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Hugh Nibley wrote:Russell M. Nelson wrote:
Nearly a week after the Lord was with his disciples at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus took “Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,“And was transfigured before them: and … there appeared unto them Moses and [Elijah].” (Matt. 17:1–3.)
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Mountains were often used anciently for the same purposes temples are used today. Moses, for example, was brought to Mount Sinai to be instructed there by the Lord.
Mountains are not easy to climb. Then, as now, the Lord called His disciples to climb mountains to emphasize the efficacy of effort and obedience. He will ask the same of you, figuratively and possibly literally, also.
Christ again used a mountain to emphasize effort in His Sermon on the Mount. While speaking near the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, His disciples were commanded to be perfect even as their Father in Heaven. They were taught the principles of prayer. They were commanded to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The Lord promised salvation to those who followed His example in doing the will of His Father. (See Matt. 5–7.)
There is another important mountain known in today’s Israel, as in yesteryear, as Mount Moriah. Now ornamented by objects and mosques of man, it still suggests sacred recollection of the obedience and faith of Abraham and Isaac. Their long three-day journey from Beersheba to Mount Moriah was taken at the request of God. Moriah in the Hebrew language means “seen or chosen by Jehovah.”
The first sacred temple of Jerusalem was constructed on Mount Moriah. At that site, Jesus attended the remodeled second temple. Initially He called it “my Father’s house.” (John 2:16.) There He accomplished the first cleansing of the temple by driving out the money-changers.
I live near the Rocky Mountains. Sundays recently have been outside walks in the beautiful summer weather. I’m not a morning person, but find myself wanting to wake up at 5:30, get a bowl of grape-nuts, and watch the sun rise from my deck. It is incredibly spiritual. It is something I think in my rat-race paced lifestyle, I have taken for granted and am just rediscovering.
Anyone else have experiences where nature provides a spirituality and a closeness to something mystical? If so, please share.
For me some of the most spiritual moments of my life have come from nature. My favorite is to watch trees druing a breeze, something about the unseen force moving the branches, the sound of the leaves as they are stirred by the wind is very powerful. I also enjoy a good, hard rain storm I think because it dispalys the beauty and power of nature. People, including me, are stupid. It’s great to get to a place where I’m not distracted by stupidity – even from myself. It’s REALLY hard to feel powerful and proud when you are alone with nature that dwarfs you. Heber13 wrote:
Anyone else have experiences where nature provides a spirituality and a closeness to something mystical? If so, please share.I mentioned on Steve’s intro that for me, it was a Sunday in the mountains that brought me a spirituality I felt was much better
for methan church. It was a turning point in my spiritual journey, and I’ve since spent much time analyzing why that is for me. First, I think to a degree “spirituality” is hormonal. When we get the right combo of seratonin, dopamine, and other endorphins, we feel “good.” Our mind is clear, we are stimulated by the aerobic nature of the hike, and the beauties of nature give us a natural gratitude for our existence. I agree with others that additionally, it allows us to forget our normal stresses of work, etc…by focusing on the simpleness of nature. It is hard to feel the pressures of life when you are away from the sounds of the phone, TV, and the constant negativity of the media. I also think the clean, crisp air cleanses us too.
I literally have my church in the mountains every week. I take a half day and usually go to one of the lakes up our Cottonwood Canyons. Yesterday I went to Lake Blanche. The wildflowers were in full bloom and more stunning than I’ve ever seen them on the Mill B trail there. I take 20-30 minutes to eat a snack at the lake before I head back down. The meditation time is very relaxing and quieting to my soul. I find myself quite upbeat the rest of the day — even after getting back to “normal life.”
Many might not call this “spiritual,” as “God” is not mentioned. I believe that whatever/whomever God is, “He” is intimately involved in all of nature’s creations…so I see it as stepping outside the traditional box to find spirit there.
At least that’s how I see it today.
~Rix
One of the best of recent spiritual experiences, and most refreshing mentally/emotionally, happened to me this past spring. I took a chair out into the woods in our back yard. It was later in the evening after dark. I just sat there in the quiet and solitude for an hour or two. I just soaked it all in and felt love for that time with no words, no noises (except from nature), no electronics, no kids, nobody needing anything from me, nothing but me and nature and God (the big cosmic energy image).
Rix wrote:Many might not call this “spiritual,” as “God” is not mentioned. I believe that whatever/whomever God is, “He” is intimately involved in all of nature’s creations…so I see it as stepping outside the traditional box to find spirit there.
Thanks for sharing…I think it is interesting that there seems to be a correlation with people I talk to that the more time they spend in nature…the more “God” or creator or “Big Cosmic Energy” is reflected on, just because the beauties of it all.
Could one apprecate a great artist or composer if all they did ws read text about them? One needs to witness and experience what they have created to appreciate them and the same goes for God. Fiannan wrote:Could one apprecate a great artist or composer if all they did ws read text about them? One needs to witness and experience what they have created to appreciate them and the same goes for God.
Well said, Fiannan
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