The Imitation of Christ [#11]

BOOK ONE

THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN

THE LIFE OF THE SOUL

The Eleventh Chapter

ACQUIRING PEACE AND ZEAL FOR PERFECTION

We should enjoy much peace if we did not concern ourselves with what others say and do, for these are no concern of ours. How can a man who meddles in affairs not his own, who seeks strange distractions, and who is little or seldom inwardly recollected, live long in peace?
   Blessed are the simple of heart for they shall enjoy peace in abundance.
   Why were some of the saints so perfect and so given to contemplation? Because they tried to mortify entirely in themselves all earthly desires, and thus they were able to attach themselves to God with all their heart and freely to concentrate their innermost thoughts.
   We are too occupied with our own whims and fancies, too taken up with passing things. Rarely do we completely conquer even one vice, and we are not inflamed with the desire to improve ourselves day by day; hence, we remain cold and indifferent. If we mortified our bodies perfectly and allowed no distraction to enter our minds, we could appreciate divine things and experience something of heavenly contemplation.
   The greatest obstacle, indeed, the only obstacle, is that we are not free from passions and lusts, that we do not try to follow the perfect way of the saints. Thus when we encounter some slight difficulty, we are too easily dejected and turn to human consolations. If we tried, however, to stand as brave men in battle, the help of the Lord from heaven would surely sustain us. For He Who gives us the opportunity of fighting for victory, is ready to help those who carry on and trust in His grace.
   If we let our progress in religious life depend on the observance of its externals alone, our devotion will quickly come to an end. Let us, then. lay the ax to the root that we may be freed from our passions and thus have peace of mind.
   If we were to uproot only one vice each year, we should soon become perfect. On the contrary, however, is often the case - we feel that we were better and purer in the first fervor of our conversion than we are after many years in the practice of our faith. Our fervor and progress ought to increase day by day; yet it is now considered noteworthy if a man can retain even a part of his first fervor.
   If we did a little violence to ourselves at the start, we should afterwards be able to do all things with ease and joy. It is hard to break old habits, but harder still to go against our will.
   If you do not overcome small, trifling things, how will you overcome the more difficult? Resist temptations in the beginning, and unlearn the evil habit lest perhaps, little by little, it lead to a more evil one.
   If you but consider what peace a good life will bring to yourself and what joy it will give to others, I think you will be more concerned about your spiritual progress.

Source: A Kempis, Thomas. "The Imitation of Christ". Translated by Aloysius Croft and Harold Bolton. Dover Publications, Inc. 2003.

The Imitation of Christ [#10]

BOOK ONE

THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN

THE LIFE OF THE SOUL

The Tenth Chapter

AVOIDING IDLE TALK

Shun the gossip of men as much as possible, for discussion of worldly affairs, even though sincere, is a great distraction inasmuch as we are quickly ensnared and captivated by vanity.
   Many a time I wish that I had held my peace and had not associated with men. Why, indeed, do we converse and gossip among ourselves when we so seldom part without a troubled conscience? We do so because we seek comfort from one another's conversation and wish to ease the mind wearied by diverse thoughts. Hence, we talk and think quite fondly of things we like very much or of things we dislike intensely. But, sad to say, we often talk vainly and to no purpose; for this external pleasure effectively bars inward and divine consolation.
   Therefore we must watch and pray lest time pass idly.
   When the right and opportune moment comes for speaking, say something that will edify.
   Bad habits and indifference to spiritual progress do much to remove the guard from the tongue. Devout conversation on spiritual matters, on the contrary, is a great aid to spiritual progress, especially when persons of the same mind and spirit associate together in God.

Source: A Kempis, Thomas. "The Imitation of Christ". Translated by Aloysius Croft and Harold Bolton. Dover Publications, Inc. 2003.

