As described
in Genesis, the first scroll, as Adam and Eve we begin in paradise, are born
into the earth realm, then become caught up in the attractions and then the
bondage of our material thirsts, desires and acquisitions. In the next scroll,
Exodus, we are liberated from bondage, cross the Red Sea, travel to the
mountain (Sinai) and there receive sacred, eternal and practical wisdom (ten
words) showing us the way. In the
third scroll of Leviticus we meld as a community and begin to function as a
team. We are shown how to stay in touch with a sacred presence while living in
this world.
The fourth
scroll, In the wilderness, we let go
our remaining vanities and impurities as we head for the promised land. “Only
in the wilderness can you make yourself into a sanctuary for the Presence,” Reb Mendel of Kotsk is
reported to have said. This is the Book
of Numbers.
And now in
this Fifth scroll, Deuteronomy or Words,
here we are poised to enter the Promised Land Moses looks back and passes onto
us his wisdom and guidance before leaving his body.
Who was this
Moses? We don’t know for sure, probably a real person who became legend and a
biblical figure, the main hero of the great Torah epic. Whether it’s legend,
myth, history or fable is not so relevant
because it’s not who he “was;” it’s who he is for us today: the personification of the prophet/
prophetess within us each; that part of us that can hear the intuitive voice of
high wisdom guiding us and protecting us.
This book of
Deuteronomy (Devarim/Words) is his
song to us and for us. This is our inheritance. It’s not just for one group of
people; not just for one religious tradition. Yes, the language, symbols,
images and tales are presented at first in the ancient Hebrew, drawing on the
history of that culture and spiritual metaphor. This inheritance, however, is
for everyone everywhere for all time.
The eternal
wisdom or the dharma, is the same
truth however and wherever it’s spoken or written and in whatever language it
may be using, including the words in this offering. This is the same old wine
in a new bottle. Here is a handbook for traveling on the way of awakening. Take
what you like; leave what you don’t like.
Selections from Devarim/Words Deut. 1.1-3.22
A Song
for Truth Seekers
Wherever You May Be
Now these are the words that Moses
addresses to all Yisra-El 1:1
To
our enlightened Self on the other side of the Jordan
You stand today near the objective:
our homeland
You’ve stayed long enough around this
place. Now rise up
Get over the brook, take your journey
and pass over
Return everyone unto your possession
To the homestead I‘ve assigned
you your natural
calling 1:6 -1:8
Scout the place and see. Look north.
Begin the occupation
Engage in battle. Take possession of
the land Yah-El God is giving
No longer put
up with old foolishness, yours or anyone’s
When encumbered with strife and
resentments
Bring forward the wise person within you full of understanding
Respect all people, small and great
alike
Don’t set
yourself above anyone – nor below
Fear not the face of any man
God carries us like a father carries
his child on his shoulder
And goes before us in fire by night, in
the cloud by day
Look up and
see the stars and sky above
Joshua, the victorious one, stands within you 3:28
He’ll cause Yisra-El to inherit the land
A noble
warrior leads us to the goal
May the God of your fathers and
mothers
Make you even more than you are – a
thousand-fold blessing
Look, God has given you this land to
possess.
Go up, take possession. Don’t be
afraid or resigned
God goes before you and fights for you
With childlike innocence and no
knowledge of good or evil
You may enter the land of non-duality and possess it Experience oneness
Look, God is multiplying you as the
stars of heaven 1:9
We are the
stars of heaven
