A Zen Unitarian Universalist Looks at the Feast of St Seraphim of Sarov

Today is the feast of St Seraphim of Sarov, perhaps the most famous of the Eastern Christian saints. An ascetic and mystic, Seraphim is frequently compared to St Francis of Assisi.

Now I’m no fan of extreme asceticism. And Seraphim is something of an exemplar of that reckless enthusiasm, throwing himself into extreme disciplines that no doubt had a negative effect on his health. But there is also something in the character of fierce devotion to practice that can be lost by those of us who seek paths with less obvious damage. I’m painfully aware of people at my end of the spectrum of discipline who end up playing in shallow waters for their whole lives, never pushing through the easy distractions, and ultimately throwing the opportunity of this life away. So, as a solitary without obligation beyond his quest for the beatific vision, I think hazarding early death justifiable. I believe the quest is that important. Absolutely. And he offers a lesson for all of us who tread the spiritual way. Throw your whole being into the matter. It is that important.

Thinking of this saint I also find myself thinking about miraculous visions. In Saraphim’s case it is impossible to ignore. But really, they’re part and parcel of all religious traditions, including my own. We on the Zen way, however, take a jaundiced view of visionary experiences. We tend to offer two views. One is “don’t worry, they’ll pass.” And the teaching is that these visions are distractions. They’re called makyo, literally diabolic interference. The second view is “don’t worry, they’ll pass.” But with an acknowledgment they show motion on the spiritual path. So, experience them. And as long as one doesn’t stop and build shrines to them, there is nothing wrong in the experience. Just more experiences.

I have no idea what the saint thought of his moments of grace. But I do notice his admirers make a great deal of them. Too much in my estimation.

And. As a universalist admirer, I try to take the accounts, hear them, and let them be pointers for a moment, but hold them lightly…

That is, of course, the universal solvent on the spiritual way. Hold everything lightly. But most of all hold our own ideas and experiences lightly. Don’t build shrines to moments. Let them happen. Then let them go…

Do this and the holy appears.

Seraphim is said to have said “Acquire a peaceful spirit and thousands around you will be saved.”

I find this a great teaching. Of course that word saved has so many meanings.

But just for argument’s sake, let’s say saved isn’t for some future time, like pennies in a toy bank. Let’s say saved is for here and now and the eternity revealed in this here and now.

We take it that way and the saint’s advice could be said by anyone who has followed the way authentically.

A lovely, lovely pointer.

Open your heart and all will be saved.

Good news.