September 19th, 2010

It’s Rigged — Everything, in Your Favor

It’s rigged — everything, in your favor.
So there is nothing to worry about.

Is there some position you want,
some office, some acclaim, some award, some con, some lover,
maybe two, maybe three, maybe four — all at once,

maybe a relationship
with
God?

I know there is a gold mine in you, when you find it
the wonderment of the earth’s gifts
you will lay aside
as naturally as does
a child a
doll.

But, dear, how sweet you look to me kissing the unreal:
comfort, fulfill yourself,
in any way possible — do that until
you ache, until you ache,

then come to me
again.

– Rumi

painting: Odilon Redon. Flower Clouds c. 1903. Pastel. The Art Institute of Chicago


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September 01st, 2010

Gurdjieff: What Can Be Serious for a Man in Prison?

“If a man could understand all the horror of the lives of ordinary people who are turning around in a circle of insignificant interests and insignificant aims, if he could understand what they are losing, he would understand that there can only be one thing that is serious for him — to escape from the general law, to be free. What can be serious for a man in prison who is condemned to death? Only one thing: How to save himself, how to escape: nothing else is serious.”

– G. I. Gurdjieff
Painting. Edward Munch. The Dance of Life 1899–1900. Oil on canvas.


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