This Week's Quotation:
“We come nearest to the great when we are great in humility."
—Rabindranath Tagore
The Humble Pilgrim
Rev. Berry Behr, Interfaith Minister
An African Traditional sangoma friend brought her students with her to celebrate my birthday at a surprise party organized by my daughters. The novices moved with such grace—kneeling, clapping softly, reverently acknowledging each pause with presence. I had not yet become an interfaith minister, and I had no idea that the unexpected blessing of this visit would become vitally important to my future career and relationships.
My beloved friend MaHlubi took the time to explain to the assembled guests why everything was happening as it was. The novices were kneeling out of embodied respect for her status as their teacher and mentor. They knelt while eating, sharing one plate of food between five of them. This was teaching them humility and the art of sharing. They would always respect and show compassion for the humblest of those who sought their help in the future. I felt deeply blessed that MaHlubi had trusted me enough to bring these gentle servants of Life to my home.
In African Traditional practice, respect is embodied. Posture, proximity, and silence all carry meaning. A senior sangoma is an elder, regardless of age. Students kneel, not out of submission but out of recognition. One does not stand above an elder who is seated. One does not insert oneself into a moment that is already whole. Sacred space is not always shared space.
Those who come from contexts where offering, contributing, or leading is encouraged may not always recognize when the deeper invitation is simply to witness.
During wedding ceremonies, I often tell guests they are not there just to party, but to bear witness. That is a big responsibility because it sets a tone and creates an atmosphere of loving respect for the marriage to grow in. I remind them they have been invited on purpose and with purpose. They witness the vows, the love, the joy, the hopes and dreams encapsulated in this celebration. Their task going forward is to hold this couple and their dreams in the highest regard, and to think good thoughts into the marriage.
True service on our human pilgrimage may be exactly this: to humbly bear witness, and to think good thoughts.
Yes. When we come to a wedding only to party, it is for self-fulfillment. But when we come to bear witness and to serve, it is for SELF-fulfillment. Higher SELF serves in humility and with HIGHER purpose. With you in this stance which is paradoxically kneeling. Aloha from Oahu, Tom C.
As you suggest, Rev. Berry, so much of our spiritual work consists of simply and humbly bearing witness to what is being offered by others or perhaps what is present in a natural setting. I would call it Radiant Listening and Radiant Seeing, and the Radiant Thoughts this brings penetrates human consciousness in a powerful way.