A More Compassionate and Just Society
The Sufis tell a story of the Holy One who said to his disciples,
“What’s better, do you think? Is it contemplation, or is it action?”
. . . They said, “Why, Holy One, it’s action, of course.
What good is contemplation in a suffering world?”
And the Sufi said, “Ah, yes, but what good is action
that proceeds from an unenlightened heart?”
Contemplation is not mere escapism or a selfish pursuit of inner peace. True contemplation is a profound immersion into the heart of the Divine, which permeates every aspect of existence. It is a recognition that the sacred dwells not only in secluded sanctuaries but in the very fabric of the world we inhabit.
The enlightened soul understands that contemplation is incomplete without action. Genuine spiritual awakening compels us to confront injustice, defend the oppressed, and uplift the downtrodden. It is a call to champion dignity, equality, and the full realization of human potential for all beings.
True contemplatives are not mere observers but active agents of change. They speak truth to power, challenge oppressive systems, and work tirelessly to create a world that reflects the divine ideals of compassion, justice, and love.
Contemplation without action is hollow, but action without contemplation is blind. The two must be harmonized, for only then can we truly embody the sacred principles that guide us towards a more just, equitable, and enlightened existence.
Let us embrace the path of the true contemplative – one who seeks profound spiritual connection while actively working to create a world that honors the inherent divinity within all beings. In doing so, we become vessels of transformation, catalysts for positive change, and beacons of hope in a world that yearns for enlightened action.
(inspired by: Joan Chittister, Prophets Then, Prophets Now)
True contemplation is not mere navel-gazing or spiritual escapism, but a deep immersion into the heart of the Divine that permeates all existence. It is a recognition that the sacred dwells not just in isolated sanctuaries, but in every aspect of the world we inhabit - including the suffering and injustice experienced by the oppressed and marginalized.
Genuine contemplation compels us to confront injustice, defend the downtrodden, and champion the full realization of human dignity and potential for all beings. It is a call to harmonize our inner spiritual awakening with outer action that upholds the divine ideals of compassion, justice, and love.
The enlightened soul understands that contemplation without action is hollow, but action without contemplation is blind. The two must be united, for only then can we embody the sacred principles that guide us towards a more just and equitable world.
True contemplatives are not mere observers but active agents of change. Like Thomas Merton, Catherine of Siena, Hildegard of Bingen, Charles de Foucauld, and Benedict of Nursia, they speak truth to power, challenge oppressive systems, and work tirelessly to uplift the downtrodden and create a world that reflects the inherent divinity within all beings.
Contemplation is not an end in itself but a means to fuel enlightened action that confronts injustice, uplifts the oppressed, and creates a more compassionate and just society for all. It is a profound reminder that spiritual awakening is incomplete without a commitment to creating positive change in the world around us.