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[_Quasimodo]

16. DIVINE AND DEMONIC QUALITIES


A list of major divine qualities that should be cultivated for salvation

The Supreme Lord said: Fearlessness, purity of the inner psyche, perseverance in the yog of Self-knowledge, charity, sense-restraint, sacrifice, study of the scriptures, austerity, honesty; nonviolence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, calmness, abstinence from malicious talk, compassion for all creatures, freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, absence of fickleness, splendor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of malice, and absence of pride --- these are the (twenty-six) qualities of those endowed with divine virtues, O Arjun. (16.01-03)

A list of demonic qualities that should be given up before spiritual journey can begin

O Arjun, the marks of those who are born with demonic qualities are: Hypocrisy, arrogance, pride, anger, harshness, and ignorance. (16.04) Divine qualities lead to salvation (Moksh); the demonic qualities are said to be for bondage. Do not grieve, O Arjun, you are born with divine qualities. (16.05)

There are only two types of human beings, the wise and the ignorant

Basically, there are only two types or castes of human beings in this world: The divine, and the demonic. The divine has been described at length. Now hear from Me about the demonic, O Arjun. (16.06) Persons of demonic nature do not know what to do and what not to do. They have neither purity nor good conduct nor truthfulness. (16.07) They say that the world is unreal, without a substratum, without a God, and without an order. The world is caused by sexual union of man and woman alone and nothing else. (16.08) Adhering to this wrong, atheistic view, these degraded souls --- with small intellect and cruel deeds --- are born as enemies for the destruction of the world. (16.09) Filled with insatiable desires, hypocrisy, pride, and arrogance; holding wrong views due to delusion; they act with impure motives. (16.10) Obsessed with endless anxiety lasting until death, considering sense gratification their highest aim, and convinced that sense pleasure is everything; (16.11)

Bound by hundreds of ties of desire and enslaved by lust and anger, they strive to obtain wealth by unlawful means to fulfill sensual pleasures. They think: (16.12) This has been gained by me today; I shall fulfill this desire; I have this much wealth and will have more wealth in the future; (16.13) that enemy has been slain by me, and I shall slay others also. I am the lord. I am the enjoyer. I am successful, powerful, and happy; (16.14)

I am rich and born in a noble family. Who is equal to me? I shall perform sacrifice, I shall give charity, and I shall rejoice. Thus deluded by ignorance, (16.15) bewildered by many fancies, entangled in the net of delusion, addicted to the enjoyment of sensual pleasures, they fall into a foul hell. (16.16) Self-conceited, stubborn, filled with pride and intoxication of wealth, they perform sacrifice (charity,Yajn) only in name, for show, and not according to scriptural injunction. (16.17) These malicious people cling to egoism, power, arrogance, lust, and anger; and hate Me who dwells in their own bodies and those of others. (16.18)

Suffering is the destiny of the ignorant

I hurl these haters, cruel, sinful, and mean people into the cycles of rebirth in the womb of demons again and again. (16.19) O Arjun, entering the wombs of demons, birth after birth, the deluded ones sink to the lowest hell without ever attaining Me. (16.20)

Lust, anger, and greed are the three gates to hell

Lust, anger, and greed are the three gates of hell leading to the downfall (or bondage) of the individual. Therefore, one must (learn to) give up these three. (16.21) One who is liberated from these three gates of hell, O Arjun, does what is best and consequently attains the supreme abode. (16.22)

One must follow the scriptural injunctions

One who acts under the influence of his or her desires, disobeying scriptural injunctions, neither attains perfection nor happiness nor the supreme abode. (16.23) Therefore, let the scripture be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. You should perform your duty following the scriptural injunction. (16.24)

17. THREEFOLD FAITH


Arjun said: What is the mode of devotion of those who perform spiritual practices with faith, but without following the scriptural injunctions, O Krishn? Is it in the mode of goodness (Saattvik), passion (Raajasik), or ignorance (Taamasik)? (17.01)

Three types of faith

The Supreme Lord said: The natural faith of embodied beings is of three kinds: Goodness, passion, and ignorance (Saattvik, Raajasik, and Taamasik). Now hear about these from Me. (17.02) O Arjun, the faith of each is in accordance with one’s own natural disposition (governed by Karmic impressions). One is known by one’s faith. One can become whatever one wants to be (if one constantly contemplates on the object of desire with faith). (17.03) Persons in the mode of goodness worship celestial controllers (Devas); those in the mode of passion worship supernatural rulers and demons; and those in the mode of ignorance worship ghosts and spirits. (17.04) Ignorant persons of demonic nature are those who practice severe austerities without following the prescription of the scriptures, who are full of hypocrisy and egotism, who are impelled by the force of desire and attachment, and who senselessly torture the elements in their body and also Me who dwells within the body. (17.05-06)

Three types of food

The food preferred by all of us is also of three types. So are the sacrifice, austerity, and charity. Now hear the distinction between them. (17.07) The foods that promote longevity, virtue, strength, health, happiness, and joy are juicy, smooth, substantial, and nutritious. Such foods are liked by persons in the mode of goodness. (17.08) People in the mode of passion like foods that are very bitter, sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry, and burning; and cause pain, grief, and disease. (17.09) People in the mode of ignorance like foods that are stale, tasteless, putrid, rotten, refuse, and impure (such as meat and alcohol). (17.10)

Three types of sacrifices

Selfless service (Seva, Yajn), enjoined by the scriptures and performed without the desire for the fruit, with a firm belief and conviction that it is a duty, is in the mode of goodness. (17.11) Selfless service (Seva, Yajn) that is performed only for show and aiming for fruit, is in the mode of passion, O Arjun. (17.12) Selfless service (Seva, Yajn) that is performed without following the scripture, in which no food is distributed, which is devoid of mantra, faith, and gift, is said to be in the mode of ignorance. (17.13)

