The EnlightenMeFree (EMF) Online Debate Forum

I don't know if any of you have heard of this gentleman, or read any of his books - the one I have very much in mind is 'The Prophet'. Kahlil Gibran was an inspired man (non-sectarian) who lived a tormented life, wherein he doubted himself through and through. However, his inspirational writings are some of the greatest that I have ever read.

I would like to quote from the 'Prophet' on the subject of 'Friendship'. I do so under the 'fair copy/use(?)' aspect of the copyright laws, though no copyright statement appears in the version from which I am quoting:

"Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to hime with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.

When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay".
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.

And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.

And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.

HI WofthesunEofthemoon.

Yes, I picked up a copy of The Prophet when I was seventeen, and have always liked it; that was, er, a while back. In the sixties, people used passages from it as part of their wedding vows. And, it's good to focus on positive things like friendship. And, though you pay for a book, you never feel like it's taking over - certainly, if it irks you or frightens you, you can put it aside, step away from it or, even, hurl it accross the room. And you don't need to join any particular group to read most books. I've heard people on here say that The White Book is pretty good, although the School may have departed from the gentle philosophy contained in it. I do wonder though - some people who have later regretted their involvement in RSE started out just listening to tapes, or reading, or watching What the Bleep.

another appropriate Gibran quote from the Prophet: Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.

Hello, Lost in Space and Another Dimension60.

Thank you for your replies. They both brought to mind thoughts I have often pondered.