"First of all, let us not misunderstand the nature of prayer... The primary purpose of prayer is not to make requests. The primary purpose of prayer is to praise, to sing, to chant. Because the essence of prayer is a song, and man cannot live without a song."
"I would say about individuals, an individual dies when he ceases to be surprised. What keeps me alive — spiritually, emotionally, intellectually — is my ability to be surprised. I say, I take nothing for granted. I am surprised every morning that I see the sun shine again. When I see an act of evil, I am not accommodated — I don't accommodate myself to the violence that goes on everywhere. I'm still surprised. That's why I'm against it; why I can fight against it. We must learn how to be surprised, not to adjust ourselves. I am the most maladjusted person in society."
i am very much intrigued by this man. i've been inspired to read again.
2 comments:
this brought back some kenyon memories...yes, i like him very muchly...
i really like that second quote...
where did you encounter him?
I was on the phone last night with my sister who lives in New York City talking about mystics, and the spoken word. She began talking from these quotes. Turns out she was reading from your blog. This must be a good place to nestle down with a cup of hot cocoa, and a cigar and think about things if Adele visits here. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories
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