Austerity of thought, word, and deed

The worship of celestial controllers (Devas), the priest, the guru, and the wise; purity, honesty, celibacy, and nonviolence --- these are said to be austerity of deed. (17.14) Speech that is non-offensive, truthful, pleasant, beneficial, and is used for the regular study of scriptures is called the austerity of word. (17.15) Serenity of mind, gentleness, calmness, self-control, and purity of thought --- these are called austerity of thought. (17.16)

Three types of austerity

The above mentioned threefold austerity (of thought, word, and deed), practiced by yogis with supreme faith, without a desire for the fruit, is said to be in the mode of goodness. (17.17) Austerity that is performed for gaining respect, honor, reverence, and for the sake of show, yielding an uncertain and temporary result, is said to be in the mode of passion. (17.18) Austerity performed with foolish stubbornness or with self-torture or for harming others, is said to be in the mode of ignorance. (17.19)

Three types of charity

Charity that is given at the right place and time as a matter of duty to a deserving candidate who does nothing in return, is considered to be in the mode of goodness. (17.20) Charity that is given unwillingly, or to get something in return, or to gain for some fruit, is said to be in the mode of passion. (17.21) Charity that is given at a wrong place and time to unworthy persons, or without paying respect to the receiver or with ridicule, is said to be in the mode of ignorance. (17.22)

Threefold name of God

"OM TAT SAT" is said to be the threefold name of the Eternal Being (Brahm). Persons with good (Braahmanic) qualities, the Vedas, and the selfless service (Seva, Yajn) were created by and from Brahm in the ancient time. (17.23) Therefore, acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity prescribed in the scriptures are always commenced by uttering "OM" by the knowers of the Supreme Being (ParBrahm). (17.24) Various types of sacrifice, charity, and austerity are performed by the seekers of salvation (Moksh) by uttering "TAT" (or He is all) without seeking a reward. (17.25) The word "SAT" is used in the sense of Reality and goodness. The word "SAT" is also used for an auspicious act, O Arjun. (17.26) Faith in sacrifice, charity, and austerity is also called "SAT". Selfless service for the sake of the Supreme is, in truth, termed as "SAT". (17.27) Whatever is done without faith --- whether it is sacrifice, charity, austerity, or any other act --- is called "ASAT". It has no value here or hereafter, O Arjun. (17.28)

18. LIBERATION THROUGH RENUNCIATION


Arjun said: I wish to know the nature of Samnyaas and Tyaag and the difference between the two, O Lord Krishn. (18.01)

Definition of renunciation and sacrifice

The Supreme Lord said: The sages call Samnyaas (Renunciation) the complete renunciation of work for personal profit. The wise define Tyaag (Sacrifice) as the sacrifice of, and the freedom from, a selfish attachment to the fruits of all work. (See also 5.01, 5.05, and 6.01) (18.02) Some philosophers say that all work is full of faults and should be given up, while others say that acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity should not be abandoned. (18.03)

O Arjun, listen to My conclusion about sacrifice. Sacrifice is said to be of three types. (18.04) Acts of service, charity, and austerity should not be abandoned, but should be performed because service, charity, and austerity are the purifiers of the wise. (18.05) Even these obligatory works should be performed without attachment to the fruits. This is My definite supreme advice, O Arjun. (18.06)

Three types of sacrifice

Giving up one's duty is not proper. The abandonment of obligatory work is due to delusion and is declared to be in the mode of ignorance. (18.07) One who abandons duty merely because it is difficult or because of fear of bodily affliction, does not get the benefits of sacrifice by performing such a sacrifice in the mode of passion. (18.08) Obligatory work performed as duty, renouncing selfish attachment to the fruit, is alone to be regarded as sacrifice in the mode of goodness, O Arjun. (18.09) One who neither hates a disagreeable work, nor is attached to an agreeable work, is considered a renunciant (Tyaagi), imbued with the mode of goodness, intelligent, and free from all doubts about the Supreme Being. (18.10) Human beings cannot completely abstain from work. Therefore, one who completely renounces selfish attachment to the fruits of all work is considered a renunciant. (18.11) The threefold fruit of works --- desirable, undesirable, and mixed --- accrues after death to the one who is not a Tyaagi (Renunciant), but never to a Tyaagi. (18.12)

Five causes of an action

Learn from Me, O Arjun, the five causes, as described in the Saamkhya doctrine, for the accomplishment of all actions. They are: The physical body, the seat of Karm; the modes (Gunas) of material Nature, the doer; the eleven organs of perception and action, the instruments; various Praanas (bioimpulses, life forces); and the fifth is presiding deities (of the eleven organs). (18.13-14) These are the five causes of whatever action, whether right or wrong, one performs by thought, word and deed. (18.15) Therefore, the ignorant, who consider one’s body or the soul as the sole agent, do not understand due to imperfect knowledge. (18.16) One who is free from the notion of doership and whose intellect is not polluted by the desire to reap the fruit --- even after slaying all these people --- neither slays nor is bound by the act of killing. (18.17) The subject, the object, and the knowledge of the object are the threefold driving force (or impetus) to an action. The eleven organs (of perception and action), the act, and the agent or the modes (Gunas) of material Nature are the three components of action. (18.18)

Three types of knowledge

Jnaan (Self-knowledge), Karm (Action), and Kartaa (Agent) are said to be of three types, according to the Guna theory of Saamkhya doctrine. Hear duly about these also. (18.19) The knowledge by which one sees a single immutable Reality in all beings as undivided in the divided, such knowledge is in the mode of goodness. (See also 11.13, and 13.16) (18.20) The knowledge by which one sees different realities of various types among all beings as separate from one another; such knowledge is in the mode of passion. (18.21) The irrational, baseless, and worthless knowledge by which one clings to one single effect (such as the body) as if it is everything, such knowledge is declared to be in the mode of darkness of ignorance (18.22)