The Imitation of Christ [#9]

BOOK ONE

THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN

THE LIFE OF THE SOUL

The Ninth Chapter

OBEDIENCE AND SUBJECTION

It is a very great thing to obey, to live under a superior and not to be one's own master, for it is much safer to be subject than it is to command. Many live in obedience more from necessity than from love. Such become discontented and dejected on the slightest pretext; they will never gain peace of mind unless they subject themselves wholeheartedly for the love of God.
   Go where you may, you will find no rest except in humble obedience to the rule of authority. Dreams of happiness expected from change and different places have deceived many.
   Everyone, it is true, wishes to do as he pleases and is attracted to those who agree with him. But if God be among us, we must at times give up our opinions for the blessings of peace.
   Furthermore, who is so wise that he can have full knowledge of everything? Do not trust too much in your own opinions, but be willing to listen to those of others. If, though your own be good, you accept another's opinion for the love of God, you will gain much more merit; for I have often heard that it is safer to listen to advice and take it than to give it. It may happen, too, that while one's own opinion may be good, refusal to agree with others when reason and occasion demand it, is a sign of pride and obstinancy.

Source: A Kempis, Thomas. "The Imitation of Christ". Translated by Aloysius Croft and Harold Bolton. Dover Publications, Inc. 2003.

The Imitation of Christ [#8]

BOOK ONE

THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN

THE LIFE OF THE SOUL

The Eighth Chapter

SHUNNING OVER-FAMILIARITY

Do not open your heart to every man, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and who fears God. Do not keep company with young people and strangers. Do not fawn upon the rich, and do not be fond of mingling with the great. Associate with the humble and the simple, with the devout and virtuous, and with them speak of edifying things. Be not intimate with any woman, but generally commend all good women to God. Seek only the intimacy of God and of His angels, and avoid the notice of men.
   We ought to have charity for all men but familiarity with all is not expedient. Sometimes it happens that a person enjoys a good reputation among those who do not know him, but at the same time is held in slight regard by those who do. Frequently we think we are pleasing others by our presence and we begin rather to displease them by the faults they find in us.

Source: A Kempis, Thomas. "The Imitation of Christ". Translated by Aloysius Croft and Harold Bolton. Dover Publications, Inc. 2003.

The Imitation of Christ [#7]

BOOK ONE

THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN

THE LIFE OF THE SOUL

The Seventh Chapter

AVOIDING FALSE HOPE AND PRIDE

Vain is the man who puts his trust in men, in created things.
   Do not be ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ and to seem poor in this world. Do not be self-sufficient but place your trust in God. Do what lies in your power and God will aid your good will. Put no trust in your own learning nor in the cunning of any man, but rather in the grace of God Who helps the humble and humbles the proud.
   If you have wealth, do not glory in it, nor in friends because they are powerful, but in God Who gives all things and Who desires above all to give Himself. Do not boast of personal stature or of physical beauty, qualities which are marred and destroyed by a little sickness. Do not take pride in your talent or ability, lest you displease God to Whom belongs all the natural gifts that you have.
   Do not think yourself better than others lest, perhaps, you be accounted worse before God Who knows what is in man. Do not take pride in your good deeds, for God's judgments differ from those of men and what pleases them often displeases Him. If there is good in you, see more good in others, so that you may remain humble. It does no harm to esteem yourself less than anyone else, but it is very harmful to think yourself better than even one. The humble live in continuous peace, while in the hearts of the proud are envy and frequent anger.

Source: A Kempis, Thomas. "The Imitation of Christ". Translated by Aloysius Croft and Harold Bolton. Dover Publications, Inc. 2003.

The Imitation of Christ [#6]

BOOK ONE

THOUGHTS HELPFUL IN

THE LIFE OF THE SOUL

The Sixth Chapter

UNBRIDLED AFFECTIONS

When a man desires a thing too much, he at once becomes ill at ease. A proud and avaricious man never rests, whereas he who is poor and humble of heart lives in a world of peace. An unmortified man is quickly tempted and overcome in small, trifling evils; his spirit is weak; in a measure carnal and inclined to sensual things; he can hardly abstain from earthly desires. Hence it makes him sad to forego them; he is quick to anger if reproved. Yet if he satisfies his desires, remorse of conscience overwhelms him because he followed his passions and they did not lead to the peace he sought.
   True peace of heart, then, is found in resisting passions, not in satisfying them. There is no peace in the carnal man, in the man given to vain attractions, but there is peace in the fervent and spiritual man.

