"Once a monk questioned Abbess Samthann about he should pray; should ti be lying down, sitting or standing. She replied, 'A person should pray in every position.' "
____ Saying of St. Samthann (trans. CM)
There is an unfortunate tendency in those who are interested in spirituality to complete abrogate their common sense. Many people truly believe that a different set of ground rules apply to the spiritual life and that these are known only to gurus. The credulous or uncertain need to realize that, just as we would not tolerate abuse in daily life, so we do not accept the manipulative or misleading advice of any teacher or spirit.
Constancy, perseverance, and questioning are the three requistes of spiritual life. Constancy to our self-respect, to our spiritual quest and to any true teachers whom we meet will encourage and support our progress. Perseverance in prayer, meditation and the implementation of spiritual practices will maintain our quest; and if certain of those practices are not working for us, perseverance until we find a practice that does will return us to the right path. A questioning tongue and heart are also essential as we seek to stay on that path: regular self-clarification and the self questioning of our motives, the questioning of teachers and spiritual allies regarding things that concern us, and the questioning of anything within our tradition that is not manifesting the spiritual message will ensure that our path is a clear one, that we are not merely accepting the unclarity of others.
"Meditate upon constancy, perseverance, and questioning within your own spiritual path."
[From: The Celtic Spirit Caitlin Matthews]
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