Three types of action

Obligatory duty performed without likes and dislikes and without selfish motives and attachment to enjoy the fruit, is said to be in the mode of goodness. (18.23) Action performed with ego, with selfish motives, and with too much effort, is in the mode of passion. (18.24) Action that is undertaken because of delusion, disregarding consequences, loss, injury to others, as well as one’s own ability, is said to be in the mode of ignorance. (18.25)

Three types of agent

The agent who is free from attachment, is non-egotistic, endowed with resolve and enthusiasm, and unperturbed in success or failure is called good. (18.26) The agent who is impassioned, who desires the fruits of work, who is greedy, violent, impure, and gets affected by joy and sorrow; is called passionate. (18.27) The agent who is undisciplined, vulgar, stubborn, wicked, malicious, lazy, depressed, and procrastinating is called ignorant. (18.28)

Three types of intellect

Now hear Me explain fully and separately, O Arjun, the threefold division of intellect and resolve, based on modes of material Nature. (18.29) O Arjun, that intellect is in the mode of goodness which understands the path of work and the path of renunciation, right and wrong action, fear and fearlessness, bondage and liberation. (18.30) That intellect is in the mode of passion which cannot distinguish between righteousness (Dharm) and unrighteousness (Adharm), and right and wrong action, O Arjun. (18.31) That intellect is in the mode of ignorance which, when covered by ignorance, accepts unrighteousness (Adharm) as righteousness (Dharm) and thinks everything to be that which it is not, O Arjun. (18.32)

Three types of resolve, and the four goals of human life

That resolve is in the mode of goodness by which one manipulates the functions of the mind, Praan (bioimpulses, life forces) and senses for God-realization only, O Arjun. (18.33) That resolve is in the mode of passion by which one, craving for the fruits of work, clings to Dharm (Duty), Arth (Wealth), and Kaam (Pleasure) with great attachment. (18.34) That resolve is in the mode of ignorance by which a dull person does not give up sleep, fear, grief, despair, and carelessness, O Arjun. (18.35)

Three types of pleasure

And now hear from Me, O Arjun, about the threefold pleasure. The pleasure that one enjoys from spiritual practice results in cessation of all sorrows. (18.36) The pleasure that appears as poison in the beginning, but is like nectar in the end, comes by the grace of Self-knowledge and is in the mode of goodness. (18.37) Sensual pleasures that appear as nectars in the beginning, but become poison in the end, are in the mode of passion. (See also 5.22) (18.38) Pleasure that confuses a person in the beginning and in the end as a result of sleep, laziness, and carelessness, is in the mode of ignorance. (18.39) There is no being, either on the earth or among the celestial controllers (Devas) in the heaven, who can remain free from these three modes (Gunas) of material Nature (Prakriti). (18.40)

Division of labor is based on one’s ability

The division of labor into the four categories --- Braahman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudr --- is also based on the qualities inherent in people’s nature (or the natural propensities, and not necessarily as one’s birth right), O Arjun. (See also 4.13) (18.41) Intellectuals who have serenity, self-control, austerity, purity, patience, honesty, transcendental knowledge, transcendental experience, and belief in God are labeled as Braahmans. (18.42) Those having the qualities of heroism, vigor, firmness, dexterity, steadfastness in battle, charity, and administrative skills are called Kshatriyas or protectors. (18.43) Those who are good at cultivation, cattle rearing, business, trade, and industry are known as Vaishyas. Those who are very good in service and labor type work are classed as Shudras. (18.44)

Attainment of salvation through duty, discipline, and devotion

One can attain the highest perfection by devotion to one’s natural work. Listen to Me how one attains perfection while engaged in one’s natural work. (18.45) One attains perfection by worshipping the Supreme Being --- from whom all beings originate, and by whom all this universe is pervaded --- through performance of one’s natural duty for Him. (See also 9.27, 12.10) (18.46) One’s inferior natural work is better than superior unnatural work even though well performed. One who does the work ordained by one’s inherent nature (without selfish motives) incurs no sin (or Karmic reaction). (See also 3.35) (18.47) One’s natural work, even though defective, should not be abandoned, because all undertakings are enveloped by defects as fire is covered by smoke, O Arjun. (18.48) The person whose mind is always free from selfish attachment, who has subdued the mind and senses, and who is free from desires, attains the supreme perfection of freedom from the bondage of Karm by renouncing selfish attachment to the fruits of work. (18.49)

Learn from Me briefly, O Arjun, how one who has attained such perfection (or the freedom from the bondage of Karm) attains the Supreme Person, the goal of transcendental knowledge. (18.50) Endowed with purified intellect, subduing the mind with firm resolve, turning away from sound and other objects of the senses, giving up likes and dislikes; living in solitude; eating lightly; controlling the mind, speech, and organs of action; ever absorbed in yog of meditation; taking refuge in detachment; and relinquishing egotism, violence, pride, lust, anger, and proprietorship --- one becomes peaceful, free from the notion of "I” and “my", and fit for attaining oneness with the Supreme Being (ParBrahm). (18.51-53) Absorbed in the Supreme Being (ParBrahm), the serene one neither grieves nor desires. Becoming impartial to all beings, one obtains My Paraa-Bhakti, the highest devotional love. (18.54) By devotion one truly understands what and who I am in essence. Having known Me in essence, one immediately merges with Me. (See also 5.19) (18.55)

A KarmaYogi devotee attains Moksh, the eternal immutable abode, by My grace --- even while doing all duties --- just by taking refuge in Me (by surrendering all action to Me with loving devotion). (18.56) Sincerely offer all actions to Me, set Me as your supreme goal, and completely depend on Me. Always fix your mind on Me and resort to KarmaYog. (18.57) When your mind becomes fixed on Me, you shall overcome all difficulties by My grace. But, if you do not listen to Me due to ego, you shall perish. (18.58)

