Beautiful writings of St. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)...

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

 

i remember that Shri Mataji made favourable mention of Hildegard von Bingen. If

we will read some of Hildegard's writings, we will see that she was an

extraordinary spiritual visionary. She wrote some of the most beautiful writings

on the Divine Mother.

 

violet

 

 

Writings of St. Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)

on the Holy Spirit Wisdom

 

* * *

 

Oh children of humanity, why have you corrupted tender Love, who gazes far into

my depths and flows forth in works abounding? Because She flows within me, from

Her in turn flow the living waters. She resembles a budding branch, for, as a

virgin's embraces are most tender because of her integrity, even so Love's

embraces are more tender than those of any other. But now She mourns, because

audacious men tear her to pieces with their evil grumbling. Hence, She flees

from them to that height whence She came, and weeps because Her children, whom

She suckled at Her fertile breasts, fall sick and will not be cleansed from the

corruption of their flighty minds.

 

O wretched humanity! Why do they take on themselves the misery of alienation and

exile, tearing themselves away... She is always ready... Yet they separate

themselves from the Bride, whence they are darkened and shadowed by clouds as if

they had ruptured heaven.

 

The Holy Spirit as Caritas (Grace/World Soul)

St. Hildegard von Bingen

trans. B. Newman (mod.)

 

* * *

 

I heard a voice saying to me, " This Lady whom you see is Love, who has Her

dwelling place in eternity. When God wished to create the world, He leaned down,

and with tender Love, provided all that was needed, as a parent prepares an

inheritance for a child. And thus, in a mighty blaze the Lord ordained all His

works.

 

Then creation recognized its Creator in its own forms and appearances. For in

the beginning, when God said, " Let it be! " and it came to pass, the means and

the Matrix of creation was Love, because all creation was formed through Her as

in the twinkling of an eye.

 

The Holy Spirit as Sapientia (Wisdom/Creatrix)

St. Hildegard von Bingen

trans. B. Newman (mod.)

 

* * *

 

I am Wisdom. Mine is the blast of the resounding Word through which all creation

came to be, and I quickened all things with my breath so that not one of them is

mortal in its kind; for I am Life. Indeed I am Life, whole and undivided -- not

hewn from any stone, or budded from branches, or rooted in virile strength; but

all that lives has its root in Me. For Wisdom is the root whose blossom is the

resounding Word....

 

I flame above the beauty of the fields to signify the earth -- the matter from

which humanity was made. I shine in the waters to indicate the soul, for, as

water suffuses the whole earth, the soul pervades the whole body. I burn in the

sun and the moon to denote Wisdom, and the stars are the innumerable words of

Wisdom.

 

The Holy Spirit as Caritas (Grace/World Soul & Wisdom/Creatrix)

St. Hildegard von Bingen

trans. B. Newman (mod.)

 

* * *

 

May the Holy Spirit cleanse you from all faults of malice, and win you the

friendship of Love, most sweet, most tender; who captured the mighty Stag and

poured forth song above all heavens; who entered the bridal chamber of all the

King's mysteries; and who revealed Herself in all Her beauty in the mirror of

the Cherubim.

 

The Holy Spirit as Caritas (Grace/World Soul)

St. Hildegard von Bingen

trans. B. Newman (mod.)

 

* * *

 

I am the Supreme and Fiery Force who kindles every living spark....As I circled

the whirling sphere with my upper wings (that is, with Wisdom), rightly I

ordained it. And I am the fiery life of the Divine essence: I flame above the

beauty of the fields; I shine in the waters; I burn in the sun, the moon, and

the stars. And, with the airy wind, I quicken all things vitally by an unseen,

all-sustaining life. For the air is alive in the verdure and the flowers; the

waters flow as if they lived; the sun too lives in its light; and when the moon

wanes it is rekindled by the light of the sun, as if it lived anew. Even the

stars glisten in their light as if alive.

 

The Holy Spirit as Caritas (Grace/World Soul)

St. Hildegard von Bingen

trans. B. Newman (mod.)

 

* * *

 

She is Divine Wisdom. She watches over all people and all things in heaven and

on earth, being of such radiance and brightness that, for the measureless

splendor that shines in Her, you cannot gaze on Her face or on the garments She

wears. For She is awesome in terror as the Thunderer's lightening, and gentle in

goodness as the sunshine. Hence, in Her terror and Her gentleness, She is

incomprehensible to mortals, because of the dread radiance of divinity in Her

face and the brightness that dwells in Her as the robe of Her beauty. She is

like the Sun, which none can contemplate in its blazing face or in the glorious

garment of its rays. For She is with all and in all, and of beauty so great in

Her mystery that no one could know how sweetly She bears with people, and with

what unfathomable mercy She spares them.

