Book Review: Humility Matters, for Practicing the Spiritual Life by Sister Mary Margaret Funk
Living life with Humility: Excellent book; no Casual Read
In one section, the author writes about baptism: "In this foundational renunciation signified by baptism, we surrender our false self, generated by our egocentric desires. Since sin is living heedlessly, harming others or ourselves, we renounce these patterns of ignorance and sin by choosing a better way for ourselves and others." In her book Sister Mary Margaret Funk suggests the way of humility (Humility Matters: for Practicing the Spiritual Life, foreword by His Holiness the Dalai Lama). This better way starts with baptism.
First point: The book is for anyone interested in living life with greater practice and aptitude for humility. If you are interested in the subject "humility," or as a Christian in living a deeper spiritual life, this closely written book is for you.
The book is published by The Continuum International Publishing Group (2005 copyright by Sisters of St. Benedict of Beech Grove, Indiana, Inc.). The copyright holder name is an indication of how current this title is and how savvy a book this is, the fact that a corporation of Sisters owns the copyright. How contemporary, and to have an introduction by the Dalai Lama!).
"This is the third volume of a trilogy that began with Thoughts Matter: The Practice of the Spiritual Life and continued with Tools Matter for Practicing the Spiritual Life." That from the flyleaf of the dustcover. The only book of the trilogy I've read is the one on humility, which is based on Rule of St. Benedict teachings. Sister Mary is Benedictine, as you recognize and for those interested in Benedict and living a better kind of life, the 186-page book (with notes) is more than acceptable, it is an asset. Interested in Christian living, read this book. Keep in mind the book is not a casual read.
Second point: Christian living is based on a belief in Jesus. It is also an expression of living life in community, and expressing that way of life through various disciplines and practices, mostly guided by the community. In this manner, the book is written from a Christian perspective, albeit Roman Catholic. Why have a Buddhist write the introduction? He likes what Sister Mary says. The forward answers the question, and here is insight the spiritual leader gives when he writes, "Humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of transformation, although this may seem at odds with our need for confidence. But just as there is clearly a distinction between valid confidence, in the sense of self-esteem, and conceit, so it is important to distinguish between genuine humility, which is a kind of modesty, and lack of confidence" (from the forward by the Dalai Lama.)
Third point: Surprisingly, Humility Matters is genuine in its value to interreligious dialogue for it speaks to a cross section of believers. Sister Mary served as executive director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, a group fostering dialogue among monastics of the world's religions.
A statement that is basic to Christians and believers in God is one step proposed by the writer. Relying on various sources of religious living, it is clearly inspirational and basic to consider this suggestion from the writings of John Cassian: "...to renounce our self-made thoughts of God." I find this Biblical, and like the teaching in this book based on wisdom sources. The book is a source of wisdom for the reader, with many directions to consider, and even meditate upon.
One imaginative way Sister Mary brings these directions to life is through a play-like series of interviews with wisdom teachers from the long ago past. She interviews John Cassian, Teresa of Jesus The Illuminative Way, and holds a like imaginative dialogue with Therese of Lisieux. In a meditation Sister Mary writes, "In this book we have taken a long look at how we can respond to grace in order to empty ourselves of all...This journey is often called `The Way.'"
A means of God consciousness, the book brings the interreligious dialogue along, as well as aids the Christian in his or her journey. Sister Mary writes in her introduction, "The external journey above the river is to do good and avoid evil. The spiritual journey starts with this plunge into the unseen, the interior life." The Dalai Lama says in his forward, "Humility is an essential ingredient in our pursuit of transformation although this may seem to be at odds with our need for confidence." A goal for the Buddhist is mindfulness. For the Christian, it is humility. The book points the reader in the direction of a deeper life, in a life more mindful.
Fourth point: In our consumer society we need things, so advertising tells us-- persuasively. Listing renunciation of "things" leads to better understanding and control of ones life, and is a subject of the book. In writing of these afflictions, she addresses food and sex, among other conditions mankind lives with and with which one needs to make various kinds of peace. The book is about having peace in ones life.
Conclusion: I like the section, "Thoughts on Vainglory." From a lectio divina section of the book she quotes Proverbs in the Bible: "Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil." In many ways this is a book about living a better life, a life that turns away from evil and towards good. It is about living a life that finds greater meaning, and that is interested in living a more holy life in God.
The book is not out of the reach of the intelligent reader; the suggestions and outlines are within the grasp of the ordinary person who desires a stronger inner life, and a better life in common with others. This book points in the direction of Luke, quoting, "...what must I do to inherit eternal life?" The response by the writer is to turn towards God; "No one is good but God alone." Consider the book a gentle exhortation.