Karmic bondage and the free will

If due to ego you think: I shall not fight, your resolve is vain. Because, your own nature will compel you (to fight). (18.59) O Arjun, you are controlled by your own nature-born Karmic impressions (Samskaar). Therefore, you shall do --- even against your will --- what you do not wish to do out of delusion. (18.60) The Supreme Lord, abiding as the controller (Ishvar) in the causal heart (or the inner psyche) of all beings, O Arjun, causes them to act (or work out their Karm) like a puppet (of Karm) mounted on a machine. (18.61) Seek refuge in the Supreme Lord (Krishn or Ishvar) alone with loving devotion, O Arjun. By His grace you shall attain supreme peace and the Eternal Abode (ParamDhaam). (18.62) Thus, I have explained the knowledge that is more secret than the secret. After fully reflecting on this, do as you wish. (18.63)

Path of surrender is the ultimate path to God

Hear once again My most secret, supreme word. You are very dear to Me; therefore, I shall tell this for your benefit. (18.64) Fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, offer service to Me, bow down to Me, and you shall certainly reach Me. I promise you because you are My very dear friend. (18.65) Setting aside all meritorious deeds (Dharm), just surrender completely to My will (with firm faith and loving contemplation). I shall liberate you from all sins (or the bonds of Karm). Do not grieve. (18.66) (The meaning of abandoning all duties and taking refuge in the Lord is that one should perform duty without selfish attachment as an offering to the Lord, and totally depend only on the Him for help and guidance. The Lord takes full responsibility for a person who totally depends on Him with a spirit of genuine self-surrender)

The highest service to God, and the best charity

This knowledge should never be spoken by you to one who is devoid of austerity, who is without devotion, who does not desire to listen, or who speaks ill of Me. (18.67) The one who shall propagate (or help the propagation of) this supreme secret philosophy (of the Gita) amongst My devotees, shall be performing the highest devotional service to Me and shall certainly (attain the Supreme Abode and) come to Me. (18.68) No other person shall do a more pleasing service to Me, and no one on the earth shall be more dear to Me. (18.69)

The grace of the Gita

Those who shall study our sacred dialogue shall be performing a holy act of sacrifice (JnaanYajn, knowledge-sacrifice). This is My promise. (18.70) Whoever hears or reads this sacred dialogue in the form of the Gita with faith and without cavil becomes free from sin, and attains heaven --- the higher worlds of those whose actions are pure and virtuous. (18.71) O Arjun, did you listen to this with single-minded attention? Has your delusion born of ignorance been completely destroyed? (18.72) Arjun said: By Your grace my delusion is destroyed; I have gained Self-knowledge; my confusion (with regard to body and Atma) is dispelled; and I shall obey Your command. (18.73) Sanjay said: Thus, I heard this wonderful dialogue between Lord Krishn and Mahaatma Arjun, causing my hair to stand on end. (18.74) By the grace of (guru) sage Vyaas, I heard this most secret and supreme yog directly from Krishn, the Lord of yog, Himself speaking (to Arjun) before my very eyes (of clairvoyance granted by sage Vyaas). (18.75) O King, by repeated remembrance of this marvelous and sacred dialogue between Lord Krishn and Arjun, I am thrilled at every moment, and (18.76) recollecting again and again, O King, that marvelous form of Krishn I am greatly amazed, and I rejoice over and over again. (18.77)

Both transcendental knowledge and action are needed for a balanced living

Wherever there will be both Krishn, the Lord of yog (or Dharm in the form of the scriptures (Shaastr)), and Arjun with the weapons (Shastr) of duty and protection, there will be everlasting prosperity, victory, happiness, and morality. This is my conviction. (18.78)

HARIH AUM TATSAT, HARIH AUM TATSAT,
HARIH AUM TATSAT

This book is offered to Lord Shri Krishn. May

He bless us all with Goodness, Prosperity, and Peace.



EPILOGUE

The Farewell Message of Lord Krishn

Lord Krishn, on the eve of His departure from the arena of this world, after finishing the difficult task of establishing righteousness (Dharm), gave His last parting discourse to His cousin brother Uddhav, who was also His dearest devotee and follower. At the end of a long sermon comprising more than one thousand verses, Uddhav said: O Lord, I think the pursuit of yog as You narrated to Arjun and now to me, is very difficult, indeed, for most people; because, it entails control of the unruly senses. Please tell me a short, simple, and easy way to God-realization. Lord Krishn, upon Uddhava’s request, gave the essentials of Self-realization for the modern age as follows:

(1) Do your duty to the best of your abilities for Me, without any selfish motive, and remember Me at all times --- before starting a work, at the completion of a task, and while inactive. (2) Practice looking upon all creatures as Myself in thought, word, and deed; and mentally bow down to them. (3) Awaken your dormant Kundalini power and perceive --- through the activities of mind, senses, breathing, and emotions --- that the power of God is within you at all times and is constantly doing all the work using you as a mere instrument. Yogiraj Mumtaz Ali says: The one who fully knows oneself as a mere instrument and a playground of mother Nature (Prakriti, mind), knows the Truth. Cessation of all desires by realizing the true essence of the world and the human mind is Self-realization. Paramahams Hariharananda Giri says: God is in everything as well as above everything. So if you want to realize Him, you must seek and see Him in every atom, in every matter, in every bodily function, and in every human being with an attitude of surrender.

The essence of God-realization is also summarized in the four verses of the Bhaagavat Mahaa-Puraan (BMP 2.09.32-35) as follows:

The Supreme Lord Krishn said: O Brahmaa, the one who wants to know Me, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Shri Krishn, should only understand that I existed before creation, I exist in creation, as well as after dissolution. Any other existence is nothing but My illusory energy (Maya). I exist within the creation and at the same time outside the creation. I am the all-pervading Supreme Lord who exists everywhere, in everything, and at all times.

