Novalis

Novalis' writings are short, sweet, and very clearly stated. It is like the "fortunes" you receive out of a quarter machine at a carnival, except they are not really fortunes. They are more like advice given to you by some wise man.

"Philosophy is really homesickness." As human beings, we are very curious creatures who want to know all the answers of life (at least a good majority of us). Basically, philosophy is the study and questioning of everything. We research topics, find answers, and question them; however, we do not know if the answer we have found is the correct one. Humans are homesick for the right answer, and philosophy is like the teddy bear given to us to comfort us.

"Marriage is the highest mystery." First of all, is there really a true meaning of the word marriage? The typical and popular one in American society is the union between a man and a woman (in some states between a union between the same genders). In some cultures, it means the union between 1 man and 3 women. Without a solid definition, marriage is shrouded in mystery. Does marriage have to be a union with spiritual meanings, or is it an economic stabilizer? Is it a prerequisite for a family, or is it the greatest expression of love?

Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau's writings are very straight forward and clear in what he means. In his writing, it says " Shams and delusions are esteemed for the soundest of truths, while reality is fabulous. If men would steadily observe realities only, and not allow themselves to be deluded..." Thoreau seems to be a realistic individual who believes that one should not distract themselves from the bigger picture of life. At least for me, it is a struggle to keep focus on the more important aspects of life. For example, when I should be doing homework or studying, I usually end up watching TV or hanging out with friends. I would probably cause Thoreau a migraine with how much I let my mind become "deluded" with unrealistic things.

"Children who play life, discern its true law and relations more clearly than men, who fail to live worthily, but who think they are wiser by experience, that is, by failure." It is true that children can resolve difficult issues much easier than adults can. If two children are having issues on lending something to each other, they might settle it by trading that item for one of equal value or swear a pinky promise. On the other hand, adults would go into liability, insurance, contracts, etc...all for one item they are lending.

Al-Bistami

"Nothing is better for a man than to be without anything, having no asceticism, no theory, no practice. When he is without everything, he is with everything," wrote Al-Bistami. He wrote that a person needs to be in the presence of unity (neither good nor evil exists) in order to know the true presence of God.

After reading many different religious articles in The Enlightened Mind, I noticed that almost all the writings have the same theme to them. Give up everything and become one with God/Buddha/etc... Al-Bistami's words sound like an echo of the previous readings. Each one encouraging us to do this or that to obtain some form of enlightenment. I respect the individuals who have either obtained this goal or are in the process of obtaining it; however, in our present world and society, such a feat may prove to be impossible. Could you give up your home, car, worldly possessions, and other miscellaneous things to have a shot at some sort of religious epiphany? Personally, I think some people have the strength to go through with, but others (myself included) might not be so inclined.

Al-Mirsi

Al-Mirsi wrote, "Compassion is another name for charity." In his writings, there were many examples of being kind to someone, accepting them, and guiding them. He wrote about saints and how they can see the word/will/etc...of God without previous knowledge on the subject, without information, and without observation. It is the saints' job to help everyone else reach the good grace of God. The only time they can refuse to help someone is if the individual wants to lead the saint down the path of sin.

Throughout history, normal people who take up the religious lifestyle are usually decreed saints if they did good deeds or created a miracle. In Al-Mirsi's writings, it seems as if the saints are inhuman with their blind dedication to God's will. It is never mentioned what would happen if the saint's strayed off the path of God. The saints only have to focus on becoming one with God and having others follow suit. Does that mean we all have the abilities to become saints? I was quite lost on this reading.