Rise, Prophet...

The Gospel of Thomas has Jesus saying that that which lies within us has the power to save us or destroy us. I am also reminded of a Hindi quote to the affect of, "It is impossible to break God's law, but it is possible to break one's self against it."

I feel something swelling up within me, a rising tide of sorts. No longer content to hold back the calling of my Self, I have opened the door, and now I feel myself growing into something else...may be even someone else. I'm like a child in a river being swept along rapidly by the current, and whenever I brace myself against the rocks to stop my passage, the river slams into me, trying to force me forward again.

My bones crack and muscles ache, and finally I can't take it anymore and I let go once again. And as I am swept along, I see God in everything and I am, for one moment, not afraid. I am afraid of my destiny, but my curiousity is much too overwhelming. I must see this through to the end, come what may. And as I move forward and backwards in time, I shall remember the following:

Live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.

Trouble no one about his religion. Respect others in their views and demand that they respect yours.

"Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.

Seek to make your life long and of service to your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.

Always give a word or sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, or even a stranger, if in a lonely place.

Show respect to all people, but grovel to none.

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself.

Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song, and die like a hero going home."

-- Tecumseh
(1768-1813) Shawnee Chief