Flame (updated from 2005)

vista_flamenebula

vista_flamenebula

Vista Flame Nebula

Enter the cavern with its
Walls of tangled strands.
Find the living flame
That burns on blood.

The brain is a physical object that generates mental energy. It is a tangle of strands, an unknowable, dense web. It is a mass of emotions, memories, instincts, reactions, and thoughts. Whatever comes into its scope of awareness is channeled through its dark core. Energy sparks through at speeds faster than lightning, but still, there are many areas that lie dormant, unused, nearly petrified with age.

With the proper methods, we can enter into the center of the brain. Metaphorically speaking, this area is like a cavern with a subterranean river running through it. That river can be kindled with a spiritual spark, and the whole river can be set aflame. This illumination is spiritual energy. It can be used to rejuvenate the brain and to supplement the limitations of our normal mental abilities.

Methods that deal with the mind only as a brain will always be limited. Coping with life only through physical faculties will always fall short of the ultimate answers. Only through lighting a living fire within ourselves can we dance quickly and spontaneously enough to meet the rhythm of life.

Deng Ming Tao, 365 Tao

All thoughts, all passions, all delights
Whatever stirs this mortal frame
All are but ministers of Love
And feed His sacred flame.
— Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Imparting knowledge is only lighting other men’s candles at our lamp without depriving ourselves of any flame. — Jane Porter

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. — Albert Schweitzer

There will be many flames throughout the holiday season, in fireplaces and candlelight, in the hanukkah flames, but let’s hope they also rekindle the flames within us to make our place, wherever it is, as bright as possible for those around us. Light the fire within yourself and use it to rekindle the flame of those you meet. Remember everyone you meet can be the reflection of your own flame, the eternal flame we sometimes see in the eyes of others who are awake with life. Namaste….

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2 Responses

  1. Part of my brain has obviously atrophied. Short term memory loss is becoming a big issue.

    Old people can remember things from their childhood that they thought was long forgotten, but can’t remember the name of an author while they are still reading the book. The brain is so mysterious. I just wish it didn’t wear out like the rest of my body.

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