--Peter Menkin, 7th Sunday of Easter 2007
(ArticlesBase SC #569223)
Learn the big secret behind brainwave meditation that some have already discovered – a very simple and fast method to achieve deep levels of meditation instantly.
Dream Summary: Start putting yourself first. Start having fun. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Actually study the history of religion to see the Truth. There are worlds and realms where beings (many of them are your loved ones who have passed on) are waiting to talk to you. They relentlessly attempt to get your attention. Your dreams and subconscious is one of their best means to contact you.
Sympathetic vibration of brain waves sounds complicated but it really is quite simple. The undeniable truth is that the brain controls all the other parts of the body and if the brain can be trained to operate more efficiently it can help to vastly improve your health. Using sympathetic vibration of brain waves and brain wave therapy is undoubtedly the best way to achieve this.
Using some of the best meditation CDs, no longer do you have to attend boring and expensive meditation classes. All of the reasons that people have used to give up on guided meditation are now a thing of the past. Now, there is never any requirement to attend weekly classes or sit in front of a computer for hours on end. If you have the best meditation CDs it becomes so simple to use them anywhere and anytime you wish.
Brain wave therapy will work for you if you try it. It’s simply because of the simple fact that if you do try it, you want to make some positive changes in your life and that positive influence combined with the power of brain wave therapy cannot fail. What I mean is, even if you are skeptical about brain wave therapy, it will work. If you are positive about the effect brain wave therapy can have, it will work even better.
Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness. There are many different meditation methods. At the core of meditation is the goal to focus and eventually quiet your mind. As you progress, you will find that you can meditate anywhere and at any time, accessing an inner calm no matter what's going on around you. But first, you have to learn to tame your mind.
You are about to learn 4 easy meditation techniques any of which can bring you into very deep states of relaxation, peace & bliss. Practicing one of these techniques for even 10 minutes a day can be life changing.
Lucid dreaming can be a very exciting and rewarding activity if you have the proper instruction in lucid dreaming. If done properly you can have lucid dreams at will and be able to have full control of them. What this actually means is that you can pick and choose exactly what you want to dream about. Think about that for just a few minutes… The possibilities are limitless. You can fly, win the lotto, have an erotic encounter, visit exotic destinations and do just about anything you can think of
The Presbyterian Church USA has a hospital in Haiti and just recently that denomination announced: “Hôspital Sainte Croix (Holy Cross Hospital) and an affiliated nursing school in Léogâne, Haiti, have been approved to receive a $200,000 grant from Louisville-based Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA).” In a specific way, denominations work together. The grant request was sent to PDA, and the much-needed funds were approved within two hours. The hospital and nursing school are ministries of
Chrysostom is English for the Greek expression, “Golden Mouth.” As a preacher, John is noted as one of history’s great ones. One encyclopedia text says of him: Over the course of twelve years, he gained popularity because of the eloquence of his public speaking, especially his insightful expositions of Bible passages and moral teaching. The most valuable of his works from this period are his Homilies on various books of the Bible. He emphasized charitable giving and was concerned with the
My friend, it is the pleasure of life, The knowledge in simplicity of knowing One another, and even the times that come looming To the psyche of trials and fears in a tunnel Where confinement of spirit and mind
In the last month of 2009, former President Jimmy Carter spoke before The Parliament of World Religions as part of The Elder Project. He again has spoken out against discrimination against women, as he sees it, as a once Southern Baptist, a Christian, and as former President of the United States. This is in character for President Carter, known for good Christian works, winner of a Nobel Prize, and who continues in his concern for the American Nation and the world. He is a national figure, world
In the last month of 2009, former President Jimmy Carter spoke before The Parliament of World Religions as part of The Elder Project. He again has spoken out against discrimination against women, as he sees it, as a once Southern Baptist, a Christian, and as former President of the United States. This is in character for President Carter, known for good Christian works, winner of a Nobel Prize, and who continues in his concern for the American Nation and the world. He is a national figure, world
In the last month of 2009, former President Jimmy Carter spoke before The Parliament of World Religions as part of The Elder Project. He again has spoken out against discrimination against women, as he sees it, as a once Southern Baptist, a Christian, and as former President of the United States. This is in character for President Carter, known for good Christian works, winner of a Nobel Prize, and who continues in his concern for the American Nation and the world. He is a national figure.
In a report on ethics of apology, United Methodist News Service (UMNS) Linda Green examines sincerity and authenticity, two ingredients lacking in our American sense of public apology. Public apology consists of thin, self-serving, and manipulative purposes according to three noted Methodist ethicists.
Los Angeles, California Episcopalians have elected a Lesbian as Bishop Suffragen who may be installed after approval by the larger Episcopal Church, USA. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, spiritual leader of the 77 million member Anglican Communion has expressed dismay...
1