A VOTE FOR ELIMINATION OF THE RIVER OF FORGETTING
Merton writes to a friend and shares his thoughts regarding heaven, reincarnation, and the River of Forgetting
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Dearest,
Well, regarding your thoughts on the River of Forgetting, I do understand how one might feel that crossing it encourages a more interesting and meaningful life. However, I personally suspect that were this aspect of life to be eliminated, one might still find many interesting things to learn and do. And, one could at least make a good case for humans progressing faster, spiritually and temporally, too.
In addition to my thoughts above, I must point out, too, that I personally do not want anymore lifetimes, after this one. “No more lifetimes” is a big part of my daily prayer routine, presumptuous as this might be. And so, with my belief that one might still find interest, meaning and progress in life without the River of Forgetting (and keeping in mind that I, myself, do not want another earth life), I am not so protective of this concept. This is assuming, of course, that reincarnation even happens. (I myself, strongly suspect that it does.)
If I did have to come back to earth again, I would, I feel rather strongly (at least from the vantage point of this lifetime) not want to forget all I have learned! I have had a very interesting and full life (and I am not suicidal... I don't mean to give that impression!). But I really do not want any more lives. I am ready to go home, be in heaven, and stay there. I have heard, interestingly (though I am somewhat circumspect about all of this 2012, 5D earth stuff) that this is a major attribute of those who are alive (and ready to evolve) at this point in earth’s history. I am, I must admit, ready to “go home,” and definitely do not want to start all over with learning!
I am ready (really right now, if hubby and doggie and I could go together) for eternal peace, nurturance, happiness, rest, etc., in "heaven." I am ready to “go” there, wherever and whatever “heaven” is, whether it is someplace else, or right here, as (amusingly) existentialists and Jehova’s Witnesses would both agree upon… wink. I am ready to be or go there, if "God" will let me/us in!
Now, hopefully, I've been good enough (and done enough kind/helpful things) to offset any bad behavior on my part. Hubby and I, in my dreams and prayers, when it is our time (assumedly after a full, happy, protected life) are going to be "celestial husbands" in heaven... just like the Mormons! That is, of course, if God (either on the throne or in "His" capacity as reflective mirror... however God truly is) "grants" my prayers.
Won't all those Mormons be surprised if there are celestial husband gay couples "up" there? Lol. Poor Mormons. All us gay guys, with our rainbow flags and Judy Garland records (and Lady Gaga, from the younger set) will really spoil their heavenly, big family dinners, won't we? Wink.
I think there will be lots of surprises about heaven (and the meaning of life, the nature of God, etc) when all is said and done. There, will, I do not doubt, be all sorts of unexpected and delightful things about the afterlife (or 5D earth, or whatever vision of what comes next that one prefers)... assuming, of course, that there really is something “more.” Of course, no one can say for sure, but I rather think there is something more/after/coming/to follow. And, I suspect, it will be more varied, and have much more room and latitude for what various beings, persons, humans, souls, doggies, etc., might consider “heavenly.”
But at any rate, I still vote for eliminating the River of Forgetting. I think (for those who want to come back to earth for another go round) that there would still be things to learn and do, even if we remembered what we learned/did in previous incarnations.
As, for me, I am (when it's my time) ready for: that crystal stair (since life as it currently exists on earth "ain't one!"), my close up, Mr. DeMille, and for lots of rainbow flags and Judy Garland records up there in the clouds. Life has been, on the whole, very full and interesting, and I will take however much more of it is in the cards. But I am ready to go home, whenever it’s time... as long as hubby and doggie will be with me. I'd like for God to take all three of us, peacefully, at once, when it is time… Is that too much to ask?
Heaven will be great, I imagine, and I intend to stay there and not come back. Maybe, when hubby, doggie and I get there, the Mormons will even let us have some of the fried chicken from their family dinners (IF, that is, we don't play Judy too loudly... wink)!
-M
