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Monday, July 01, 2002
Axis Mundi
By Malou Gueco
This phrase is also known as the cosmic axis. It serves as the symbolic connection between heaven and earth. The symbol can be in the form of a tree, pillow, pole, ladder, or mountain. Axis mundi in the form of a ladder can be found in the stories of diverse religions.
For example, in the story of Buddha Shakyamuni, founder of the Buddhist religion, there is an axis mundi episode. When Buddha was seven years old, his mother, Queen Maya, died. Thus, she never received her son's teachings. Buddha after attaining inner peace and enlightenment preached to his mother in heaven. Buddha commanded that a triple ladder be built so he could travel from heaven to earth, vice-versa, to continue his work of spirituality on earth.
In the Christian tradition, there is a story in the Genesis depicting the Jacob's ladder. Jacob lay down on a rocky terrain and he dreamt of a ladder. This was set firmly on earth and reached up to heaven. He saw angels ascending and descending this ladder to shower messages to our earth relatives. As the angels ascended this flight of stairs they were travelling toward a bright light on the top. Therein, a God was present to shower blessings and share teachings.
This scenario represents how we maintain our link to the spiritual abode.
Thus, we see how these two stories affirm the wonderful connection between heaven and earth. Specifically, a sacred ladder is visualized to interconnect both worlds. Axis mundi or the cosmic connection inspired early pilgrims like myself to strive to reach the light through my works and words. The endless journey to our final destiny is paved with spiritual guides and means. May your own voyage be a continuous source of peace, nirvana, and happiness!
* * * * *
I met Sister Pat from the Carmelite community (Angeles City) a few days ago. She wishes to share with our Cabalens about the following events to be held at the Angeles City Carmelite Chapel.
ONE; Every first Saturday of the month, a meeting will be held at the Carmelite monastery for women and men who want to know if they have religious vocation. They are invited to attend this session so they may discern their true calling to the monastic life. This morning's activity leads to a discernment process.
TWO; There will be novena masses at the Carmelite monastery from July 7 to 15 in preparation for the feast of our Lady of Mount Carmel. The theme for these events is "Our Lady's Precious Jewel's" and her feast day is to be celebrated on July 16, 2002. All priests are invited to concelebrate these masses for July 16 with this schedule - 6:00 am, 8:00 am, 10:30 am, and a 5:00 pm. Archbishop Paciano Aniceto is the main celebrant for the 8:00 am Mass to be held at the Carmelite chapel.
Let us participate in this celebration to honor Our Lady of Mount Carmel. How lucky we are to be in the presence of this blessed monastic congregation in Angeles City. Let us pray for serenity, authenticity, and multifold blessings for today! |
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