Source: A Kempis, Thomas. "The Imitation of Christ". Translated by Aloysius Croft and Harold Bolton. Dover Publications, Inc. 2003.

Puri Batin [Ruangan Pertama, Bab 1, Pasal 4-9]

PURI BATIN

Teresa de Jesus

RUANGAN PERTAMA

BAB I

   4. Kedengarannya hal-hal yang dikemukakan di atas seolah-olah mustahil, dan ada baiknya kita tidak menyinggung perasaan orang-orang yang lemah. Kerugian yang diakibatkan ketidak percayaan ini tidak seberapa dibandingkan dengan bila kita gagal membantu dan mendorong mereka yang diberi anugerah ini, yang pasti akan bergembira mendengarnya. Dalam hati mereka akan ditimbulkan cintakasih yang besar akan Dia yang menyatakan kerahiman sebesar itu. Terlebih lagi, karena sekarang aku tahu, bahwa aku berbicara kepada orang-orang yang tidak demikian. Mereka tahu dan percaya bahwa Tuhan malahan memberikan bukti-bukti cintakasihNya yang jauh lebih besar lagi. Aku tahu, barang siapa tidak percaya akan hal ini, juga tidak akan mengalaminya. Bukankah Tuhan sangat berkenan kalau kita tidak membatasi karya-karyaNya? Para suster, janganlah mereka yang tidak dibimbing Tuhan melalui jalan ini berpikir seperti itu.
   5. Marilah sekarang kita kembali kepada puri kita yang amat indah dan mencoba melihat bagaimana caranya kita dapat memasukinya. Ah, seakan-akan aku mengatakan sesuatu yang bodoh sekali. Sudah jelas bahwa jiwa kita tak usah memasukinya, karena puri itu adalah diri kita sendiri. Sebagaimana juga tidak pantas berkata kepada seseorang supaya ia memasuki tempat di mana ia sudah berada. Tetapi anda mengerti bahwa kita dapat berada di suatu tempat dengan beberapa macam cara. Banyak jiwa berada di tembok sekeliling puri itu, di tempat para penjaga. Mereka merasa tidak penting untuk masuk ke dalamnya. Mereka tidak tahu gerangan yang terdapat di dalam rumah yang berharga itu, siapa penghuninya, dan berapa banyak ruangannya. Mungkin dalam buku-buku doa tertentu anda mendapat nasehat untuk mengheningkan diri. Justru itulah yang kumaksud.
   6. Baru-baru ini seorang yang amat terpelajar berkata bahwa orang-orang yang tidak menjalankan doa itu mirip suatu tubuh yang lumpuh. Kendatipun badan itu berlengan dan berkaki, namun ia tidak dapat menggunakannya. Ada jiwa yang sakit begitu parah, begitu biasa memandang barang-barang luarnya saja, sehingga tak dapat ditolong. Mereka seperti tidak mampu mengheningkan dirinya. Mereka mempunyai kebiasaan hanya berhubungan dengan binatang-binatang melata dan binatang-binatang lainnya yang berkeliaran di sekeliling puri itu, sehingga mereka sudah mirip sekali dengan binatang-binatang itu. Walaupun sebenarnya mereka amat kaya dan mampu untuk berbicara dengan Allah sendiri, namun tak dapat memperoleh pemecahan soalnya. Jika jiwa-jiwa ini tidak berusaha mengenal dan memperbaiki kehinaan, karena mereka tidak memperhatikan dirinya sendiri. Itulah yang terjadi dengan isteri Lot yang menoleh ke belakang (6).