MEDITATION 1 (For the Beginners)

A simple technique of meditation is described here: (1) Wash your face, eyes, hands, and feet, and sit in a clean, quiet, dark place using, any comfortable posture, with head, neck, and spine straight and vertical. No music or incense during meditation is recommended. The time and place of meditation should be fixed. Follow Yam and Niyam, the good principles of living, by thoughts, words, and deeds. Some yogic exercises are necessary. Midnight, morning, and evening are the best times to meditate for 15 to 25 minutes every day. (2) Remember any name or form of the personal god (Isht Dev) you believe in, and ask His or Her blessings. (3) Close your eyes, take 5 to 10 very slow and deep breaths. (4) Fix your gaze, mind, and feelings inside the chest center, the seat of the causal heart, and breathe slowly. Mentally chant "Raa" as you breathe in and "Maa" as you breathe out. Think as if breath itself is making these sounds “Raa” and “Maa”. Mentally visualize and follow the route of breath going in through the nostrils, up towards the mid-brows, and down to the chest center or the lungs. Do not try to control or lead your breathing; just follow your natural breathing. (5) Direct the will towards the thought of merging yourself into the infinite space of the air you are breathing. If mind wanders away from following the breaths, start from step (3). Be regular, persist without procrastination. Other advanced level meditation techniques may be found at:

www.gita-society.com

[_Quasimodo]

Cool, we finished the Gita (hope you were all reading along).

Now, I'm delighted to present "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran. My favorite is chapter four, "Children".

Chapter one:
"The Coming Of The Ship".

Almustafa, the chosen and the beloved, who was a dawn onto his own day, had waited twelve years in the city of Orphalese for his ship that was to return and bear him back to the isle of his birth.

And in the twelfth year, on the seventh day of Ielool, the month of reaping, he climbed the hill without the city walls and looked seaward; and he beheld the ship coming with the mist.

Then the gates of his heart were flung open, and his joy flew far over the sea. And he closed his eyes and prayed in the silences of his soul.

But he descended the hill, a sadness came upon him, and he thought in his heart: How shall I go in peace and without sorrow? Nay, not without a wound in the spirit shall I leave this city.

Long were the days of pain I have spent within its walls, and long were the nights of aloneness; and who can depart from his pain and his aloneness without regret?

Too many fragments of the spirit have I scatterd in these streets, and too many are the children of my longing that walk naked among these hills, and I cannot withdraw from them without a bruden and an ache.

It is not a garment I cast off this day, but a skin that I tear with my own hands.

Nor is it a thought I leave behind me, but a heart made sweet with hunger and with thirst.

Yet I cannot tarry longer.

The sea that calls all things unto her calls me, and I must embark.

For to stay, though the hours burn in the night, is to freeze and crystallize and be bound in a mould.

Fain would I take with me all that is here. But how shall I?

A voice cannot carry the tongue and the lips that give it wings. Alone must it seek the ether.

And alone and without his nest shall the eagle fly across the sun.

Now when he reached the foot of the hill, he turned again towards the sea, and he saw his ship approaching the harbour, and upon her prow the mariners, the men of his own land.

And his soul cried out to them, and he said:

Sons of my ancient mother, you riders of the tides, How often have you sailed in my dreams. And now you come in my awakening, which is my deeper dream.

Ready am I to go, and my eagerness with sails full set awaits the wind.

Only another breath will I breathe in this still air, only another loving look cast backward,
Then I shall stand among you, a seafarer among seafarers.
And you, vast sea, sleepless mother,
Who alone are peace and freedom to the river and the stream,
Only another winding will this stream make, only another murmur in this glade,
And then shall I come to you, a boundless drop to a boundless ocean.
And as he walked he saw from afar men and women leaving their fields and their vineyards and hastening towards the city gates.

And he heard their voices calling his name, and shouting from the field to field telling one another of the coming of the ship.

And he said to himself:

Shall the day of parting be the day of gathering?

And shall it be said that my eve was in truth my dawn?

And what shall I give unto him who has left his plough in midfurrow, or to him who has stopped the wheel of his winepress?

Shall my heart become a tree heavy-laden with fruit that I may gather and give unto them?

And shall my desires flow like a fountain that I may fill their cups?

Am I a harp that the hand of the mighty may touch me, or a flute that his breath may pass through me?

A seeker of silences am I, and what treasure have I found in silences that I may dispense with confidence?

If this is my day of harvest, in what fields have I sowed the seed, and in what unrembered seasons?

If this indeed be the our in which I lift up my lantern, it is not my flame that shall burn therein.

Empty and dark shall I raise my lantern,
And the guardian of the night shall fill it with oil and he shall light it also.
These things he said in words. But much in his heart remained unsaid. For he himself could not speak his deeper secret.

And when he entered into the city all the people came to meet him, and they were crying out to him as with one voice.

And the elders of the city stood forth and said:

Go not yet away from us.

A noontide have you been in our twilight, and your youth has given us dreams to dream.

No stranger are you among us, nor a guest, but our son and our dearly beloved.

Suffer not yet our eyes to hunger for your face.

And the priests and the priestesses said unto him:

Let not the waves of the sea separate us now, and the years you have spent in our midst become a memory.

You have walked among us a spirit, and your shadow has been a light upon our facs.

Much have we loved you. But speechless was our love, and with veils has it been veiled.

Yet now it cries aloud unto you, and would stand revealed before you.

And ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

And others came also and entreated him.

But he answered them not. He only bent his head; and those who stood near saw his tears falling upon his breast.

And he and the people proceeded towards the great square before the temple.

And there came out of the sanctuary a woman whose name was Almitra. And she was a seeress.

And he looked upon her with exceeding tenderness, for it was she who had first sought and believed in him when he had been but a day in their city.

And she hailed him, saying:

Prophet of God, in quest for the uttermost, long have you searched the distances for your ship.

And now your ship has come, and you must needs go.

Deep is your longing for the land of your memories and the dwelling place of your greater desires; and our love would not bind you nor our needs hold you.

Yet this we ask ere you leave us, that you speak to us and give us of your truth.

