The Third Desert: The Story of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue

This book, The Third Desert: The Story of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue, was written by Fabrice Blée in French and translated into English by William Skudlarek with Mary Grady.  It was one of my required readings for the upcoming session #7 of Academy #32 for the Academy for Spiritual Formation. 

Though it wasn't an easy book to get through, there were many moments in which I found my spirit resonating with the message in it.  I found it to be another book that affirmed some things I have been growing into as well as challenging me into taking further steps of growth in the journey. 

An underlying premise to dialogue is listening.  And, in order to listen to the other, we must first be able to listen to ourselves and our Creator.  This requires making the time for solitude. 

Though the book focuses on the topic of monastic dialogue with one another, it does often show the need for this dialogue within the entire Kingdom and by example, shows that it can be done with "the other". 

As I read the book, I thought back to a paper I wrote a few years ago in seminary that discussed the open doors of some churches to the Muslim faith community needing a place to worship.  These communities had entered into dialogue with one another.  The research and writing of that paper was stretching for me and a marker in my journey.  I saw some wonderful examples of hospitality and dialogue, things which I have just read again in The Third Desert.

Here are some of the nuggets I gathered from this book:

• "...the more one enters deeply into one's own religion the more one is able to go to the heart of other religious traditions." (19)
• "...dialogue was necessary to counter mutual ignorance and the prejudices that were still too often present among the spiritual practitioners of different religions." (63)
• "It [entering into dialogue] involves making one's way toward the unknown and being willing to call everything into question.  But it also involves rediscovering oneself as a God-seeker and it offers the possibility of opening new horizons and moving beyond illusory certitudes and well-established routines." (73)
• "It is not enough to make experiences happen; they have to be reflected on, and what has been experienced has to be put into words." (123)
• "Encounter with the other as other is an opportunity, not a danger. The great challenge of our time is to make such encounters part of our spiritual practice." (134)
• "The more one descends into the depth of one's being, the more one draws near to the source from which all drink.  To live in the presence of the divine reinforces one's awareness of unity with the other and with the entire universe." (140)
• "Dialogue is spiritual when it invites the partners in dialogue to grow together in the Spirit and to anticipate the "kingdom of God"." (140)

There are many more nuggets that I gleaned from this book-- from the history of the dialogues that the monks have had to truths and examples and insight. 

Though I jokingly referred to this book as The Dry Desert once or twice, it truly took me on a deeper journey that isn't simply head knowledge. 

I look forward to discussing this book with others at the upcoming Academy session.  I also look forward to the opportunity to put into practice what I have learned from this book.

Though I'm unable to attend due to seminary responsibilities, home-life responsibilities and financial constraints, I did learn of a desert pilgrimage that would have been interesting to participate in.  It is an interfaith pilgrimage to the American Southwest: Exploring the Spirit of the Desert, sponsored by Spiritual Directors International.  Check it out at their link here.  A PDF flyer for the pilgrimage is available here for download and/or sharing.

What opportunities do you have to dialogue with "the other"?  Are you willing? 

We can learn and grow from the experience because we will ultimately learn more about ourselves and our own faith background in the process.  It is an important part of the journey.  At least for me it is.  Especially as I seek to love God and love others.  I cannot do the second part if I am not willing to enter into dialogue with them. 

Blessings on your journey,

~Debra ☺