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.