To the Seeker

By Rav Aryeh Carmell

Reserve your judgment; leave everything in doubt;
But remember above all
To doubt the axioms
On which your doubting’s based.

Be as critical as you like; question everything;
But remember above all
To question the premises
Of your own criticism.

Try to fulfil yourself; strive for self-expression;
But remember above all
That the ultimate goal of true service
Lies in self-surrender.

Learn for selfish ends; theorise for kicks;
But remember all is lost
Unless the final purpose of your learning
Is to transcend the self.

Use your intellect to the full, extend it to the utmost;
But recognise all the same
That deeper yet than intellect
Lies the undefinable, the refinable I.

The intellect is a powerful tool; precise; incisive;
But remember there is one sphere
Where the effectiveness of its cutting edge depends
On refinement of personality.

Try to grasp it all; clutch; extend yourself;
But remember—to clear the block,
To lay yourself open to the deeper sources of your being,
Often you must unclench the mind in prayer.