Invisible Lines Of Connection: Sacred Stories Of The Ordinary (Kushner) Download Free (EPUB, PDF)
“Suppose there is something going on in the universe which is to ordinary, everyday reality as our unconcious is to our daily lives? Softly, but unmistakably guiding it. Most of the time, we are unaware of it. Yet, every now and then, on account of some ‘fluke,’ we are startled by the results of its presence. We realize we have been part of something with neither consciousness nor consent. It is so sweet―and then it is gone. You say, ‘But I don’t believe in God.’ And I ask, ‘What makes you think it matters to God?"’ ―from > Lawrence Kushner, whose previous books have opened up new spiritual possibilities, now tells us stories in a new literary form. Through his everyday encounters with family, friends, colleagues and strangers, Kushner takes us deeply into our lives, finding flashes of spiritual insight in the process. Such otherwise ordinary moments as fighting with his children, shopping for bargain basement clothes, or just watching a movie are revealed to be touchstones for the sacred. This is a book where literature meets spirituality, where the sacred meets the ordinary, and, above all, where people of all faiths, all backgrounds can meet one another and themselves. Kushner ties together the stories of our lives into a roadmap showing how everything “ordinary” is supercharged with meaning―if we can just see it.
Series: Kushner
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Jewish Lights (January 1, 1998)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1879045982
ISBN-13: 978-1879045989
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #134,802 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #53 in Books > Textbooks > Humanities > Religious Studies > Judaism #450 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism #1413 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Occult & Paranormal
There have been many books of this genre lately, but this is by far the best written. In four dozen short, free associational essays, Kushner addresses many of the deeper issues of life. If you are looking for an accessible way of thinking about the problem of evil, the dilemma of closeness and letting go, the issue of meaning within apparent chaos, this is the book to read. Some will want to go to deeper and more challenging books after this one. For those who like dessert before the main course, Kushner is the choice.
I borrowed this book from a friend and have already read it twice. As a Jewish professional, I had heard about "the other Rabbi Kushner!" but had not read his writings before. I loved his down to earth, practical, easy to embrace spirituality combined with his intellect, humor and modesty. I am trying to figure out how I can use this book in my work - thank you Rabbi Kushner.
This book inspired me. It changed the way I teach and look at the world. Here is something that I remembered from my life because of reading this book.I picked this book up again the other day.I usesd to be an avid baseball card collector. Recently I was looking through the pages of the albums that I had collected. I realized that these cards were more than money value. These cards were a tangible connection to different periods in my childhood and adolescence. Looking at them brought back a flood of memories. I laughed at the thought of some of my buddies. I got a little nostalgic thinking of the times I spent in my friend Zach's living room trading cards. I remembered going to a junky baseball card shop with Kyle and Ryan in Safety Harbor, Florida and the excitement I heard when my mom said, "yes" to my inevitable question, "can I buy a pack?"Perhaps that is why my cards sit on the top shelf of my closet collecting dust, even after nine moves. They sit there as a physical representation of all the memories that are stored inside me. They are a portable reminder of a time when I felt safe and the world made more sense. In the scriptures, God instructs the Hebrews to set up stones when they are to remember things. Perhaps some of those cards are my stones?
I found "Invisible Lines of Connection" to be a really insightful, enjoyable read. In fact, I didn't want the book to end!Through a series of true, personal short-stories, the author (Lawrence Kushner) shows how sacred our daily experiences/lives are, and how everyone & everything is ultimately connected to everyone/thing else.The stories are categorized under four "main" topics - that of reverence, inheritance, responsibility & connection - with each story providing examples of how each of these topics can show up in our lives.I really liked the fact that the author put himself out there - sharing HIS stories, so that we all might gain an understanding through his experiences.Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in those invisible, pervasive lines of connection that influence our lives, and help to make us who we are.
That line at the closing of the book has stuck with me.At first a profound, then blasphemous, then back to profound.I'm a Lawrence Kushner fan and this is my favorite of his books! He writes in a deep, yet easy style that allows you to get what he's trying to share and be changed and challenged by it.If you read just one of his books let it be this one, but all are worth study. He's still my second favorite Kushner though, behind Rabbi Harold S. Kushner.
There is really no separations, tho invisable, as we live, we make visable the real connection in our lives.A delight as we go along the path of connectness with the author. Great title!
Each chapter gave another illustration of the way things work in a world where there are no coincidences. This was a nice meditation on life and its man layers of reality.
Rabbi Kushner never disappoints. This book of commonplace stories reveals the possibility of the spiritual in every day life.
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