The Role of Tradition

Dear Folks -

The title of my talk in the Ordinary Life Gathering this week was

"The Role of Tradition." The past two weeks I emphasized the

importance of the paths of "not knowing" and "not doing." There is,

however, the need for some tradition and for one to follow that

tradition with integrity. A story from Howard Thurman shows how

ritual is what provides the foundation for ecstasy. It is true that

religion can and has poisoned much throughout history. Illustrations

are given of this. However, faithfully giving oneself to a discipline

is what can transform us. We have to find this to be true for

ourselves and when we do we and others around us are transformed. I

used as an example of such transformation Paul Potts singing on

"Britain’s Got Talent." Thanks to the work of Richard Wingfield I was

able to show the video at the gathering. I am putting a link to this

amazing performance at the appropriate place in the text. It will

take you about four minutes to watch it and I urge you to do so.

Much love,

 

Bill Kerley

Download 20070624.pdf