Monakhos

Another great quote from a great book. In the next post I think I will be talking about the past two quotes.

Martyrs, cher ami, must choose between being forgotten, mocked, or made use of. As for being understood — never!

The Fall - Albert Camus (Justin O’Brien - tr)

I don’t know why I have been gone so long. Not much to write about. I read this quote last week, though, and thought to post it. It’s from The Fall by Albert Camus. For some reason I found it very interesting.

A natural balcony fifteen hundred feet above a sea still visible bathed in sunlight, on the other hand, was the place where I could breathe most freely, especially if I were alone, well above the human ants. I could readily understand why sermons, decisive preachings, and fire miracles took place on accessible heights. In my opinion no one meditated in cellars or prison cells (unless they were situated in a tower with a broad view); one just became moldy. And I could understand the man who, having entered holy orders, gave up the frock because his cell instead of overlooking a vast landscape as he expected, looked out on a wall. Rest assured that as far as I was concerned I did not grow moldy. At every hour of the day, within myself and among others, I would scale the heights and light conspicuous fires, and a joyful greeting would rise toward me. Thus at least I took pleasure in life and in my own excellence.

The Fall - Albert Camus (Justin O’Brien - tr)

There is a lot more in the book to talk about, but that will come later.

This evening I looked in the mirror and saw a stranger. It puzzled me for a second until I realized it was me. I stared at my image for a few minutes and pondered the idea that I am encapsulated inside of this shell. It was a weird feeling. I’ve been thinking about it sense then. It made me remember the form of meditation that asks the question “what am I?” I really felt for that moment that I understood that I am not my body or any of its attributes. I simply am.

I just completed moving all my domains to one account. Monakhos was down for a few hours, but everything seems to be working well now. If you notice any problems, let me know.

I miss blogging and reading blogs. This week, hopefully I’ll be able to catch up on my reading list. Expect to see some more comments/posts soon!

I have been listening to a lot of jazz lately. Mostly avant-garde and free jazz. It’s interesting, the connection between music and spirituality. Playing and listening to improvised music opens up a whole realm of being that you can’t get to normally. I think I will write more on that next time.

Anyway, I’m trying to start an avant-garde/free jazz band. I play drums, and I would like to have at least a bass and piano, though any instruments would work, I think. Influences include the Coltrane Quintet, Joel Futterman Trio, Medeski, Martin, and Wood, and The Bad Plus. Leave a comment if you’re interested in playing, listening, or just reminiscing about great music.