Mystic Musings: Lent 3/13

“The words Guru, Swami, Super Swami, Master, Teacher, Murshid, Yogi, Priest, most of those sporting such a title are just peacocks.

The litmus test is: hold them upside down over a cliff for a few hours. If they don’t wet their pants…maybe you found a real one.”

Kabir, a 15th-16th century Indian mystic and poet.

Photo by J M @jmagpie

I certainly wouldn’t want to literalize this as I know many respectable religious professionals who are the real thing. I also don’t want to give anyone permission to drag a collared or robed leader over to a cliff and dangle them to see if they can hold their bladder. That has a bit of the “drowning witch test” to it that is a blot on our history.

BUT, Kabir does have a very important message for us. Wisdom is not confined to those with religious scholarship and denominational ordination. Wisdom is honed in the fires of life. Don’t look for the ones who seem to have it all together. Look for the ones who have been purged and purified by loss, by despair, and by challenges. Look for the ones who know how to gracefully carry the cross of life.

If you want to learn about sacred literature and spiritual practices talk to your local priest, pastor, rabbi or imam. If you want to learn about life, look for those who have lived. If you’re lucky, you’ll find both in the same person!

Sit quietly. Breathe deeply. Ponder these questions:

• Who has taught you most about life?

• Who has been a mentor for you?

• Who has provided spiritual support and guidance?

• What life experiences have shaped you? In what ways might you be the “wise one” for someone else?