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Being Shakespeare
This section of the site is contributed by Jim Parmiter and Tom Phillips | ||||
There are many reasons to look to the wisdom of Shakespeare, but most of all he represents in us the essence of our humanity. He has continued the golden thread of all classical traditions by breathing into the English language the truth of all ages. "Being Shakespeare" is what we all do best, and no lesson is greater proof than a fresh look into the immortal mirror held up by the teacher of all time, our own true Self. A true teacher can offer to us this vision of understanding and serves as our guide, but we must still do the work. We need only to listen and reawaken our sense of discovery. Let the eyes of Shakespeare be your eyes, his ears your ears, his speech your speech. As such one should look upon these sonnets as part of this education for living and indeed a very practical philosophy. This is not the study of the past or of someone else. You are the subject of these sonnets and when you meet the observations of Shakespeare with the light of understanding your growth will make them shine within you. To be very practical we must first start with a fresh approach and also be all forgiving should we find ourselves stumbling into ancient habits. Just listen,…… just listen ……..and then just listen. Give up an academic approach, and just relax allowing the meaning of these words to reveal themselves to you. Time is a factor and patience, but the effort here is one of letting go of all preconceived notions. So in this practice of listening to the sonnets, take note of all that arises in the mind but do not dwell, do not try to figure out or grasp for meaning. Some have found the most useful way to appreciate the sonnets is to allow memory to work in a way without forced repetition to accomplish some sort of acquisitive end. Let your interest be your guide. In this program we will attempt to provide a good starting point with some commentary. Routinely new recordings and commentaries of sonnets will appear on this page. Right and wrong interpretations are not the goal here, for only he who stands before the mirror may best speak of his vision. What is your vision? | ||||
| Jim Parmiter
James Parmiter, is currently a practicing Pharmacist in a community of New Jersey. Married 26 years to wife Mary and also has a son 25 years old also a pharmacist. He has been involved in the study of practical philosophy for 17 years and is currently a student of this school. I asked James what influence Shakespeare had had on his study and understanding of Practical Philosophy: "I have always had some inclination to eastern and western philosophy especially non-dualistic teachings. Some 12 years ago I became interested in Shakespeare's sonnets and surprisingly began to see the patterns of great teachings rendered in the most beautiful use of the English language. Reciting the sonnets became a natural practice to unfold their meaning". "It is my wish along with the grace of my teachers that I may share with you some of my practice. Swami Vagishananda and others have added great clarity to purpose by offering me this opportunity to share. May you enjoy, explore and discover what you most need to know, using this tool of words in this great Education For Living". . |
Tom Phillips
Thomas Phillips is a recent graduate of Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. Despite graduating with a BA in History, Thomas currently teaches Algebra and Geometry at a private school in Wickatunk (New Jersey). Presently, Thomas is pursuing a Master's degree while he and his lovely wife Jody care for their two-year-old son (Jordan).
Thomas has been involved in various spiritual teachings since the age of thirteen, but has committed himself to his mentor (James Parmiter) for the past three years. Together, Thomas and James have explored Shakespeare's sonnets and have a great wealth of insights and practices to offer. I asked Thomas, "Why The Sonnets as part of a spiritual teaching?" He replied: "The Sonnets command the attention. At the very least it is an intellectual journey; yet, with the right practices, guidance and correct interpretation, it is a means toward emotional maturity." Thomas' prayer for himself, his teachers, and the school: "I pray that the material offered to students reveals the profundity of the sonnets in a manner that breeds interest, inquiry, and understanding in the light of the teaching. I pray that the words of Shakespeare may influence you in a way that leads toward a desire of knowing yourself. May you all enjoy what is offered. Sincerely, Thomas J. Phillips | |||
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 Education for Living | ||||
