will not offer self or sacrifice to these,<br />
nor take their empty names upon my lips.<br />
<br />
6. Lord you are for me all that I truly need, <br />
and all that’s good.<br />
I raise the cup of life you give and drink,<br />
and live in full what you have cast for me as lot.<br />
<br />
7. Inside the boundaries of my life <br />
there is a land so broad, so good,<br />
I never earned it all, nor was it ever “mine,”<br />
but sent as gift, inherited from you.<br />
<br />
8. And there you teach me all I need to know.<br />
So I thank you for these instructions of the heart.<br />
<br />
9. I keep your face before me as I walk;<br />
with your strong presence at my side I never fall.<br />
<br />
10. My inner life is filled with you, my heart is glad, <br />
my soul is ever satisfied,<br />
my body rests along the way in peace.<br />
<br />
11. And when it comes, you will not abandon me in death,<br />
nor allow your beloved ones to vanish <br />
and be no more.<br />
<br />
12. You lead and guide along a path called Life,<br />
and there your presence is the source of joy,<br />
For from your hands there flows <br />
a never-ending stream of bliss.Diane Walkerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03379544317007203762noreply@blogger.com0