NUGGETS OF THE NEW THOUGHT/PART 13
THE SOLITUDE OF THE SOUL.
Lorado Taft's group—Description—Each stands alone—Each is in touch with
every other—Soul communion in silence—Silence is the sanctuary of the soul—The
oneness of life and its apparent separateness—The message.
In one of
the rooms of the Art Institute, in Chicago, stands a remarkable group, by
Lorado Taft, the sculptor, entitled "The Solitude of the Soul." The
average visitor stops a moment and passes on, commenting on the beauty of the
figures composing this group. A few hurry past, afraid to look at the figures,
for they are nude—as naked as the human soul before the gaze of its Creator.
(Some people are afraid of things not hidden by draperies—even the naked Truth
shocks them.) But the man or woman who thinks and understands—stops long before
this group, conscious that it tells the tale of a mighty truth.
Around a
large rock, stand four human figures—two men and two women. They are so placed
that but one figure is in full sight from any given point of view, although the
connection between any figure and the two on each side of it may be seen. It is
necessary to walk completely around the group to see the idea of the
sculptor—to read the story that he has written into the marble.
Each
figure has an individuality. Each stands alone. And yet each is in touch with
the one behind, and the one before. Each one is connected with all, yet each
one stands alone. One figure extends a hand to her brother just ahead of her,
and on her shoulder rests the tired head of the brother following her. Hand in
hand, or head on shoulder stand they, each giving to the other that human touch
and contact so dear to the soul craving that companionship of one who
understands.
Each face
shows sorrow, pain, and longing—that longing for that complete union of soul
with soul—that longing that earth-life cannot satisfy. And each feels and knows
that the other has the same longing. And each gives to the other that
comforting touch that says "I know—I know." Each face shows a great
human love mingled with its pain. Each face shows resignation mingled with its
grief. It is the old story of human love and human limitations. It is also a
story of deeper import—the story of the soul.
Every lip
is closed. Each man and woman is silent. And yet each understands the other.
Soul is communing with soul, in the Silence. And in the Silence alone can soul
converse with soul. Words cheapen the communication of soul to soul. With those
who understand us well, we can best commune in Silence. Hand in hand—cheek to
cheek—sit those who love well. The tale of love is told and re-told without a
word. Words serve their purpose in conveying the commonplaces of life, but seem
strangely inadequate to express the deeper utterances of the soul. The tale of
love—the story of sorrow—needs no words. The soul understands the message of
the soul—mind flashes the message to mind—and all is known. The fondest memory
of the one whom you loved and lost, is not of moments in which he spoke even
the most endearing words. The memory most sacred to you is that of some great
Silence lived out with the loved one—some moment in which each soul drew aside
its veil and gazed with awe into the depths of the other soul. Silence is the
sanctuary of the soul. Enter it only with due reverence. Uncover the head—tread
softly.
Each
figure stands alone, and yet in touch with all the rest. Each is apparently
separate and yet each is but a part of the whole. Each feels the frightful
solitude which comes to the soul when first it recognizes what it is. And yet,
in that dreadful moment each knows itself to be in touch with all of life. Each
feels that intense longing for a closer soul union—a reunion of the separated
parts of the whole. And yet each realizes the impossibility of the consummation
of that desire at this time—and they show their grief—they place the head upon
the shoulder of the other—they clasp the hand of the other—they touch the flesh
of the other—all as a symbol of the desire for the union of the soul.
This group
is a symbol of the oneness of life and its apparent separateness. A picture of
the in-touchness of each part of the whole, with every other part. A story of
the pain of the soul in its awful solitude—of its impotent striving for
at-one-ment. A representation of the communion of soul with soul, in the
Silence. A tale of the comfort and joy in the presence of another human form. A
message of The Brotherhood of Man. All this—and more—is in this group.
I wonder
if the sculptor saw it all, or whether he chiseled better than he knew.
Sometimes the Divine in man causes him to write better—paint better—cut
better—than he realizes. Others see much more in his essays, stories, poems,
paintings, statuary, than the maker knew was there. And the man himself, after
years have past again views his work, and wonders at the new story he reads
there. He feels dazed at having portrayed truths of which he dreamt not while
he worked. There are within us unexplored depths, of the existence of which we
do not dream. And from these depths, now and then, rise into our consciousness
beautiful thoughts—beautiful images—which we reproduce on paper—canvas—marble.
We do not understand these things, and we join with others in the feeling of
wonder inspired by the sight of the reproduction of that which came from the
depths of our mental being. And some, who have grown closer to the Real Self
within them, see beauties in our work to which we are blind. Not until the
scales fall from our eyes, do we realize the full meaning of our work.
Some call
this Inspiration. But those who have pierced the veil know that it is inspiration
from within, not from without. It is the voice of the Divine spark within man,
whispering to the consciousness which is struggling to know better that Higher
Self—a whisper of encouragement and good cheer—a portent of the future—a
glimpse of the distant light—a bestowal of a few crumbs from the table of the
Spirit.
I know
not, I say, whether Lorado Taft knew what he chiseled. I know not whether he is
a man of deep spiritual insight. But this I do know, that this group, "The
Solitude of the Soul" is the work of the Spirit within this man. And his
work carries a deep spiritual message to those who are ready to receive it. And
in years to come this message will be understood by thousands, for everyone who
receives it to-day. This work shall live long after its maker has forsaken the
earthly body that he now uses as an instrument. It will live because it carries
a message—because it conveys a mighty truth.
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