And we will give it unto our children, and they unto their children, and it shall not perish.

In your aloneness you have watched with our days, and in your wakefulness you have listened to the weeping and the laughter of our sleep.

Now therefore disclose us to ourselves, and tell us all that has been shown you of that which is between birth and death.

And he answered,
People of Orphalese, of what can I speak save of that which is even now moving your souls?


Chapter Two:
"Love".

Then said Almitra, "Speak to us of Love."

And he raised his head and looked upon the people, and there fell a stillness upon them.

And with a great voice he said:

When love beckons to you follow him,

Though his ways are hard and steep.

And when his wings enfold you yield to him,

Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.

And when he speaks to you believe in him,

Though his voice may shatter your dreams as the north wind lays waste the garden.

For even as love crowns you so shall he crucify you. Even as he is for your growth so is he for your pruning.

Even as he ascends to your height and caresses your tenderest branches that quiver in the sun,

So shall he descend to your roots and shake them in their clinging to the earth.

Like sheaves of corn he gathers you unto himself.

He threshes you to make you naked.

He sifts you to free you from your husks.

He grinds you to whiteness.

He kneads you until you are pliant;

And then he assigns you to his sacred fire, that you may become sacred bread for God's sacred feast.

All these things shall love do unto you that you may know the secrets of your heart, and in that knowledge become a fragment of Life's heart.

But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,

Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,

Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.

Love gives naught but itself and takes naught but from itself.

Love possesses not nor would it be possessed;

For love is sufficient unto love.

When you love you should not say, "God is in my heart," but rather, I am in the heart of God."

And think not you can direct the course of love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course.

Love has no other desire but to fulfil itself.

But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires:

To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night.

To know the pain of too much tenderness.

To be wounded by your own understanding of love;

And to bleed willingly and joyfully.

To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving;

To rest at the noon hour and meditate love's ecstasy;

To return home at eventide with gratitude;

And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart and a song of praise upon your lips.

[_LittleNipper]

Leviticus 21:1-24 The Lord gives the the following instructions to the priests, the descendants of Aaron. A priest must not make himself ceremonially unclean by touching the dead body of a relative. The only exceptions are his mother or father, son or daughter, brother, or his virgin sister who depends on him because she has no husband. But a priest must not defile himself and make himself unclean for someone who is related to him only by marriage. The priests must not shave their heads or trim their beards or cut their bodies. They are set apart as holy to God. Priests may not marry a former prostitution, or one divorced from her husband. If a priest’s daughter becoming a prostitute, she must be burned to death. The high priest is the highest rank of all the priests. He must never leave his hair uncombed or tear his clothing. He must not defile himself by going near a dead body. He may not make himself ceremonially unclean even for his father or mother. He must not defile the sanctuary of his God by leaving it to attend to a dead person. The high priest may marry only a virgin. He may not marry a widow, a woman who is divorced, or a woman or a prostitution. She must be a virgin from his own tribe.

No one who has a defect qualifies, whether he is blind, lame, disfigured, deformed, or has a broken foot or arm, or is hunchbacked or dwarfed, or has a defective eye, or skin sores or scabs, or damaged testicles. No descendant of Aaron who has a defect may approach the altar to present special gifts to the Lord. Since he has a defect, he may not approach the altar to offer food to his God. However, he may eat from the food offered to God, including the holy offerings and the most holy offerings. Yet because of his physical defect, he may not enter the room behind the inner curtain or approach the altar, for this would defile God's holy places. God makes them holy.


Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And Jehovah saith unto Moses, `Speak unto the priests, sons of Aaron, and thou hast said unto them, For [any] person [a priest] is not defiled among his people,

2 except for his relation who [is] near unto him -- for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother.

3 and for his sister, the virgin, who is near unto him, who hath not been to a man; for her he is defiled.

4 `A master [priest] doth not defile himself among his people -- to pollute himself;

5 they do not make baldness on their head, and the corner of their beard they do not shave, and in their flesh they do not make a cutting;

6 they are holy to their God, and they pollute not the name of their God, for the fire-offerings of Jehovah, bread of their God, they are bringing near, and have been holy.

7 `A woman, a harlot, or polluted, they do not take, and a woman cast out from her husband they do not take, for he [is] holy to his God;

8 and thou hast sanctified him, for the bread of thy God he is bringing near; he is holy to thee; for holy [am] I, Jehovah, sanctifying you.

9 `And a daughter of any priest when she polluteth herself by going a-whoring -- her father she is polluting; with fire she is burnt.

10 `And the high priest of his brethren, on whose head is poured the anointing oil, and hath consecrated his hand to put on the garments, his head doth not uncover, nor rend his garments,

11 nor beside any dead person doth he come; for his father and for his mother he doth not defile himself;

12 nor from the sanctuary doth he go out, nor doth he pollute the sanctuary of his God, for the separation of the anointing oil of his God [is] on him; I [am] Jehovah.

13 `And he taketh a wife in her virginity;

14 widow, or cast out, or polluted one -- a harlot -- these he doth not take, but a virgin of his own people he doth take [for] a wife,

15 and he doth not pollute his seed among his people; for I [am] Jehovah, sanctifying him.'

16 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,

17 `Speak unto Aaron, saying, No man of thy seed to their generations in whom there is blemish doth draw near to bring near the bread of his God,

18 for no man in whom [is] blemish doth draw near -- a man blind, or lame or dwarfed, or enlarged,

19 or a man in whom there is a breach in the foot, or a breach in the hand,

20 or hump-backed, or a dwarf, or with a mixture in his eye, or a scurvy person, or scabbed, or broken-testicled.

21 `No man in whom is blemish (of the seed of Aaron the priest) doth come nigh to bring near the fire-offerings of Jehovah; blemish [is] in him; the bread of his God he doth not come nigh to bring near.

