Monastic Explorers

Monastic Explorers November 22, 2016

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We do not generally see monks as explorers.

We think of monks as people who stay in the same place, separate from the world. Monks commit themselves to remain at their monasteries and follow a rule. We think of monks as stable members of monastic communities. They do not go off on expeditions to explore distant places.

Historically, the mothers and fathers of Christian monasticism left cities to live in the wilderness. They were exploring not geography, but their own spirituality. They believed it had become too easy and soft to practice their values in cities. They wanted to explore deep, true spiritual awareness.

Many of us think of monasteries as places to go to get away. We go on a retreat to rest, to read or write, to take a break. In my experience, monasteries are where the real exploration begins.

The monks I know focus their lives on finding deep truth. They explore the complicated paths of their internal lives to find real awakening. Like their monastic ancestors, they seek to discover true spirituality.

Following their examples, we learn to be explorers. Like people who explore distant lands, the oceans, or space, we seek understanding. We do not want to be fooled by our own clever camouflages or distractions. We will accept nothing but the deep truth of who we are.

There are times when we need to sit and think, sorting out our situation. We peer into the darkness, eager to see where to explore next. We gain awareness and, like the monks I know, lift our foot to take our next step.

We do not need long trips or special equipment to be explorers. Great discoveries are waiting within us.

Where are you exploring today?

Who is your example of a focused explorer?

[Image by mru24]


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