UVic Stillness Within Meetup: Rumi and Friends

The October UVic Meetup explored the works of a few poets who have inspired many with their ability to express the depths of their devotion and celebration of existence.  The group enjoyed listening to recorded productions, reading and reflecting on the works of Rumi, Hafiz and J. Krishnamurti.  We looked into our own experience and found many areas of convergence with these amazing mystics.

The writings of Krishnamurti surprised the group with a softer tone and some deeper emotion.  In “I Am All” we  pondered the nudge to release judgement, concept and comparisons.

K. writes for example:   “I am the tree that towereth among the mountains… And the blade of grass in the peaceful lane…”   Closing with:  “O friend, I contain all… I am clear as the mountain stream, Simple as the new spring leaf. Few know me. Happy are they That meet with me.”

One of our favourite discoveries was the Rumi poem performed by Coleman Barks:  Only Breath.  In it, Rumi explores his sense of existence beyond the personal stories we tend to carry:  “I am not from the East or the West, not out of the ocean or up from the ground…. My place is placeless, a trace of the traceless… Neither body or soul.   I belong to the beloved, have seen the two worlds as one…”

We closed up with a sharing on our own gleanings, curiosities and expressions from deeper knowing.  It was a fun gathering!

Thanks to KECC for sponsoring this gathering!