22 `Bread of his God -- of the most holy things, and of the holy things -- he doth eat;

23 only, unto the vail he doth not enter, and unto the altar he doth not draw nigh; for blemish [is] in him; and he doth not pollute My sanctuaries; for I [am] Jehovah, sanctifying them.'

24 And Moses speaketh unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the sons of Israel.

[_Quasimodo]

"The Prophet"

Chapter Three, Marriage:

Then Almitra spoke again and said, "And what of Marriage, master?"

And he answered saying:

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.

You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.

Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness,

And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another but make not a bond of love:

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.

Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,

Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.

For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together, yet not too near together:

For the pillars of the temple stand apart,

And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

Chapter four, Children:

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, "Speak to us of Children."

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

[_LittleNipper]

"The Prophet"

Chapter Three, Marriage:

Then Almitra spoke again and said, "And what of Marriage, master?"

And he answered saying:

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.

You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days.

Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

But let there be spaces in your togetherness,

And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.

Love one another but make not a bond of love:

Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup.

Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,

Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.

For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together, yet not too near together:

For the pillars of the temple stand apart,

And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

Chapter four, Children:

And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, "Speak to us of Children."

And he said:

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you,

And though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts.

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far.

Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness;

For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so He loves also the bow that is stable.

So, what exactly is YOUR take on what this means? What is this "Almitra " saying to you? Thank you for your through explanation in advance.

[Guest]

So, what exactly is YOUR take on what this means? What is this "Almitra " saying to you? Thank you for your through explanation in advance.

Almustafa is the one delivering his philosophy. Almitra is a friend and asks that he give his wisdom to the people of this small town before he departs forever (no hidden meaning).

Almitra and others ask poignant questions of Almustafa before he boards his ship to leave (read the first chapter).

Gibran (the author) is using this question and answer format as a vehicle to give his own personal philosophy on major topics. Just as the Gita uses Arjuna as a vehicle to ask the questions we would all like to ask God and God replies. I'm sure you read all that I posted.

It's written in modern English and is very easy to understand. Any attempt by me to paraphrase Gibran would fall far short of the beautiful and succinct language that he uses, written in a way that puts his cookie jar on the bottom shelf so all can reach them.

There are many 'light' metaphors in the work, but those are easy to recognize. The ship coming to take him home is a little deeper. A metaphor for death. you will see that in the final chapter.

[_Quasimodo]

"The Prophet"
Chapter Five, Giving:

Then said a rich man, "Speak to us of Giving."

And he answered:

You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard for fear you may need them tomorrow?

And tomorrow, what shall tomorrow bring to the overprudent dog burying bones in the trackless sand as he follows the pilgrims to the holy city?

And what is fear of need but need itself?

Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?

There are those who give little of the much which they have - and they give it for recognition and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.

And there are those who have little and give it all.

These are the believers in life and the bounty of life, and their coffer is never empty.

There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.

And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.

And there are those who give and know not pain in giving, nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;

They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.

Though the hands of such as these God speaks, and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.

It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;

And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving

And is there aught you would withhold?

All you have shall some day be given;

Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'.

You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving."

The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.

They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish.

Surely he who is worthy to receive his days and his nights is worthy of all else from you.

And he who has deserved to drink from the ocean of life deserves to fill his cup from your little stream.

And what desert greater shall there be than that which lies in the courage and the confidence, nay the charity, of receiving?

And who are you that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride, that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?

See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.

For in truth it is life that gives unto life - while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.

And you receivers - and you are all receivers - assume no weight of gratitude, lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.

Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;

For to be overmindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity who has the free-hearted earth for mother, and God for father.

"The Prophet"
Chapter Six, Eating And Drinking:

Then an old man, a keeper of an inn, said, "Speak to us of Eating and Drinking."

And he said:

Would that you could live on the fragerance of the earth, and like an air plant be sustained by the light.

But since you must kill to eat, and rob the young of its mother's milk to quench your thirst, let it then be an act of worship,

And let your board stand an altar on which the pure and the innocent of forest and plain are sacrificed for that which is purer and still more innocent in many.

When you kill a beast say to him in your heart,

"By the same power that slays you, I to am slain; and I too shall be consumed. For the law that delivered you into my hand shall deliver me into a mightier hand.

Your blood and my blood is naught but the sap that feeds the tree of heaven."

And when you crush an apple with your teeth, say to it in your heart,

"Your seeds shall live in my body,

And the buds of your tomorrow shall blossom in my heart,

And your fragrance shall be my breath,

And together we shall rejoice through all the seasons."

And in the autumn, when you gather the grapes of your vineyard for the winepress, say in you heart,

"I too am a vineyard, and my fruit shall be gathered for the winepress,

And like new wine I shall be kept in eternal vessels."

And in winter, when you draw the wine, let there be in your heart a song for each cup;

And let there be in the song a remembrance for the autumn days, and for the vineyard, and for the winepress.

[_LittleNipper]