 

The Holy Spirit as Wisdom: Scientia Dei (Knowledge of God)

St. Hildegard von Bingen

trans. B. Newman (mod.)

 

[Primary source: B. Newman, Sister of Wisdom: St. Hildegard's Theology of the

Feminine (1987). See also L. Boff, O.F.M., The Maternal Face of God (1987); F.

Bowie & O. Davies, Eds., Hildegard of Bingen: Mystical Writings (1990); E.

Johnson, C.S.J., Women, Earth, and Creator Spirit (1993); C. Matthews, Sophia,

Goddess of Wisdom (1991); B. M. Meehan, S.S.C., Delighting in the Feminine

Divine (1994); B. M. Meehan, S.S.C., Exploring the Feminine Face of God: A

Prayerful Journey (1991); T. Schipflinger, Sophia-Maria (1998); G. Uhlein,

O.S.F., Meditations with Hildegard of Bingen (1983).

 

http://www.wheeloftheyear.com/reference/hildegard.htm

 

 

 

,

" Violet " <violet.tubb wrote:

>

> What is Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality?

>

> Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality (also called Creation Spirituality,

Nature Spirituality, and Earth-Centered Spirituality) is a life-

affirming spiritual focus based on Nature. It is an individualistic

spiritual path, not a distinct organized religion. It is practiced by

many who are members of mainstream religions, and by many who are not.

>

> Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality is an underlying element common to

most religions. It is embodied in non-patriarchal aspects of

indigenous religions throughout the world. It is an aspect of

Hinduism, Taoism, Shinto, and Buddhism (Tantra & Zen). It is found in

the mysticism of Judaism (Kabbalah), Christianity (ecumenical

mysticism/Wisdom Tradition), Islam (Sufism), and Baha'ism. And it is

reflected in Unitarian Universalism.

>

> Those on an Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality path reject blind

obedience to all human spiritual leadership and blind acceptance of

any decreed dogma. Diversity of opinion is the norm. Each person

explores his/her own path on the common journey--guided by

compassion, reason, and experience.

>

> Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality reflects an emphatic love for, and

desire to understand, Deity. It conceives Deity to be an unfathomable

mystery: ultimately genderless, formless, and limitless. All

definitions necessarily fall short. Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality

emphasizes the ultimate oneness of Deity, but acknowledges a

multitude of names, attributes, and forms of the primordial and

eternal, omnipotent and omniscient, all-encompassing and universal

Deity.

>

> Many call Deity Yahweh, the Trinity, Allah, Brahman, or Adi-Buddha.

Some call Deity Ch'i, the Great Spirit, or Mother Nature and Father

Time. Others call Deity the Source, the Force, the Cosmos, the

Absolute, or the Unity. Still others simply refer to Deity as the

Mystery.

>

> Many understand Deity in both masculine and feminine terms. (But

" masculine " and " feminine " are not defined by patriarchal concepts:

" masculine " is not aggressive and active; " feminine " is not receptive

and passive.) Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality emphasizes that all God

concepts are attributes of the One God, all Goddess concepts are

attributes of the One Goddess, and together the One God and One

Goddess make up God-Goddess (or Goddess-God)--the one genderless

Deity.

>

> God generally embodies the concepts of Being, Will, and

Consciousness. He also represents the principle of duality: order and

chaos. From Him come the gifts of free will, knowledge of self and

others, knowledge of good and evil, and knowledge of life and death.

>

> Goddess, on the other hand, generally embodies the concepts of

Becoming, Power, and Conscience. She represents the principle of the

eternal cycle. From Her come the gifts of peace, love, compassion,

passion, inspiration, worldly knowledge, wisdom, conscience, truth,

and justice.

>

> The feminine aspect of Deity is not alien to the Judeo-Christian-

Islamic traditions. The Bible reflects that Deity was honored as

female as well as male in ancient Israel and Judah, until Her shrines

were destroyed and Her priests and priestesses killed at the behest

of the patriarchal prophets. The Bible still honors the feminine

aspect of Deity in the Wisdom Literature--Proverbs, Wisdom of

Solomon, Ecclesiasticus, etc.

>

> To the ancient Hebrews, the feminine aspect of Deity was Elath,

which means Goddess; and Asherah, which means Tree of Life. In the

Kabbalistic Tree of Life, She is represented in the feminine

Sephiroth (divine attributes). She is Heh of Yahweh (YHVH or Yod-Heh-

Vau-Heh), the Mother-Daughter of the Kabbalistic Tetragrammatan. She

is Eloah (Goddess) who, in unity with Eloh (God), make up the

genderless Elohim. She is also Hokhma, which is the feminine Hebrew

word meaning Wisdom; Shekhina, the feminine Hebrew word meaning

Powerful Presence; and Ruach, the feminine Hebrew word meaning Spirit.

