Cross Over the Bridge

One of the questions you might share with me is this: How can I get from where I am in consciousness, outlook, viewpoint, attitude, etc. to a better place, a place I want to be?

Today's reading from the Chandogya Upanishad. one of the most famous and loved of them all,

answers this question of how we get from "here" to "there" in a wise and wonderful way, I think.

See what you think........

The Soul is the Bridge

by which people may pass from a state of worried, worldly consciousness

to a state of blissful heavenly consciousness.

Day and night cannot cross that Bridge.

Old age, death, and grief cannot cross that Bridge.

Deeds that are evil as well as good cannot cross that Bridge.

Those who are blind as they approach the Bridge have their eyes opened as they cross it.

Those who are wounded as they approach the Bridge have their wounds healed as they cross it.

Those who are sick as they approach the Bridge are made well as they cross it.

The Bridge is the boundary between darkness and light,

between the darkness of the world, and the supreme Light of God,

into which no darkness can enter.

Those who are self controlled and pure may cross the Bridge

from worldly consciousness into that consciousness that is the City of God.

There, they enjoy perfect freedom.

In the City of God, the Soul reigns supreme.

The Soul desires only what is Real and Eternal.

The Soul thinks only of what is True.

This is my prayer of response:

God of Light and Bliss:

You Who are the Soul of all and the Soul of my soul,

Lead me across this Bridge

from the worldly consciousness that confines me

in darkness, fear, and grief,

haunted by old age, sickness, evil and death

into that realm of consciousness which is the cure of my blindness,

the healing of my wounds and illnesses,

and the experience of Joy which drives out all sadness.

I struggle to purify my mind and will by focusing on You, Soul of my Soul,

rather than the evils of the world my senses report.

When I manage to fix my mind and heart on You,

I find myself crossing the Bridge,

and thus entering that state of freedom and joy which is

Your Presence,

the City of God,

the Realm of Heaven.