अ हौस ऑफ़ प्रयेर ( A House of Prayer )

"The catch astonished ichtyologists, who until then had been convinced that the last coelacanths were found only off eastern Africa, mainly in the Commoros archipelago…" So goes another story of a discovery that pierces premature assumptions. How many times have we read before that scientists were convinced, with absolute certainty, that their findings and surmised conclusions are the infallible word of science. I wish I could be wrong as often and still get paid. The blanket term for such behavior is ARROGANCE, which is exactly what shattered within me as I entered the Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati.

A great friend, Marty, suggested we check out the services for curiosity sake and being certain of myself, as always, I was confident this journey would simply add another piece to the puzzle I've already figured out. To say I was shocked by my reaction internally to the chants, smells, colors, and passionate, simplistic observances to the Sacred would be an understatement. I was flooded with remembrance and haunted as if experiencing Déjà vu.

Driving to our destination, Marty played a CD titled Pilgrim Heart by Krishna Das. I was enjoying the excitement and newness as I do when embarking on any alternative experiences. We joked about the sinking canoe we always seem to find ourselves in regarding religions then he said, "Turn here and when you think the road will dead end it continues." Attempting wit I replied, "Isn't that what a spiritual journey should do?", but the weight of his words was still with me. Nervous chatter on my part ensued as the Temple came into view.

The Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati was indeed at a dead end, but I knew in my heart this was a beginning. Taking off my sandals outside the entrance I couldn't help but feel as if I was in a Kung Fu episode. I boldly walked barefoot through the door certain that I could ascertain what they had to offer during my short visit and satisfy myself that I had been right in my assumptions all along, but I was arrested by the beating of my heart upon entering the Temple. Destiny seemed to be unfolding and uncertainty just put me in its cross-hairs. Marty mentioned something about the marble coming from India but it was drummed out by the sound of blood pulsing in my ears. As tradition suggests, I rang the bell to awaken the deities in case they were asleep. I was the one who was awakened and I bowed in reverence to the foreign deities facing me. Somehow they seemed familiar, ancient. Reverberating off the walls were chanting and clapping. Chanting it's said opens the inner eye of the heart and cleans the mirror of the heart so it can clearly reflect what is already within us. The chanting embraced me like long lost relatives welcoming me home and it did indeed create quite a stirring within.

Feeling totally exposed and naked before a sea of suspicious eyes, I folded my hands in a reverent gesture and mumbled something incoherent before the statue Krishna for appearances sake. I felt like an idiot not knowing what to do for I always seem to gravitate towards beliefs that require a manual that reads like stereo instructions, but looking about there seemed to be a natural flow between the exchange of Spirit and people. This was an incorporation of faith that reflected a well worn daily practice of familiarity, not just a once a week event that occupies an hour.

The priest was preparing another deity and paused to smile at us and what a welcoming smile it was. Marty had been a regular there for awhile and might I have a side bar and say where hasn't Marty been a regular within spiritual practices? I always pictured Marty, whatever city he's in, entering any place of worship and the participants of that particular faith hollering out MARTY! as did those for Norm on Cheers. He is a well seasoned spiritual traveler and has a mind one rarely encounters. If reincarnation is real then Marty throughout time has been a priceless friend and brother to me. I was grateful that he led me there and I suspect he knew it would seize me.

The priest had told Marty to feel free to recite Christian prayers if that would be more comfortable. Wow! No fundamental evangelical church would ever allow this dear soul to pay homage to his deities in their church. This is where I began to unravel. I have staked claim to many different Christian denominational beliefs but have never considered the validity of other religions because I wasn't suppose to or I would burn in hell. Mainstream Evangelical Christianity believes that the true "Church" started at the conception of the Reformation and gradually over time with God's leading became an American Enterprise surpassing the Rockefellers. Trained as a good Evangelical, I was taught to love with Christ's love as long as those I was bestowing the effort upon agreed with my way of thinking or there was a potential to win them to the "right" persuasion. Tote the company philosophy of success via revenue generation. I never considered just loving them and allowing them the freedom to be. No, I had to be right. I felt spiritually spanked as I considered my actions in the past.

I would love to delve into comparative religions and supply the reader with a more in depth understanding of historical timelines, councils of debate, correct interpretations, but I will remain silent. I know now that I know nothing. 1 Timothy 2:11 states that a woman should learn in silence with all submission; sounds like that admonishment would apply nicely to me. I shall do as an old man in Memphis told me, "Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth." I walked into that Temple the 'cock of the walk' spiritually and God said, "Sit down boy, you aint all that."

The humble shall see and be glad; And you who seek God your hearts shall live Psalm 69:32