>

> Christians know Her as the Holy Spirit, the third part of the Holy

Trinity. They also call Her Holy Wisdom (as well as Sophia and

Sapientia, the feminine Greek and Latin words for Wisdom). She is

also called the Paraclete, Grace, Justice, and Providence.

>

> Sufis know Her as Allat Ruh Sakinah (Goddess Spirit Presence).

Sufis also consider Old Arabic Goddesses Al-'Uzza (Power) and Manat

(Fate) to represent feminine attributes of the ultimately genderless

Deity.

>

> Those with an Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality focus celebrate Deity as

creator, sustainer, and destroyer--providing the gifts of life,

death, and rebirth. They also generally recognize Angels or Spirits

to be emanations, guardians, guides, or messengers from Deity.

>

> Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality recognizes Deity to be transcendent

(beyond all) as well as immanent (within all). There is nothing that

is not Deity. Thus, all Nature is considered sacred--including all

people and all animals. Consciousness of divine immanence fosters

recognition of the interconnectedness and interdependence of all

aspects of Nature, and engenders awe and gratitude for the

wondrousness of the Universe. And scientific theories about the

Universe and life within it are thought of as tools to bring us

closer to understanding both Deity and ourselves.

>

> Those on an Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality path acknowledge Deity to

be beyond humanity's concept of good and evil, and acknowledge that

divine gifts bring both benefit and harm. They recognize that all

good and evil originate in the individual, but do not conceive of

people as inherently evil. Each moment the individual chooses to do

good or evil and is fully responsible for that choice. The good and

evil one does will return to the doer as reward and punishment, but

atonement is possible where there is regret and reparation made.

>

> Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality emphasizes a fundamental duty to

respect all and harm none. Each person is valued as unique and as a

child, temple, and part of Deity. Each person is our sister or

brother. All people, however different they may seem, are to be

treated as equals and with compassionate respect. Animals and other

aspects of Nature are likewise valued.

>

> To intentionally harm or disrespect the inherent rights of people

(including one's self), animals, or other aspects of Nature is to do

evil. Thus, sexism, racism, religious bigotry, homophobia, and other

kinds of mistreatment, discrimination, or oppression are evil.

Likewise, to needlessly or irreverently harm any animal or destroy

its habitat is evil.

>

> Those with an Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality focus also recognize a

duty to oppose injustice and aid those in need--particularly the

sick, the disabled, the young, and the old. They also acknowledge a

duty to practice conservation and to avoid and oppose environmental

waste and abuses.

>

> They seek peace within and without, and attempt to live in harmony

with Nature. They strive to be self-reliant and empower themselves,

as well as to challenge and better themselves. They desire to

understand and love themselves. They want happiness for themselves--

and for everyone.

>

> Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality is family-centered, and recognizes

that each person bears familial duties to children, spouse, and

parents. Marriage is conceived to be a partnership of equals.

Differences between men and women are celebrated; but the idea that

differences in gender indicate superiority or inferiority of either

gender is rejected, as is the idea of mandated gender-based familial

or societal roles.

>

> Those on an Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality path follow the positive

(non-harmful) aspects of their respective religious traditions.

Worship of Deity may include prayer, meditation, chanting, or

singing. Or dancing, drumming, ritual, or sacred drama. Indeed,

celebrating the artist within, worship of Deity may be manifested in

any kind of artistic expression. Worship of Deity may also include

thanksgiving or penance offerings of candles, incense, or flowers. Or

offerings of grain, fruit, or libations. Or it may include action

offerings, such as giving food to the poor, demonstrating against

social injustice, or picking up litter.

>

> Those with an Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality focus recognize that one

can have direct experience of Deity any time and any place. One can

worship alone, as a family, or in a spiritual community. The cycle of

life, the cycle of the seasons, and the lunar cycles are often

celebrated. (The Sun and Moon, and their continuing cycles, are seen

as symbols of Deity, and metaphors for human physical and

psychological cycles.)

>

> This calendar is intended to show how Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality

is reflected in religious traditions of the past and the present. It

is also intended to aid in reclaiming and exploring positive aspects

of one's own religious traditions, letting go of harmful aspects, and

learning about the traditions of others. May it inspire you to love

Deity, Nature, and all humankind. Blessed be!

>

> * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

>

> Permission to use and distribute these excerpts is granted for non-

commercial purposes, provided the following information is included:

>

> Excerpted from

> THE MYSTIC'S WHEEL OF THE YEAR 2002

> A Multifaith Calendar Reflecting Eco-Egalitarian Spirituality

>

> © 2002 Page Two, Inc.

>

> For information contact Page Two, Inc.:

> P.O. Box 77167, Washington, D.C. 20013

> 1-800-821-6604

> WheeloftheYear

> www.WheeloftheYear.com

>

> http://www.wheeloftheyear.com/ees.htm

>