Second Person Perspective of the Ultimate

Last updated on: January 6, 2015 at 9:24 pm by Barbara Alexander

Second Person Perspective of the Ultimate 2015-01-06T21:24:31-07:00 Barbara Alexander

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

This post continues the exploration of the three faces of the Ultimate, which is called by many names in our wonderfully wide variety of spiritual traditions and paths. In my fourth post I introduced the three perspectives (represented in four quadrants) and said that individuals seem to lean toward one perspective, as do the spiritual traditions of the world. Since one of the cornerstones of Integral Theory is that each perspective is true but partial, experiencing the Ultimate from all three perspectives allows for a more complete and inclusive experience. It is also well to remember that each perspective “points to” the Ultimate, which is beyond description. As you read this “pointing out” perspective, notice how you respond to the Second Face. Do you find it familiar? Odd? Uncomfortable? Reassuring? Noticing your own reaction is a clue to the perspective you inhabit most fully.

Seeking and experiencing Ultimate Reality from a second person perspective finds us listening and praying to, receiving from and communing with the Divine. The focus shifts from It to Thou. We experience a kind of intimacy where we feel known and held in a divine embrace. Our heart opens deeply and we surrender to the one about whom naught can be said. It is from this perspective that we find a large part of our moral compass. Prayer, devotional singing and worship are ways in which we enter this sacred I/Thou space.

The writings of many of the mystics, including Rumi, Hafiz and Teresa of Avila, portray their second person experience of God. Filled with passionate and heartfelt language, their words express a beautiful intimacy with the Divine.

These words help us soak in the Second Person of Spirit . . .

As a doe longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you O God.

Psalm 42

My soul is your temple; my actions are your hands. My body is your home and my senses witness only you. My sleep is pure meditation on You, these walking feet are your journey. Whatever comes from my mouth is a prayer to you, O Lord, everything I say and do is worship to You.

Shankara from: Shiva Manasa Pooja

I am born of you and I am Yours. What do you want of me?

Teresa of Avila

Uncategorized

Previous Post

May 15, 2012

Third Person Perspective of the Ultimate

Next Post

May 29, 2012 First Person Perspective of the Ultimate

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Uncategorized

Select a Month July 2015 June 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 October 2014 November 2013 May 2013 February 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz