The Wisdom of the Three Hermits: A Guide to True Prayer
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Human Rituals
Human beings often derive immense pleasure from structured routines. We place significant focus on the mechanisms of these practices, often neglecting their deeper meanings. This tendency is vividly illustrated through our rituals.
Consider the tale of a scholar who memorized the Tripitaka in the Zen tradition. He adhered to its every word, while his master struggled with basic reading. Yet, when the scholar experienced a glimpse of enlightenment, or "Satori," his first act was to burn the sacred text. He suffered from an "information overload," which can cloud one's ability to grasp authentic truths.
Section 1.1: The Encounter with the Hermits
A well-respected Bishop was journeying by ship when he learned of three elderly men residing on an island. Intrigued by their reputed piety, he felt compelled to meet them.
Despite the captain's efforts to dissuade him, the Bishop insisted on visiting the hermits. The ship anchored at a distance, and he was taken to shore by boat, where he found the three men standing together.
“I have heard,” he said, “that you, godly souls, dwell here in service to the Lord, praying for others. I, an unworthy servant of Christ, am called by His grace to guide and teach His flock. I wished to meet you and share what I can.”
The Bishop inquired, “How do you serve God?”
One hermit smiled and replied, “We do not know how to serve God. We only look after ourselves, servant of God.”
“But how do you pray?” the Bishop pressed.
“We pray this way,” they answered, “Three are ye, three are we, have mercy upon us.” Their simplicity made the Bishop smile.
“That is not how to pray,” he said. “Allow me to teach you, not from my own ideas but from the Holy Scriptures, as God commands all men to pray.”
He dedicated the entire day to instructing them patiently until they grasped the prayer. As the moon illuminated the sky, the Bishop took his leave, hearing their murmurs as they practiced until their voices faded. He gazed at the moonlit sea, reflecting on their joy at learning the Lord’s prayer and thanking God for the opportunity to help such devout men.
The Three Hermits: A Reflection on Spiritual Growth
In the first video, "Three Hermits. A Short Story by Leo Tolstoy," we delve into the essence of the tale, exploring the spiritual journey of the characters and their quest for understanding prayer.
Section 1.2: The Return of the Hermits
As the Bishop contemplated the beauty of the night sky, he noticed a shimmering light on the water approaching swiftly. Initially believing it to be a small boat or a bird, he called the helmsman in alarm when he saw three figures gliding over the water.
The three hermits called out in unison, “We have forgotten your teachings, servant of God. While we repeated them, we remembered, but now that we have ceased, the words have slipped away. Please teach us once more.”
The Bishop, crossing himself, leaned over the side of the ship and said, “Your own prayer will reach the Lord, men of God. It is not for me to instruct you. Pray for us sinners.”
The three elders returned as they had come, and Tolstoy writes, “a light shone until daybreak on the spot where they vanished from sight.”
Chapter 2: The Essence of True Faith
Tolstoy had a critical view of organized religion. His writings often highlight the erosion of the human spirit caused by the authoritarian nature of the Church.
The profound connection achievable through a pure heart is often obscured by rigid doctrines. In this beautiful story, the Bishop represents a noble figure whose potential is stifled by the constraints he must follow. The hermits, untouched by notions of right and wrong, exist in a non-dual world where neither they nor the Bishop is inherently wrong. Their quest to understand prayer reflects a genuine humility driven by innocent curiosity.
The Three Hermits | Leo Tolstoy: Insights into Simplicity
In the second video, "The Three Hermits | Leo Tolstoy #shortstories," we explore the significance of simplicity in faith and the importance of genuine connection with the divine.
The three hermits symbolize the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—demonstrating the balance of their divine essence. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
One hermit’s statement, “We don’t serve God, we simply take care of ourselves,” encapsulates Tolstoy's perspective: the concept of God is often a construct of the human mind. We create God and establish ourselves as servants to derive a false sense of fulfillment, as if life has a higher purpose best fulfilled through mere words.
This creates a divide within society—between the servers (clergy and elites) and the served (the uneducated, impoverished, and sinners). This division is a human-made concept; God is uninvolved in such matters.
Tolstoy warns us that true divinity lies in caring for ourselves; that is where our godliness resides, not in pursuing some lofty ideal.
Section 2.1: Understanding Prayer
Prayer is a state of being rather than a matter of words. The statement, “Three are ye, three are we, have mercy upon us,” is a straightforward acknowledgment devoid of demands. In true prayer, the specifics of what one says or does are less important than one's essence.
Ultimately, what truly matters is the authenticity of one’s heart in connection with the divine.