Sound Off !

Reply to Rabbi Van Lanckton "My Spiritual Journey"

April 19, 2015

Category: Philosophy and Religion > Belief Systems

I'm submitting a reply to the article by Rabbi Van Lanckton entitled "My Spiritual Journey." And it simply says: I applaud as always your attitude of gratitude. Thank you, and thank Kate Lanckton — and also Talia Kate Lanckton. I am glad we are named for our forebears. And, to paraphrase what Stephen Mitchell wrote, also about what's really happening out there beyond the comprehensible (and then, from the sublime to the ridiculous):

Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity.

If you don't realize the source,
you stumble in confusion and sorrow.
When you realize where you come from,
you naturally become tolerant,
disinterested, amused,
kindhearted as a grandmother,
dignified as a king.
Immersed in the wonder of the Torah,
you can deal with whatever life brings you,
and when death comes, you are ready.

The force will be with you. Always. (last lines of Star Wars)