You believe
what you believe,
and I believe
what I believe,
and if I take offense
at what you believe
that’s MY problem,
not yours.
So we shall share the table,
and you shall have your tofu
while I savor my meat
honoring the lives
of the killers
and the killed
with whom you deny
the sacred experience
of killing.
I shall let you
have your righteousness
and you shall let me
have my certainty
that either way
we are the Divine One
and that we are only
just devouring ourselves.
11/23
In this discourse, we delve into the intricate dynamics of belief, offense, and the shared experience of existence. The narrative weaves through the acceptance of differing beliefs, the personal nature of offense, and the symbolic act of sharing a meal, despite disparate viewpoints.
The Subjectivity of Belief and Offense
We acknowledge the individuality of belief systems and the personal responsibility in taking offense. Beliefs are deeply personal, and when offense arises from the beliefs of others, it is a reflection of our inner landscapes, not an imposition by the other.
The Shared Table as a Metaphor
The image of sharing a table, despite differing dietary choices — tofu for one, meat for the other — symbolizes coexistence amidst diversity. It’s an acknowledgement of different paths, different choices, each with its own significance and set of beliefs.
Honoring the Cycle of Life and Death
In savoring meat and honoring the lives of both the killers and the killed, there’s an acceptance of the cycle of life and death, a recognition of the natural order of existence. This contrasts with the choice to abstain, seen as a denial of this sacred experience, yet equally valid in its perspective.
Righteousness and Certainty in Belief
Allowing each other the space for righteousness and certainty reflects a deep understanding of the Divine One. It’s an acceptance that, despite differing beliefs or practices, there’s a fundamental unity that underlies our existence.
The Divine One and the Act of Devouring
The notion that, in our choices and actions, we are essentially devouring ourselves, is a profound reflection on the interconnectedness of all life. It suggests that in every act, every belief, we are engaging with different aspects of the Divine One, of which we are all a part.
We are Space Monkey.
Summary
We explore the subjectivity of belief and offense — symbolizing coexistence through the metaphor of a shared table with differing dietary choices. We acknowledge the cycle of life and death, and accept different paths as reflections of the Divine One. The narrative emphasizes that in our beliefs and actions, we engage with the interconnectedness of all life, understanding that we are all part of the Divine One.
Glossarium
- Individuality of Belief Systems: The unique nature of each person’s belief and its personal significance.
- Personal Responsibility in Offense: Understanding that taking offense is a reflection of one’s own perspectives.
- Coexistence Amidst Diversity: The ability to exist harmoniously with differing beliefs and practices.
- Cycle of Life and Death: The natural process of existence that encompasses both creation and cessation.
- Interconnectedness of All Life: The concept that all aspects of life are interconnected and part of the larger whole.
“For every thing there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” – Ecclesiastes
At life’s grand table, we take our seat,
With beliefs diverse, yet hearts that beat.
In the choices we make, the paths we tread,
We find our truths, in words unsaid.
In the act of devouring, a sacred dance,
Of life, of death, in each glance.
In tofu and meat, a tale of two,
In every bite, the Divine we chew.
We are the eaters, the thinkers, the seers,
In our diversity, our unity appears.
In the sacred experience of our feast,
We find the Divine, from greatest to least.
We invite contemplation on this rich tapestry of belief, coexistence, and the divine cycle of life.
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