In Nehemiah 4, 21
Even though the reconstruction of the wall continues, vigilance remains a priority :
“each had his weapon, even when he went for water.” …during and beyond the restoration.
Aletheia. Vigilance.
That of the Presence, awareness of the elements that have entered the field of our senses. With each sitting and during each silent prayer, our wall is rebuilt, the edifice of our being takes shape. To allow this we must be vigilant, standing guard at the doors of the senses and the door of mind.
Pneuma and Aletheia, by breath and vigilance said Jesus (“in spirit and in truth,” says our usual translations). The work of reconstruction is not ours: everyone works on it and each represents a stone of the wall.
On the other hand, it is up to us to ensure that we cut (“sword”) anything that could harm the reconstruction process.
Take care of this,
Presence to and for others. It is our practice as a community so that the building in us, through us, the wall may be rebuilt,
the Divine resides there, we in the Divine, and the Divine in us.
©FJ Nov 2023
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J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
Πνεύμα can mean breath or spirit. Ψυχή is less ambiguous, probably (« psyche »). Αλήθεια has the standard translation of « truth ».
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
thank you Simon…
you tend to confirm the usual translation, then …at least for the second part (?)
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
Just consulted 2 dictionaries. It’s the only translation they give for this context. Vigilance is επαγρύπνηση (epaghreepnisy).
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
Thanks for checking Simon.
What is your perspective on a/letheia
…privative prefix+ reference to lack of vigilance…
This interpretation is not mine but comes from a French theologian (Orthodox)
All in all, investigating the closeness or Truth and Vigilance is very interesting.
From a lack of vigilance stems disharmony…the rupture of Truth.
A doorway to chaos.
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
I am always cautious of theologians talking about derivations of words. I assume he is referring to λήθη – « oblivion »?
The first danger is of equating that which only looks the same. My dictionaries do not give derivations.
The second is that, regardless of ancient forebears, it is the meaning of the word to the user that is the issue.
The third is that Nehemiah was not written in Greek, which makes me suspicious that the person has a particular theological axe to grind, and is looking for a suitable stone.
No problem with investigating truth and vigilance as concepts, but I would doubt any supposed supporting arguments of this nature.
J’aimeAimé par 1 personne
Beware of theologians is wise advice.
The man I was referring to (Jean Yves Leloup) interprets the word Truth as vigilance in the New testament, when Jesus says we should start practicing in spirit and in truth.
The parallel was mine when reading Nehemiah reference to ‘vigilance’ via the call to keep our weapon even when going for water.
What meditation has taught me, though, is that without vigilance there cannot be any access to truth.
Non-vigilance / a-letheia (sorry, am aware of the improper use) is the fabric of ignorance = a ‘highway to hell’.
(this is my understanding of your second item : the use of the word determined by the user of that word.)
Have a very nice day, Simon,
thanks again.
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