Csquared Thoughts

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur began yesterday at sundown.

I've always respected this Jewish holiday. A time for reflection and fasting, and a time when God clears your slate in the Book of Life.

I've considered myself part of the Christian tradition for the past several years, and I've long ago given up the thought that I could stray so far from my roots so as to convert to Judaism or become a Buddhist. There was a time when I didn't feel that way, but long about 1996 I realized that I needed to be true to my roots, even if I migrated to a liturgical tradition I didn't grow up in.

Still, I love modern Judaism's perspective that one has a direct relationship with God, and that one must deal with God personally and directly. And Yom Kippur is one of those "thin places" where that relationship becomes even more immediate. The Yom Kippur service supports this. I find the Kol Nidre to be one of the most profound and powerful works of sacred music I know.

To a deep and meaningful Yom Kippur.

Thoughts on Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur begins today at sundown.

I've always had a great appreciation for this day on the Jewish Calendar. The idea of taking a whole day to reflect and repent is something that I can learn from. I get chills whenever I hear the Kol Nidre. My first wife was Jewish and I had the opportunity to attend the Yom Kippur service one year. It was a powerful experience.

The day also causes me to reflect on my own relationship with religion. I spent many years looking at other traditions, from Judaism to Buddhism. I've more than once seriously thought of converting to Judaism. But in 1996, when Religious Science wasn't working for me, I had an epiphany that told me I would be best off if I stayed within my own tradition. I grew up in the Methodist church, but didn't find that terribly attractive. I was attracted to much of what I knew of the Episcopal church, and first began exploring Episcopal services that fall. I've been in the Episcopal/Lutheran orbit of liturgical worship ever since.

I love the liturgical service, and I deeply value the opportunity to receive Communion each week. But I also love the Jewish approach of emphasizing each person's direct relationship with God, without needing an intermediary. There's a lot in that for me.

Still, as I learn more about the radical nature of who Jesus as opposed to the somewhat sanitized version we usually get, my respect for him and his mission has increased. But is he the savior? Well, I can't say yes to that with any conviction.

I know that humans have a strong spiritual and religious component in them, and I find that expression in music and liturgy and Communion. But literal belief, no. So while the more pared down and direct approach of modern, mainline Judaism makes a lot of sense to me, I guess I'll stay with my trinitarian roots.

But I'll always have the greatest appreciation for Yom Kippur.

On Happiness

Tammy at Zen Pizza writes on happiness.

I have decided to look at the world in a way that jives with who I am, while giving the world permission to be the way it wants to be.

If one can achieve that, it goes a long way to reducing one's level of stress in life. The tough part is getting there.

Zen Judaism

Being that my first wife was Jewish, I can really appreciate the mindset of this post from Connexions. It reflects a real, if somewhat parodied, state of mind for some people.

If there is no self, then whose arthritis is this? Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated? Drink tea and nourish life. With the first sip, joy. With the second, satisfaction. With the third, peace. With the fourth, a Danish. Wherever you go, there you are. Your luggage is another matter.

Read the rest here at Connexions. Take it with a grain of salt, not too seriously, and with a big chuckle!

Nature Does Not Hurry

Received in an email from a colleague, words from an Eastern tradition worth paying attention to:

 

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. - Lao Tzu