The Brown Book Commentaries

―When you feel lost or lonely in the throes of autumn's chill, look to a friendship with
solitude … We must live our autumn's dyings to revel thereafter in spring's rebirth.‖ ~ anonymous
It is true that there is great Truth in pausing during times of turmoil or tribulation – pausing in
international inner silence to re-ground oneself in Self … Of course, there is a far greater Truth at
play here as well -- namely, the Truth that only way to truly enjoin a Friendship with the Peace of
solitude is to nurture that Peace in others; to remind another in pain that they are loved; to remind
another in despair that they are never alone; to remind another in fear or sadness that they can rest
in your presence and share your solitude with you.
Image 317 (Page 119b) … This picture shows red/yellow zinnias reflected in dewdrops –
symbolizing the Truth that the only way to Honor an absent Friend is to see him or her in a
stranger – and then to act accordingly …
―Paradise is at your Center … Unless you find it there, you cannot enter.‖ ~ Angelus Silesius
And remember: the only way to rediscover your Center is to uplift the Center of others … The
only way to find true solace is to bring others Peace … The only way to know true Happiness is to
bring others Joy … And the only way to find your way to your innate internal Heaven is to open
the door thereto to others in need.
PAGE 120
Student of Zen to hot dog vendor: ―Make me ONE with Everything.‖ ~ Barry Devine
Zen Master hot dog vendor to Student: ―Here, You ARE.‖ ~ Scaughdt
The deeper Insight of this exchange is that the student errantly thinks he must receive
Enlightenment from a Master – that the Master must somehow give him the same, when in reality
it is as the Master clearly
understands — the student is
already Enlightened, and need
only act accordingly to
rediscover the same.
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