Over the last several years, I’ve questioned my spirituality, and, with guidance, I’ve come to accept that even a Humanist like me can be a spiritual being.
Recently, I was at the Kimbell Museum in Ft. Worth to see a Renoir exhibit, another very nicely curated exhibit which I enjoyed very much.
The exhibit was not large, so it only took about an hour to see the entire thing and there was time to go back and look at those that I was particularly drawn to, which I did.
Afterwards, as Susan wandered through the gift shop, I took the opportunity to visit the Kimbell’s own exhibits which are very good and often overlooked when you come to see the major travelling exhibits.
One piece, a sculpture from China, Seated Arhat, was quite interesting and I stood, viewing it from all angles for quite some time. I read the background as well as some information on the religious/cultural/spiritual significance of the piece and what, an Arhat is.
In Buddhist theology, an Arhat is one who’s achieved perfection but has delayed entering Nirvana so that they may aid others. This simple piece seemed to draw me into my own thoughts as I contemplated my own journey. Not as a perfect being but as a normal human being who’s searching for enlightenment, the meaning of his life and where he’s headed.
I’m thankful for friends who have contributed to my search without judgement and without prejudice. Some I guess are just meant to be guides, do they know that? I hope they do, they make the way so much easier for those of us searching. And, it’s a special gift.
I wonder where my journey will take me. One spiritual step in front of the last. Yet another quest.
So that they may aid others…