VALERIEMAHA
I ust finished immersing myself in the conversation between Mirabai and Robert Ellsberg, learning he is the son of Daniel Ellsberg(!) and that he LIVED WITH Dorothy Day for 5 years during her latter years, from age 19-24! WHAT an amazing being and WHAT a life!
Also from yesterday, I loved the conversation with Carol Lee Flinders. 21 days ago
English version by Jane Hirshfield Original Language Dutch
Commentary by Ivan M. Granger
This is the mystical recognition: the realization that in your Self of selves you are immense!
All things are too small to hold me, I am so vast
Just read those lines again.
Everything that can be called a "thing," each item of perception and thought is just a glimmering sliver of the whole Being we inherently are. No body, no name, no job, no history can truly contain what we are. A glass of water can suggest the lake, give us a taste of it, but not contain it.
The middle section of this poem is almost erotic in its naked yielding to "the Uncreated," in the recognition of how that "touch" completely "undoes" us. That too is the mystical recognition. As we finally realize that we are not contained by the body or the social roles we play, where then is the boundary of identity? Where do you say, Here I stop and beyond is not-me? That point no longer exists. We are "In the Infinite;" our source is "the Uncreated." Those old, limited identities are undone, they fall away, and the inner core of the Self, the Heart, is spread "wider than wide."
But why bother with explanations? You already "know this well, / you who are also there." 22 days ago
SLASALLE
Ann, thanks for reaching out! I've been dealing with some health issues this week. Hope to be back tonight!! I've missed you all too, but having been sleeping extra (tired, and it's healing). 48 days ago
VALERIEMAHA
Sorry I missed celebrating-from-afar FORTY FIVE YEARS and counting with you! PPO (Persistence Pays Off)! It's really amazing in this topsy-turvy world that you and M are making it work and evolving together in spite of it all! Wishing you two smooth sailing in the continuing journey! Maha 85 days ago