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Mighty Maitreya,

That’s a very intriguing analysis, and I’m willing to go along with you, but I still have my doubts (and I also like Judy’s suggestion of “the future”). Why would Buddhist surrender be called an “[even] sadness”? Of course, it is not defined in terms of endless happiness such as in the Christian or other forms of monotheistic paradise, but why is it necessarily “sadness”? Is it described like that in Buddhist writings? Or do you think that this is only LC’s take on the issue? And from another direction, once again, if LC harbored such negative views of Buddhism, why did he continue to practice it for so many years? So, while liking your argument and finding it quite convincing, I still have a little doubt. But as we’ve said often before: this text is open for more than one interpretation.

I still have a little doubt.

Doubt is healthy, and warranted.

This "even sadness" took me to the thought of "evening sadness" and I stumbled upon this great little poem.
It is off topic, but it fits.

“…The evening sadness when the days are getting few.
are only kept at distance by another grand new plan

The mark that you make, you draw in water, write in dust,
what you have done it could go on it could be gone

It doesn’t matter what you say – life will leave you anyway
It doesn’t matter what you do – spring will bring back everything
Without you, without you, without you”


(http://www.carptree.com/evning_sadness.html)

...and here is a fascinating page as well;
“The Gate of Sadness”
(Jewish and Buddhist Teachings on the Broken Heart)
(http://www.metatronics.net/words/sadness.htm)

Oh well, the search for meaning goes on...and on...and...

Hi,

Perhaps "even sadness" is default language for eternal, unwavering separation from devine Source...
a hellish, hopeless scenario. I like the poem quoted by Mat. It speaks to continuity of Life and is
a possible contrast to the dark beyond dark kind of theology that an "even sadness" (if interpreted
so bleakly) would represent.

what's up, doc?

Mat,

Your timing is great as always. After several very hectic weeks I finally have some time and was going to post the final piece just as your reminder popped up on my screen. So here it is:

II.50
I lost my way, I forgot to call on your name. The raw heart beat against the world, and the tears were for my lost victory. But you are here. You have always been here. The world is all forgetting, and the heart is a rage of directions, but your name unifies the heart, and the world is lifted into its place. Blessed is the one who waits in the traveller’s heart for his turning.

The focus of this short and final piece seems to be the heart, and the outstanding verse in it is “your name unifies the heart”, which takes us back to the drawing on the book’s cover, used since then by LC in many a context. The final sentence, coined once again in the formula of the Prayer Book, is also of great significance and beauty. On the whole, it is a fitting succinct conclusion to the themes and poetry of the book.

Hi,

Doron's comments are perfect, i.m.o., with regards to this verse.

There's a concept of "teshuvah," a returning, in Judaism, that's at the heart of this verse. Implicit in this is
the knowledge that there's an inherent good always present that can be returned to. Probably, the one who is
waiting for the "travellers heart" to turn is the traveller himself or herself. If this is so, patience/kindness
a waiting person self-bestows might work towards a self-actualized blessing of unification.

II.50
I lost my way, I forgot to call on your name. The raw heart beat against the world, and the tears were for my lost victory. But you are here. You have always been here. The world is all forgetting, and the heart is a rage of directions, but your name unifies the heart, and the world is lifted into its place. Blessed is the one who waits in the traveller’s heart for his turning.

To lose one's way in a rage of directions was and is the universal Journey of the Fool (Tarot) ; and to awaken into Buddha enlightenment is the good fortune of this mystic, Leonard. That he, the Jewish Buddhist returns to face his G~d is interesting, that he awakens through the intervention of his G~d is encouraging to any lost soul whose raw heart beats for co-union with Unity, Atman with Brahma or lover with Lover.

I forgot in a world of forgetting
and lost my way
but You were always there
and You are here
always
always waiting patiently
like a good friend
in this traveler's heart
and your ever-present presence
gives substance to my existence
I awaken into You
and without You
...does not exist..

Amazing Grace

................... how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.


(John Newton.)

...lover lover lover lover lover, lover lover lover , come back to Me. (G~d singing, to Leonard Cohen )

Mat.

II.50
I lost my way, I forgot to call on your name. The raw heart beat against the world, and the tears were for my lost victory. But you are here. You have always been here. The world is all forgetting, and the heart is a rage of directions, but your name unifies the heart, and the world is lifted into its place. Blessed is the one who waits in the traveller’s heart for his turning.

Hooray - you made it to the finish line, and with amazing grace. Doron and Mat especially - you each deserve a medal. But then, I guess you go for nothing if you really want to go that far: It has been a labour of love hasn't it:-) Many thanks for informing and entertaining me, all in bite-sized instalments, and having me pay attention to this fine volume!

Steven wrote:Yes, cohabitation of experience for sure.

Steven I really like the way Mat and Doron have become more like each other as the book has gone on - like monks in a monastery or pebbles in a bag.

Leonard did indicate there were 51 verses though - by capitalising "You" in verse 17 and only in verse 17 (as greg pointed out), one third into the book. Well, I like that thought.

How ironic that I check in here as this thread is ending its quest and its goal to fully explore, analyze, interpret, and discuss the Book of Mercy. According to what Diane has said, you've arrived. This is going to be such pleasure ~ when I finally get some Real time ~ to read through and follow along with it all, beginning to end. Then, watch for Jarkko to place it in his Files, where it rightfully belongs. Interesting, the comment Diane made about Doron and Mat "like monks in a monastery or pebbles in a bag."

I'm so glad you initiated and never abandoned this worthy project, Doron... and that you, Mat, and Steven, and everyone else here remained so participatory. I wish Judith hadn't removed her contributions, but I guess you can't have everything. I've seen Diane's name here more than once, but not until today did I actually check in. I see it has done well in keeping people engaged .


Love,
Lizzy

Hi Lizzy:-) I think with the monks-pebbles thing I am recalling Leonard saying that monks in a monastery rub the corners off each other, like pebbles in a bag.

Hi Diane ~

Oh, yes, I knew what you were referring to when you said that, but maybe that didn't quite make it through in the way I phrased my own comment. I remember reading that, too, though I can't remember exactly where... Shambhala Sun or something? It was awhile back.

What I was referring to though was the process, itself, that you were noticing/suggesting/noting has occurred here between Doron and Mat. And I'm looking forward to watching that happening and having happened, when I finally get time to read through these threads.


~ Lizzy

Hi Mat,

A nice encapsulation of things in your last post. Thanks.

Hi Diane,

I'll second your recognition of Doron and Mat.

I think I know what you mean about their becoming more like each other. Honest and un-egocentric
listening/communicating can do that kind of thing. And for them and others who experience this kind
of rare extended process, there can also be a discovery or sense that we're all really not that different in
some ways that are more vital and substantive than our perceptions, beliefs and cognitions. (Forgive the
stilted language.)

Steven, Mat, Diane, Lizzy,

Thank you all for your comments. I expect I’ll do some “summing up” of my own soon, but first I hope for more specific comments on II.50.

Doron, Mat, Steven, and Diane, Simon, Cate, Judy-

I may not have participated by posting on this thread, but I have followed all your in-depth, intellectual, enlightening comments. All of you have definitely expanded my horizons and made me dig deep to understand this work. I thank all of you for the anticipation and enjoyment I have found in your posts and this thread.

Best regards,
Mary