Brothers Karamazov

I just thought I would share with you all that I am reading a fabulous book, which most of you may have already read when younger and more tenacious about exposing yourself to classic literature. My exposure to most of the timeless masterpieces has been limited. However, I am at a place in my life where reading them is a priority and utter delight. And so this is what I want to share with you. The book that I am currently reading is 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I have heard some say that the details are a bit laborious but I have not found that to be true. I love the intricacy of the writing and care that the author has taken to say something profound even in the minutia. I am only a couple of hundred pages into it but the spiritual insight and truths that have already been introduced are thought provoking and worth contemplation. So, as some of you may have already read this lovely work of art and know what I am talking about, I am passing on a good word to the rest of you....you should pick this book up if you ever have a chance!

Here is an excerpt that I particularly enjoyed (not that I fully agree but I still find it beautiful)...this is being said by a distinguished and honorable elder of the church to a woman wrestling with her lack of faith in the future life....the 'enigma', as she puts it. This was the elder's response to her about how she could convince herself....

"By the experience of active love. Strive to love your neighbour actively and indefatigably. In as far as you advance in love you will grow surer of the reality of God and of the immortality of your soul. If you attain to perfect self-forgetfulness in the love of your neighbour, then you will believe without doubt, and no doubt can possibly enter your soul. This has been tried. This is certain."