Spiritual Poems - Why Read Them?Posted by Nick Niesen on October 26th, 2010 What makes spiritual poems different from other spiritual writings? Poetry has a way of pointing more directly at reality, rather than just defining it. It uses words as tools for the transmission of experience. Spiritual poetry then, is more about enlightenment than belief. Here is a classic example from the Tao Te Ching: Empty your mind of all thoughts. Each separate being in the universe When you realize where you came from, Immersed in the wonder of the Tao, The Christian Bible is full of spiritual poems. Consider this short passage from the poetry found in Corinthians: When I was a child, Spiritual poems are not necessarily religious poems. They can simply point at the universal values in life, and at our relationship to these. This can be seen in the last stanza of the poem "Lake Superior." There was the sun on my face, Spiritual poetry can try to point out some particular truth. It can also be more enigmatic, causing you to investigate an idea more closely to find your own truth. It can be an expression of love, or encourage you to relax and be at peace. Simple enjoyment, though, is enough reason to read spiritual poems. Like it? Share it!More by this author |