Friday, October 02, 2009

can you hear the hymn?


"...let us preserve deep silence, both external and mental, but especially the latter; for what advantage is it that the mouth be hushed, if the soul is disturbed and full of tossing? I look for that calm which is of the mind, of the soul, since it is the hearing of the soul which I require...

If a man cannot learn well a melody on pipe or harp, unless he in every way strain his attention; how shall one, who sits as a listener to sounds mystical, be able to hear with a careless soul
?"

Saint John Chyrsostom,
from his homily on the gospel according to John

8 comments:

L'Artisan said...

Golden words indeed, from St. John "Goldenmouth".

awareness said...

Edelweiss... I have just learned of him, through another blogger and was so moved by his writings.

Mark said...

We must at times be silent and listen to the voice of our soul ...
Wonderful words!

Kay said...

very wise and true words

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Ahhhhh, A case where the word "CARELESS" means...without a care, as opposed to sloppy and non-caring..! At least I think that's right, isn't it....? (lol)
Wonderful Quote, my dear!

Gilly said...

"Soul disturned and full of tossing...."

No wonder I find it hard to hear the music.

Beautiful words.

Anonymous said...

am with Gilly... cracked me up in a mystical moment with the 'tossing' - sorry to lower the tone.... :(

awareness said...

Mark...good to see you. I thought you'd like that quote.

Kay...when I read it, I pictured a little boat out on the stormy seas being tossed about, trying to get to the other side....deafened by the noise.

Naomi...that's how I interpreted it too. cheers to you friend.

Gilly....disturbed and churning yes. It deafens us to the beauty just waiting to be heard....

Paul....may we all strive to be the master of our own domain....in a mystical way. x