tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28690185.post2925667171077619922..comments2024-03-23T11:25:07.693-07:00Comments on MOVIES MADE ME: T.S. Eliot and SkepticismJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02536096683421557320noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28690185.post-8048449070981048472013-03-06T12:38:58.891-08:002013-03-06T12:38:58.891-08:00Thanks, Joe, for another insightful essay about El...Thanks, Joe, for another insightful essay about Eliot's "Journey." As a Director of a Multifaith Center at a small liberal arts college, I deal with Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Agnostic, Atheist, and Secular Humanists both among the students and the faculty. The most common spiritual affliction in this setting is the fear of loss...loss of identity if people dare to take the texts and stories of others seriously. Well, as you point out, Joe, Eliot had the courage to take the risks that the "Journey" demands. It is an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual struggle to arrive at the destination that bears our name.<br />As usual, your essay made me think of Thomas Merton, the monk. His contemplative life was grounded in a Christian monastery. But, his journals and correspondence make it clear that he was in daily communication with Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Sufis, etc. Why? Because Merton knew that they had ancient methods and practices that would help him to become a better Christian contemplative. In that sense, he was fearless in his pursuit of his discipline. Merton was willing to learn from anyone who took contemplation seriously. At the end of his life, Merton died on a trip to Asia...something he had dreamed of his whole life. It was in the presence of those enormous reclining Buddhas that all became clear for him. The Christian monk died in a Buddhist world...and that seemed just right to him.<br />Again, thanks, Joe!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11604311253569759187noreply@blogger.com