The Cloud of Un-praying

Mystics of the Middle Ages invited us to enter "the cloud of Un-knowing." Now we enter the cloud of Un-praying.

Whether Muslim or Jew, Christian or Hindu, Pagan or Atheist, whether practicing the way of the Sufi or the Jesus Prayer, Zen, Transcendental Meditation, or Sahaj Samadhi, this is the time when earth yearns for our inmost tranquility.

At 490,000 miles per hour we hurtle round the core, yet the black hole at the galaxy's heart feels only majestic stillness, imparting this same immovable wonder to the heart of every proton in our body.

Ah, sweet zero, beginning every prayer. All our devotions start with "O." O Christ, O Mary, O Krishna, O Radha, Oshun Goddess, Om... Now drop the Name. Drop the Word. Drop the petition. Drop even the "O!"

Is there not a dazzling fructifying ineffable Silence before the first whisper of prayer? Even our "O" is born from the fiery darkness that has no center, no circumference.

Rest here, friend. The world needs you to rest here. Repose in the mystery before "O." Not prayer, but the womb of prayer.


Art by Natiana Nikolova