--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "BillyG." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I was visiting my brother recently viewing some of Nature's > resplendent beauty in Nevada, and my Harvard Law school graduated, > atheist brother ask me; "One thing my professors could never tell me > is why we experience joy and appreciation when we see the beauties of > nature"? > > Well, I thought a moment, and said; "Hey Cyril, I know the answer to > that question". Well much to his chagrin I delivered this answer, "The > flower is a reflection (and a clue) as to what is hidden > underneath..." Well, he was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable > at this point and ask his wife to shut me up, so I continued. > > "..and the reason WE feel joy and appreciation at the sight of beauty > is, a portion of that beauty is hidden within us as well (as our own > self) and as such, nature (in this case a flower) functions as a > reminder, inspiring a memory of our long lost spiritual home within". > > Well it was pretty quiet for the rest of the day, some liberal > atheists don't like to entertain opposing points of view, especially > if it challenges the whole foundation of their lives.....:-) >
The question is beautiful, and so is your answer, but it isn't really the kind of question that has a particular answer. Rather it reflects the deep and open- ended mystery of life. It was a spiritually reflective question arising from open mind. Actually, the way you recounted it, it wasn't even a question...it was a statement. Perhaps he didn't seek or expect an answer at all. With life's deep mysteries, the question is often enough. When we make definitive statements about others, it is often useful to turn those statements around and apply them to ourselves. Maybe you are the one who doesn't like to entertain opposing points of view which challenge your philosophical foundations. One can even see your brother as the teacher who provided you with an opportunity to go more deeply, but that you were not able to accept what he offered, and sought the familiarity and comfort of a rote answer--albeit a valid and poetic answer. It's a beautiful teaching story that you have shared...reminding me of traditional teaching stories. It is very deep and profoundly thought-full. Thank you for sharing it.
