Cloister: Our Quiet Path
Tonight, somewhere near the Reading Loggia on the east side of the monastery, a group of monks huddled to discuss the future of the cloister (home of the whispers). As the summer sun bade farewell to another day, we spoke of our vision for the monastery, and the cloister in particular. A curtain of darkness was drawn against the crimson horizon and green meadow both, as we rose to walk the length of the cloister. It was then we concluded what it must remain: a place of sanctuary and quiet communication for all who are drawn to visit or rest awhile within the Monastery of the Mists.
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Like the Oratory of the Quiet Heart nestled in its north wing, and the Prayer Chapel snuggled in the southeast, and the Beethoven piped in from above, the monastery itself was created to be a place of tranquil refuge, contemplation, and sharing amongst monks attracted to more pacific climes. The cloister, we determined, in keeping with every other room, loggia, chapel, and corner, must be as well.
There are many other places where argument and noisy debate are welcomed, but not in our peaceable cloister, no matter if it be done with a shout, sarcasm, or a “smile”. Disagreement is welcome, as is dialogue, but disrespect and disparagement are not. This includes the subtler varieties, such as the ever-popular: “I-know-what’s-best-for-you,” superior sounding “suggestions” seething with sanctimony, or blue book knockin’ over a brother’s hallowed noggin.
The softly shadowed walkways, hallways, and pillars of our friendly cloister will return to and henceforth remain a place of sharing, support, and community.
Everyone who wishes to respect these ideals will be welcomed with an open heart. Those who do not, will be restricted from posting in the cloister, with an equally open heart, for this is not a monastery where form and content are confused. Form does not exclude; only the mind. If someone insists on being noisy in a library, and are asked to leave, it is not attack, judgment, or separation. It is not forsaking our brother. Form never infers meaning. Meaning informs form. And meaning comes only from our choice of teachers in the mind. It is not what we do in the world, but who we do it with in our mind.
Here at the monastery we are also clear that we don’t need contention to look at our ego. We know if we have an ego it will find us in good time, and that it is self-attack to somehow think it wise to let a bag of hammers fall on our heads to see “what it brings up in us.” We like normal here. In fact, we encourage it, and will continue to do so.
And so, as the twinkling stars gather above and slowly shimmer into view, we are reminded A Course in Miracles is a gentle path, and this a gentle monastery, with a cloister that whispers with the soft echoes of Eternity.
July 18th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
I haven’t posted woo-woo in forever, but this is too good to pass up. An hour ago I discovered the manager of our apartment had put a note in the clip beside our door: “We love having you as residents. Having you here is a real treat.”
Nice. But attached to the note?
I kid you not.
I joked, “OK Jesus, nice hearing from you. Maybe someday we can have more direct communication.” :)
July 20th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Annie: No, I haven’t drawn a floor plan for the Monastery of the Mists, but it would be fun to sketch. (P.S. Yes, there is plumbing.)
As for an actual physical dwelling, this is monasterial “cabin” I would like to live in one day:
Monk’s cabin — Photo One
Monk’s cabin — Photo Two
It could be raining, but note the 360 degree cloister: you could still walk outside and do rounds ’round the monastery. And there is a table and chairs. Lots of monkly conversation, and chess. And tea.