Pilgrim – Writer – Teacher
Each religion is alone true, that is to say, that at the moment we are thinking of it we must bring as much attention to bear on it as if there were nothing else … A “synthesis” of religion implies a lower quality of attention
– Simone Weil
(Notebooks of Simone Weil, vol. 1)
I’ve been planning next year’s trip to India and am delighted to be visiting Kolkata for the first time. One of the things I’m keen to see is the Belur Math headquarters of the Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda organisation over in Howrah. I’ve always had a soft spot for its combination of spirituality and social service aligned with respect for different takes on divinity. There’s a generosity of spirit there that transcends the religious divide.
Browsing through the latest Vedanta Magazine from the UK branch I had a distinct sense of déja-vu with this rather Christian-sounding quote from Swami Ramakrishnananda:
Self-surrender
That man who can throw himself at the feet of the Lord and say, “All this is Thine, This body, mind, and soul all belong to Thee; of myself I am utterly helpless; do Thou take me,” the Lord takes that man and makes his hands, his feet, his eyes and ears, His instruments. He speaks through his mouth; He works through his hands; He walks with his feet; and the man becomes a living representative of God. This is salvation.
Just a little bit familiar to anyone Sunday-schooled in a Christian culture with discipleship forming us to serve as the hands and feet of God in the world 🙂