Leviticus 22:1-33 The Lord tells Moses to say to Aaron and his sons to be very careful with the sacred gifts that the Israelites set apart for God. If any of Aaron’s descendants has a skin disease or any kind of discharge that makes him ceremonially unclean, he may not eat from the sacred offerings until he has been pronounced clean. He also becomes unclean by touching a corpse, or by having an emission of semen, or by touching a small animal that is unclean, or by touching someone who is ceremonially unclean for any reason. The man who is defiled in any of these ways will remain unclean until that evening. He may not eat from the sacred offerings until he has bathed. At twiight, he will be ceremonially clean again and may eat from the sacred offerings, for this is his food. He may not eat an animal that has died a natural death or has been torn apart by wild animals, for this would defile him said the LORD. The priests must follow God's instructions carefully. Otherwise, they will be punished for their sin and will die for violating God's instructions. The Lord who makes them holy. No one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offerings. Even guests and hired workers in a priest’s home are not allowed to eat them. However, if the priest buys a slave for himself, the slave and the slaves' children may eat from the sacred offerings. If a priest’s daughter marries someone outside the priestly family, she may no longer eat the sacred offerings. But if she becomes a widow or is divorced and has no children to support her, and she returns to live in her father’s home as in her youth, she may eat her father’s food again. Otherwise, no one outside a priest’s family may eat the sacred offerings. Any such person who eats the sacred offerings without realizing it must pay the priest for the amount eaten, plus an additional 20 percent. The priests must not let the Israelites defile the sacred offerings brought to the Lord by allowing unauthorized people to eat them. This would bring guilt upon them and require them to pay compensation. A gift such as a burnt offering to the Lord, whether it is to fulfill a vow or is a voluntary offering, will be accepted only if the offering is a male animal with no defects. It may be a bull, a ram, or a male goat. They may not present an animal with any defects, because the Lord will not accept it on their behalf. They must not accept such an animal from foreigners and then offer it as a sacrifice to God. Such animals will not be accepted on their behalf, for they are mutilated or defective. When a calf or lamb or goat is born, it must be left with its mother for seven days. From the eighth day on, it will be acceptable as a special gift to the Lord. Never slaughter a mother animal and her offspring on the same day, whether from the herd or the flock. When bring a thanksgiving offering to the Lord, sacrifice it properly to be accepted. The entire sacrificial animal must be eaten on the day it is presented. So says God who brought them out of Egypt.

Young's Literal Translation (YLT)

1 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,

2 `Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and they are separated from the holy things of the sons of Israel, and they pollute not My holy name in what they are hallowing to Me; I [am] Jehovah.

3 `Say unto them, To your generations, any man who draweth near, out of all your seed, unto the holy things which the sons of Israel do sanctify to Jehovah, and his uncleanness on him -- even that person hath been cut off from before Me; I [am] Jehovah.

4 `Any man of the seed of Aaron, and is leprous or hath an issue -- of the holy things he doth not eat till that he is clean; and he who is coming against any uncleanness of a person, or a man whose seed of copulation goeth out from him,

5 or a man who cometh against any teeming thing which is unclean to him, or against a man who is unclean to him, even any of his uncleanness --

6 the person who cometh against it -- hath even been unclean till the evening, and doth not eat of the holy things, but hath bathed his flesh with water,

7 and the sun hath gone in, and he hath been clean, and afterwards he doth eat of the holy things, for it [is] his food;

8 a carcase or torn thing he doth not eat, for uncleanness thereby; I [am] Jehovah.

9 `And they have kept My charge, and bear no sin for it, that they have died for it when they pollute it; I [am] Jehovah sanctifying them.

10 `And no stranger doth eat of the holy thing; a settler of a priest and an hireling doth not eat of the holy thing;

11 and when a priest buyeth a person, the purchase of his money, he doth eat of it, also one born in his house; they do eat of his bread.

12 `And a priest's daughter, when she is a strange man's, -- she, of the heave-offering of the holy things doth not eat;

13 and a priest's daughter, when she is a widow, or cast out, and hath no seed, and hath turned back unto the house of her father, as [in] her youth, of her father's bread she doth eat; but no stranger doth eat of it.

14 `And when a man doth eat of a holy thing through ignorance, then he hath added its fifth part to it, and hath given [it] to the priest, with the holy thing;

15 and they do not pollute the holy things of the sons of Israel -- that which they lift up to Jehovah,

16 nor have caused them to bear the iniquity of the guilt-offering in their eating their holy things; for I [am] Jehovah, sanctifying them.'

17 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,

18 `Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and unto all the sons of Israel, and thou hast said unto them, Any man of the house of Israel, or of the sojourners in Israel, who bringeth near his offering, of all his vows, or of all his willing offerings which they bring near to Jehovah for a burnt-offering;

19 at your pleasure a perfect one, a male of the herd, of the sheep or of the goats;

20 nothing in which [is] blemish do ye bring near, for it is not for a pleasing thing for you.

21 `And when a man bringeth near a sacrifice of peace-offerings to Jehovah, to complete a vow, or for a willing-offering, of the herd or of the flock, it is perfect for a pleasing thing: no blemish is in it;

22 blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a wen, or scurvy, or scabbed -- ye do not bring these near to Jehovah, and a fire-offering ye do not make of them on the altar to Jehovah.

23 `As to an ox or a sheep enlarged or dwarfed -- a willing-offering ye do make it, but for a vow it is not pleasing.

24 As to a bruised, or beaten, or enlarged, or cut thing -- ye do not bring [it] near to Jehovah; even in your land ye do not do it.

25 And from the hand of a son of a stranger ye do not bring near the bread of your God, of any of these, for their corruption [is] in them; blemish [is] in them; they are not pleasing for you.'

26 And Jehovah speaketh unto Moses, saying,

27 `When ox or lamb or goat is born, and it hath been seven days under its dam, then from the eighth day and henceforth, it is pleasing for an offering, a fire-offering to Jehovah;

28 but an ox or sheep -- it and its young one, ye do not slaughter in one day.

29 `And when ye sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Jehovah, at your pleasure ye do sacrifice,

30 on that day it is eaten, ye do not leave of it till morning; I [am] Jehovah;

31 and ye have kept my commands, and have done them; I [am] Jehovah;

32 and ye do not pollute My holy name, and I have been hallowed in the midst of the sons of Israel; I [am] Jehovah, sanctifying you,

33 who am bringing you up out of the land of Egypt, to become your God; I [am] Jehovah.'

[_Chap]

Nope. That Gibran guy was a lot more interesting.

Sorry about that. Jehovah.

[_LittleNipper]

Nope. That Gibran guy was a lot more interesting.

Sorry about that. Jehovah.

Sorry, but one should not judge the Bible on a small portion. Needless to say that other guy's novel has its tedious portions that can be skipped over. Also, the Bible will direct one to heaven, while the other points in all directions... My hope is that everyone is reading the entire Bible along with me and if I miss an interpretation along the way, It is hoped that someone will point out my error or question me on it.