Studying With Carl

(I asked my friend and hevruta Peter if he'd like to respond to yesterday's post. Here it is:)

One of the nicest things about studying with Carl is that we can say anything to each other, ask any question, without offending the other person, because we both respect each other. This is key.  Another nice thing, is that Carl has never tried to impose his own beliefs on me.  Yet we can speak frankly and honestly about our own faith experiences and struggles.

     As a writer, I'm particularly interested in the difference between fact and fiction, how we know what we know, the role of language and the "word" in our lives, the relationship of literal to figurative interpretations of religious texts and traditions, mythical thinking versus scientific thinking, and the claims of every religious tradition to a special knowledge of God.  Midrash is about all these things! Which is why it's so rich and challenging.  

     I've come to realize, everyone definitely needs a study partner.  It keeps you honest and the rusty mind active.

(Carl, here's a poem for your readers.  Honen was the founder of the Japanese Pure Land sect of Buddhism.)

After Honen

by Peter Ramon

Spring

In mists of spring everything is beautiful and bright.

Can they hide the true, imperishable light?

Summer

I gaze on a geranium sweet

I hope someday to meet.

Autumn

Beautiful bough with crimson stained

From my heart its coloring gains.

Winter

In the winter call

And warm rays will fall

On the snow and all.

The Exclusive Practice

That work is bad

That doesn't help.