Life’s most powerful and transformative truths are not transmitted primarily through words, but through the medium of inspired image, symbol, and metaphor – in words, the arts, and our own imaginations. These inspired images reach into the deepest fibers of our psyches, stimulating our imagination, longings, and capacity for inspired choice. One well-known image comes to us from the account of the Last Supper in John’s Gospel. The Gospel tells us that John, the “beloved disciple,” was “reclining with his head on Jesus’ bosom.” John was not simply comforting himself! Valentin Tomberg tells us that John was “listening to the beating of the Master’s heart.” John was not interested in explanations, theories, or ideological beliefs. He wanted to know his Master’s heart, that is, his plans, his purposes, and his passions. John wanted to merge his entire being with Jesus’ heart. So as we look at ourselves through the lens of this image, let us ask, do we meditate merely to relieve stress, feel better, or become well adjusted? Or, do we meditate as a means of resting our heads on the breast of the guru, losing ourselves in the guru’s love and wisdom? Do we dare to bow our heads, often cluttered with infatuating thoughts and competing desires, to God’s heart? Do we long to be God’s beloved? Sri Yukteswar tells us, “Love is God, not merely as the noblest sentiment of a poet but an aphorism of eternal truth. To whatever creed a man may belong and whatever be his position in society, if he properly cultivates this ruling principle in his heart, he is sure to be on the right path to save himself from wandering in this creation of Darkness, Maya.”
Beloved Guru,
I come to you in meditation and prayer,
Knowing that
I can rest my head on your shoulder.
Images of Grace
