- Time of past OR future Camino
- Many, various, and continuing.
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These labyrinths served as symbolic journeys for pilgrims unable to reach the Holy Land because of war, disease, and inaccessibility of Jerusalem at different times in history. In fact, the centers of these labyrinths were known as "The New Jerusalem." Pilgrimage to one of these cathedrals, and walking the labyrinths within them, fulfilled the seeker's religious commitment of journeying to Jerusalem.
The three-fold path of the pilgrim, as coined by the 16th century mystic Theresa of Avila, provides a guideline that can be applied to walking the labyrinth. Our walk in, towards center, we begin the symbolic path of purgation, of releasing, letting-go, quieting the mind and surrendering. The center represents illumination, opening to the Divine. Our return path is union or communion, strengthened from our journey and being granted the power to act within our community. Although we walk this path as individuals, and sometimes we may feel lost and not know where we are on the path, we are walking with others, who may also feel the same. We each find our own natural rhythm, a pace that may change throughout our time on the labyrinth. This is the pace our body wants to go, not our mind. We may feel a need to stop along the way. We may need to pass someone whose pace is slower than our own. We may follow in another's footsteps. We will also come 'face to face' with others along the path. How do we negotiate our meetings with others as we move along the path? What concerns, joys, or questions come up for us as we walk our spiritual paths? Our journey within the vessel of the labyrinth thus becomes a metaphor for our journey through life.
This is for me a very interesting thread as it emphasises the importance of the journey, whereas the Church maintains that the destination is what matters.
Yes. And it won't be nice. Plan for at least one rest day afterwards if she catches you. :lol:Rebekah Scott said:If you leave litter up there, I will personally hunt you down.
methodist.pilgrim.98 said:This is for me a very interesting thread as it emphasises the importance of the journey, whereas the Church maintains that the destination is what matters.
Don't want to get too side tracked on this but which "Church"?
Where do they teach that?
As someone who is interested in the spirituality of the Camino and has been taught a little bit of church history I'm not sure you are right. The journey as well as the destination is emphasised.
Spiritual preparation
Although there is physical effort involved, the pilgrimage is essentially a spiritual experience and it is recommended that pilgrims take some time before starting to prepare for this.
Your motives
We urge you to think about your motives for wishing to make the pilgrimage to Santiago. Traditionally these fell into three categories: from a personal desire; to complete a vow; or in atonement for sins. Some people may be attracted to the cultural aspects of the journey. These entirely complement the religious heart of the Camino and indeed making the Way often leads the pilgrim to draw closer to God.
Here are some of the reasons which pilgrims give for making the pilgrimage:
• To find oneself
• To find the meaning of one’s life
• To find a favourable environment to think and reflect
• To fulfil a promise
• To meet other pilgrims
• To follow of millions of others that have done the Way over the centuries
• To learn more of the culture and art along the Way
• To honour St James, one of Jesus’ Apostles
• To deepen and enrich faith in God
The Apostle Saint James
The Way that you set out on (it does not matter which route) has as its goal reaching the Tomb of the Apostle Saint James.
falcon269 said:The Pilgrim Office says that the goal is reaching the tomb:Spiritual preparation
Although there is physical effort involved, the pilgrimage is essentially a spiritual experience and it is recommended that pilgrims take some time before starting to prepare for this.
Your motives
We urge you to think about your motives for wishing to make the pilgrimage to Santiago. Traditionally these fell into three categories: from a personal desire; to complete a vow; or in atonement for sins. Some people may be attracted to the cultural aspects of the journey. These entirely complement the religious heart of the Camino and indeed making the Way often leads the pilgrim to draw closer to God.
Here are some of the reasons which pilgrims give for making the pilgrimage:
• To find oneself
• To find the meaning of one’s life
• To find a favourable environment to think and reflect
• To fulfil a promise
• To meet other pilgrims
• To follow of millions of others that have done the Way over the centuries
• To learn more of the culture and art along the Way
• To honour St James, one of Jesus’ Apostles
• To deepen and enrich faith in God
The Apostle Saint James
The Way that you set out on (it does not matter which route) has as its goal reaching the Tomb of the Apostle Saint James.
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