Indeed, God does give commandments, and if the truth be told, most of us are not fond of this fact. Rather than reducing the idea of commandments to an oppressive patriarchal system, we would be wise to understand how these divine commandments unfold and the inherent wisdom they offer. For example, I remember raptly staring at a beautiful painting on my first trip to an art gallery. I remained there for a long period of time; it was as if I was transported into a higher level of being. Yet simultaneously, I became keenly aware of the ugliness in the world and pockets of ugliness in myself, not superficial ugliness, but the ugliness of meanness, selfishness, and indifference to the suffering of others. That experience of beauty actually motivated me to avoid ugliness and cultivate beauty in my speech and actions. In a manner of speaking, beauty became a life-giving, enhancing, and organizing commandment in my life. God and guru work in the same way: the experience of their truth, beauty, and goodness “commands” us to cultivate these qualities within ourselves and to steadfastly avoid their opposites. To the extent that we become aware of God’s radiant light and love, an interior resolve forms in us to avoid darkness and hate. Most importantly, we choose to organize our lives around God’s light and love, not because we are forced to do so, but because we see the wisdom in doing so. God’s commandments unfold from love and truth.
Beloved God, Beloved guru,
More and more,
May I learn your loving commandments
And obey them.
