Contemplation Vs. Intellectualism

For many individuals, in truth, this is a blurred area not only to express, but also to define, and thereby distinguish.

The reasons for this may indeed be numerous, but the fact is, there are indeed just a few that merit a basis for reason to germinate.

May I start out by saying that they are perpendicular: that is to say, they are as different as simple words are to a stanza. They are as different from someone expressing in a conversation, as opposed to hearing the verse within a well-composed song.

Understandably, the argument of the accompanying music is an unfair advantage, and you would be correct in your initial assertion. However, may I point out to you, the accompanying music is no different than the intent and emotions entailed within a conversation.

This is because music transcends all language barriers, no doubt there’s a befuddled cry of  “I don’t like all forms of music” or “I do not care for this or that type as well.” All this, no doubt, is an impotent attempt to dismiss, as though with the wave of a hand, the impact music has upon us.

Music reaches deep within, it is indeed a rhythm, which carries with it the innate ability to plant, germinate and quickly evoking emotions, ideas and assorted factors and powers, which words alone can only hope to inspire.

Now back to my initial premise, intellectualism allows us to remain in control and hold on to the reins of the potential runaway steeds, as they veer this way and that on the roadway, which leads to postulations, theorems and a hypothesis. Still, none of these satisfies that thirst for answers, for do they reach beyond the mind.

Please do not construe that I dismiss the need for proper placement of intellectual activity, despite my obvious rhetorical stumblings, which are self-evident here and other places. Intellectual thought only brings us to the door, indeed, it ushers us along a corridor, but fails to either be a key nor has the innate ability to turn the key, not alone push open the door.

What then, you ask, I must stop my prattling and return, forgive of this error, if you recall, a few months earlier, I discussed, at some length, Aquinas was not only a cipher, but a key. A powerful intellectual, no doubt, but like many predecessors, they attempt to combine the two which has alluded many, and continues to do so. Also, previously mentioned, once intellectualism has ushered you down through a gauntlet and brings you to a room, its is reason, which will guide you to the proper door, but only intuition will select the key, and insight provide the wherewithal to open the door.

Now in the event you attempt to open, breakdown or vandalize it through assailing with futile remarks, intellectual quarrels and inventive rational arguments, this will not turn the knob. Recall the early childhood story of the wolf and the three pigs. The first two houses, intellectual reason will easily dismiss with a little fortitude. Yet it is no match for one, which is made of bricks, which have an insightful mortar, which tends to penetrate all crevices of the bricks, thus adhering them as though they were one.

Thus, intellectualism fails to be an end, even unto itself, when one thirsts for what they cannot express, but long for. How many times in a simple relationship, words cannot not express what is truly being conveyed to one another. This fact remains self- evident in any and all situations. No doubt, those words of your lover, “I love you,” is needed, yet words alone are mere color pallets, which are not enough to immerse ones’ self in.  No, no my friend, intellectualism does not satisfy anything except itself.

Recall, also, that in the rungs of the ladder of ascension:

a)      reading leads to knowledge

b)      knowledge leads to wisdom

c)      wisdom leads to mediation

d)     mediation leads to contemplation.

The first few are mere intellectual warm up exercises. Wisdom selects the door, only because it has passed this way numerous times and has surveyed the landscape quite well. Meditation selects the appropriate key. It is only contemplation, which has the power to open up the door.

Until our spiritual eyes meet again…Peace,

Bro. Smith SGS