Countdown to July 4th: Remembering the Righteous Living Who Sustain Us
July 4 for me is a time to celebrate the resilience of the American Spirit, terrorized but unbowed, assaulted but unvanquished. Americans have developed coping mechanisms to absorb the shock of battles for the self: contact with nature, rediscovery of the mystery of the Inner Self as more and more citizens embrace a simplified lifestyle. But what sustains this country goes even deeper. From the Jewish tradition comes the consoling legend of the Tzadikim Nistarim or Lamed Vav Tzadikim, the thirty-six holy men and women whose righteousness protects the world from destruction that would have come any time mankind’s cruel intentions and actions reach critical mass. The Lamed Vav Tzadikim are usually poor and obscure. Hardly anyone guesses that they carry the pain and sufferings on behalf of the world.
Of the millions of Christians in America who search for the kingdom within, surely a handful has seen the glory of the Lord. Of the millions of Buddhists and Hindus in America on the path to enlightenment, surely a handful has attained Self-realization. From US New Age seekers to devoted sacred groups’ members, from Alchemists to Theosophists, Earth-based Native-American spiritualities to quantum science inspired explorers of inner landscapes, there must be Americans among the Lamed Vav whose consciousness shields the rest of us.
The righteous whose lives sustain the United States of America and the world will be on my mind this July 4.
Comments
When I think of resilience, I never think of Americans. I probably should because in thinking about our country, there is a lot of people who have overcome many obstacles.
When I think of resilience, I think of Africa. People who don't have drinking water, accessible schools and medical treatment. High rates of disease and other unspeakable horrors that I have heard told from survivors...........
People who are so grateful for everything that they do have and who keep moving forward despite all the obstacles they have to face. People who value education and family....... Sure that does happen in America but a lot of Americans feel entitled.
A lot of us feel that we deserve things we have never worked for or earned. America is getting better (very very slowly) so who does carry the pain and sufferings on behalf of America? Far too often it seems to be the animals and the children.........
Posted by: Debby | July 1, 2008 08:24 AM
Maybe America is highly shielded by the Eternal's invisible presence? We "the people" do seem to have a disproportionate amount of callousness... so how do we survive that?
Such a small number perceive that consciousness is the only way to counter suffering. We have a ton of religion, yet few spiritual people. It isn't a church building, doctrine, and rule following that "saves". So the guardians, the awakened, the leaders for the cause... will be on my mind as well, because there would be no planet without 'em!
Posted by: Michele | July 3, 2008 01:47 AM