Way of Simplicity Part 2

 When we ended on Part 1, we will begin in Part 2; how the passage delves into how and why one should conduct themselves.

Harmony is the key of life, and innocence the key of harmony. She who is in harmony shall be marked by gentleness, by meekness of spirit and by the pure light of abundant joy shining forth from the inmost recesses of her being.

Once again we are entreated to live in harmony, by being gentle and meek. Being compassionate to others would certainly be a way of living gently. Meekness is guiding us towards humility, an oft mentioned virtue in the Scriptures. Humility, in the sense of not raising one above as a means of power grabbing, or assuming knowledge wider than one may have; instead living as an active listener and participant around you.

My children, you shall walk upon the world, yet you are the children of Heaven; therefore live by the light of the Spirit and not by the light of the world.

Certainly one could, at first glance, perceive this as a world denying view, but this is not the case. It is asking one to think of Truth, and align ourselves to that; that certainly would not mean denying the world, rather acting in a way to support yourself, those around you, and the world at large. It is saying to not be distracted by false light/false truths, and instead follow Truth itself.

For the wisdom of innocence shall the profane call folly, and the Law of Love move the lips of the sullen to laughter.

Innocence here pointing towards 'being free from moral wrongs', as in the Latin innocentia - "blamelessness, uprightness, integrity. Consistently, this teaching is guiding us towards living a virtuous life.

Covet you not riches of the world, but give forth freely of them. Seek you not more than shall maintain your body, nor give your life to the pursuit of wealth; for the wealth of this world shall vanish as the wealth of dreams...

Love every soul as you love your own self, and give forth freely of all good things of body and soul. The perfect maid keeps nothing for her own, giving forth all she has; yet the more she is emptied, the fuller she becomes, for the way of harmony is the way of eternal abundance.

What a maid gains, that she has lost,  but what she gives freely, that has she gained in perfection.

We see similar themes to other faith traditions here; not chasing wealth, giving to others. 

We also see what on one hand, could be described as kenosis, self emptying, but I would posit it may be more like a practice of Buddhism, becoming 'empty' as a means of enjoining oneself to higher Truth; becoming suffused with the light of God and the harmony of the universe. 

We are most certainly of this world, but we have choice to live harmoniously and align to Truth and our higher selves, or we can choose actions that can have negative consequences on us, our community, or the environment.

The passage is one I find a lot of wisdom in, and one I read often. I am often thinking of how to become better, how to live more harmoniously; I certainly am not infallible and make my share of mistakes. But I do feel it is important in trying, and trying to align with Truth and becoming closer to God.