The Rowan Tree

by Robert W. Fuller

“If there were a God, he’d want us to act as if there weren’t.” Lahiri smiled, then elaborated. “I use the term “god” as shorthand for the whole inner thrust of things, for the mystery and the intelligibility of nature. Nature includes human heartfulness and mindfulness. Leave those out and you’re omitting the most interesting phenomenon in our corner of the cosmos.

“Love grew as we built a sanctuary in which we felt safe. The golden rule of relationships is “Cause no indignity.” A loving relationship is one in which both partners take care to protect each other’s dignity. A wounded soul heals more slowly than a wounded body, so it is as important to avoid indignity as it is to avoid outright harm.”