   7. Sejauh saya dapat mengerti, pintu masuk puri ini adalah doa dan renungan tentang Tuhan. Tidak kukatakan doa batin atau doa lisan. Suatu doa yang sungguh-sungguh harus disertai renungan. Barangsiapa tidak memikirkan kepada siapa ia berbicara, apa yang dia minta, siapa yang minta itu dan kepada siapa dia minta, orang itu tidak berdoa, walaupun ia asyik menggerak-gerakkan bibirnya. Sebab walaupun kadang-kadang memang doa lisan itu merupakan doa, bahkan tanpa usaha untuk merenungkannya, maka hal itu adalah berkat saat-saat penyadaran yang sudah-sudah. Jika seseorang mempunyai kebiasaan bicara kepada Tuhan yang Maha Agung sama seperti ia bicara kepada pelayannya, tanpa memperhatikan ungkapannya yang tidak pantas, dan mengucapkan segala apa yang di bibirnya ataupun mengulangi sesuatu yang sudah dihafal, maka hal tersebut tak dapat kusebut doa. Semoga tak seorang Kristen pun berdoa seperti itu. Saya berharap agar Tuhan menolong jangan sampai ada seorang pun di antara kalian, para suster, yang berdoa seperti itu. Kalian sudah biasa sibuk dengan hal-hal yang batin. Ini baik sekali, supaya jangan berbuat yang tidak masuk akal seperti itu.
   8. Jadi kita tidak berbicara kepada jiwa-jiwa yang lumpuh ini. Jika bukan Tuhan sendiri yang datang dan memerintahkan mereka supaya bangun, seperti yang dilakukanNya terhadap pria yang sudah 30 tahun menunggu dekat tempat pemandian itu (7). Keadaan mereka itu buruk sekali dan terancam bahaya besar. Marilah kita sekarang bicara tentang orang-orang lain yang akhirnya masuk ke dalam puri itu. Walaupun amat disibukkan oleh dunia, namun mereka mempunyai keinginan-keinginan yang baik. Kadang-kadang, walaupun hanya sekali-sekali saja, mereka berdoa kepada Tuhan. Mereka memikirkan siapa mereka itu, tetapi tidak begitu teliti. Beberapa kali sebulan mereka berdoa, sambil hatinya dipenuhi seribu satu hal yang biasanya mengasyikkan mereka. Mereka amat lekat pada barang-barang itu, sebab di mana hartanya, di situ pun hati mereka berada (8). Memang kadang-kadang mereka ingat untuk melepaskan diri dari barang-barang itu. Pengenalan diri dan kesadaran bahwa mereka ada di jalan yang salah, sehingga mereka tidak menemukan pintu masuknya, sudah besar artinya. Akhirnya mereka sampai ke ruangan-ruangan pertama, yaitu ruangan-ruangan bawah. Akan tetapi semua binatang, yang ikut masuk bersama mereka, menghalangi, sehingga mereka tidak dapat menikmati keindahan puri itu dan menjadi tenang. Namun sudah besar artinya bahwa mereka sudah masuk.
   9. Putri-putriku, yang akan kukatakan ini akan terasa tidak pada tempatnya, karena berkat kebaikan Tuhan, kalian tidak termasuk golongan ini. Perlu kalian sabar, kalau tidak saya tidak dapat menerangkan bagimana saya memahami beberapa aspek batiniah tentang doa. Semoga Tuhan menolong supaya saya berhasil mengatakan barang sesuatu tentang doa. Yang hendak kuterangkan ini amat sukar dimengerti, jika belum mengalaminya. Kalau sudah mengalami anda mengerti bahwa hal itu sekurang-kurangnya harus disinggung. Semoga Tuhan, berkat kemurahanNya, berkenan melindungi kita terhadapnya.

----------
CATATAN:
(1) Yoh. 14:2
(2) Mengacu pada Kitab Amsal 8:31
(3) Keluaran 1:26-27
(4) Teresa berulang-ulang menggunakan perbandingan intan dan Puri. Di sini ia menggunakan keduanya. Sekarang ditekankan keindahannya, lain kali kekuatannya. Untuk setiap perbandingan digunakan sejumlah kata yang khas; istana, ruangan-ruangan, terang, raja, menggambarkan kekayaannya; pintu gerbang, pengawal-pengawal, perkelahian, musuh-musuh untuk mengingatkan puri dan perjuangan.
(5) Yoh. 9:2-3
(6) Kejadian 19:26
(7) Yoh. 5:2-8
(8) Mt. 6:21

-----

(Hak Cipta Biara Karmel - Lembang)