Climbing up to the Land of Dreams

The power of dreams has always been recognized, and used as a source of motivation, or an excuse for inaction -- or a form of divination. This is a loose translation of a saying more than six thousand years old …

dreams drift unto action's reality -- sad
from actions spring the dream again -- joy
to embrace this dance is the highest form of living

the scrolls of Eskiyalı

Take yourself back -- back and within to a simple evening campfire -- a waning of the days toil and fears -- a time to dream. A Shaman speaks, not a religious leader in any modern sense, but one who explored the realms of things not understood. Essential faith in one's spiritual bond with deity was not one -- formalized religions had not yet appeared -- no need. Everyone here knows of this bond -- belief is not required.

So, how does one blend this knowledge with the demands of human survival?

Draw close and listen …


SIMPLE

The fire had ebbed to wood core, beyond crackle of attention and sudden flare-blaze of distraction. The shadows cast were softened and provided nurtured hid to others gathered beneath fern and scattered branch. The friends drew close, not for warmth, but to embrace the words.

“This will be our last meal together, the last sharing of simple companionship and unguarded thought. I have either taught you enough or not at all. Each of you will now be the word as I have been for thee.”

The silence spoke of doubt and fear, yet all bound in love and yearning. The did not yet understand – belief yes, but knowledge was not yet embraced. As always, her patience expanded in story and sign.

“Look about – Heash is on everything -- some would say the 'breath of God'. Of the friendly faces well known you sense the presence, her presence -- his presence as you may limit divinity. Seek also the whisper of the pines and the pulsing of the stone – even into the darkness beyond the flames of reason. You are there also, as am I, as all is one and of Source and Creation. To find yourself in this and all, I have taught you how to seek balance -- pray for some, to seek solitude and innocence – to empty yourself of will and pride. And in this you will know – be one with …

Look to the trays before you. See the bread and goblet of wine. Indeed, these are gifts of Heash – the grain, the grapes, the wood. And Source who made these also loved you into existence, and thus you are the same. Simple.

Yet the bread if made by thy own hand, and the grain cultivated and gather by men. The grapes would fall unto the fields to rot and recycle new life if not by the hand of you – and you and unseen brothers. This wine we savor is a gift of man as well, and nurtures life in but slight delay. The tray is crafted by careful hand to be used again and again as proof of both divine gift and humanity.

Of these things you know, and have been taught and remember.

The message I bring is that this blending of mystery and work is incomplete. You must gift this bread and water of life to another as in ancient times – suspending judgment of worthiness or need. As I break off a piece of crust and touch your hand we bring in faith true bonding of divinity and humanity, of gifts and givens of being. For you eat not simple bread but of my body and essence – and of all of you here and have ever been and by your seed.

Take this wine, drink of it and pass it to your brother on your left. He will sip then not only the gift of Heash and work of man’s hand and heart, but also of your love and being. And when I am no longer with you, you shall also drink of me in every offered cup, and every compassioned tear and every gathered drop of rain – and in turn Source will drink of thee.

For all three are the same – the grape the wine and the sharing. But of this you cannot understand or teach – only accept and believe. I say to you, as I eat of your bread and sip your wine; that you need only offer open hands to strangers, and they will understand -- you will come to knowledge beyond believing. You need only give of the bread of your simple faith, and they will understand. Your words may set the table. Your hands may craft the serving tray. But that they may eat of your heart and soul – and drink of thy spirit will you be known – and dine with me in eternity.”

faucon