An even more dramatic story in this regard comes from the life of the great sixteenth-century Spanish mystic and saint, John of the Cross. Along with his elder mentor, St. Teresa of Avila, he sought to reform the Carmelite Order to its original purity, which had been lost over time.
His reform efforts were met by fierce opposition from powerful Church leaders, and in 1577 John was arrested, imprisoned, and tortured. Kept in a tiny cell, which was no more than a crawl space between two walls, he was subjected to frequent public lashings and a starvation diet. This went on for seven months.
Finally, one evening in the dead of night, a great light appeared in his cell, and Christ stood before him. The prison walls seemed to melt away, and he quietly made his escape. Though weakened and in pain from his harsh treatment, he found his way to one of St. Teresa’s convents, where he was protected and nursed back to health. Later he received protection from the Pope, who gave him permission to found and lead a new monastic order.
Friends, if you feel the problems of life are closing in around you, and all your exit strategies lead to dead ends, remember to seek help from God and the great saints. Through them alone can we find the soul freedom we are seeking.
Swami Kriyananda composed a wonderful children’s song whose words are:
“Nothing on earth can hold me;
Rise, O my soul, in freedom.
Nothing on earth can hold me;
Rise, O my soul, in freedom.
“Rise, O my soul, in freedom:
Nothing to fear anymore.
Rise, O my soul, in freedom:
Nothing to fear anymore.”
May your search for inner freedom be met with fulfillment.
Nayaswami Devi
P.S. There is much happening in honor of the Mahasamadhi of Paramhansa Yogananda, March 7th. Visit our events pageto see the various programs you can join for free virtually throughout the day.
