Rex Ambler

Ambler explains how Quakerism is a practical experiential sort of mysticism, that embraces the world as it brings together the active life with the contemplative life. The Quaker Way he invokes is the silent waiting in the Light practiced by Friends from the 17th century to the present. It is a way that both affirms the world and pursues spiritual awakening to oneness with the ultimate reality, and transforms us in the process.
He defines mysticism in general and the place of Quaker mysticism show more in it. If you crave answers to the great questions of how to live and the meaning and purpose of life, and you reject the answers of worldly authority or the escapism of hedonism, "success," or drugs, and can take courage to still face the questions, then mysticism can speak to your condition. Turn inward and you will find that you can trust your own experience of the Light that shows you some answers. And the Quaker way of mysticism keeps us in the world, with answers to how to live in it.
This way requires discipline and persistence, but rewards us with a way to live in harmony and joy. It is difficult, since reality is elusive for us humans, so blinded as we usually are by our preoccupation with things in this world. As we go, however, the Light will show us the reality, the world as it is, the unity of it all, and bring us increasingly into living in this unity. We experience the presence of God within us as well as harmony with the world, as we connect with the reality beyond time. And the Quaker Way is not just to see the oneness, but to practice it.
Ambler addresses the objection of some that Quakerism is Christian and looks to Christ as its center, not to mysticism, and is therefore not mystical. Ambler replies that Christ is encountered by Quakers within them, as immediate and direct experience, as mystical experience.
There is plenty in here, both deep and helpful. It can take some rereading and even some note taking. Fortunately, the style is friendly and clear. show less

In this valuable pamphlet, that feels highly appropriate to these times, Ambler addresses the question of how we cope with the grief, fears, confusion, and anger that come with living in dark times. He found in the writings of early Friends, particularly George Fox and William Penn, profound guidance for facing the overwhelming darkness and for coming through to acceptance, empowerment to act with love and helpfulness, and peace. The path lies through contemplation, mindfulness, feeling the show more darkness, opening to the Light, acceptance of what we are shown, transformation, guidance, embracing the Oneness, and faithfully doing what we are led to. Ambler found his own experience confirming the advices of Fox and Penn.
A wise passage deepens our understanding of testimony, as bearing witness to the reality, the spiritual reality, of the relationship of people with each other and the world. Testimony is truth-living.
Ambler writes in a warm personal style. It takes some rereading to grasp all he is telling us, for this is deep inner spiritual work. See also his other PHP, #425. show less

Ambler explains how Quakerism is a practical experiential sort of mysticism, that embraces the world as it brings together the active life with the contemplative life. The Quaker Way he invokes is the silent waiting in the Light practiced by Friends from the 17th century to the present. It is a way that both affirms the world and pursues spiritual awakening to oneness with the ultimate reality, and transforms us in the process.
He defines mysticism in general and the place of Quaker show more mysticism in it. If you crave answers to the great questions of how to live and the meaning and purpose of life, and you reject the answers of worldly authority or the escapism of hedonism, "success," or drugs, and can take courage to still face the questions, then mysticism can speak to your condition. Turn inward and you will find that you can trust your own experience of the Light that shows you some answers. And the Quaker way of mysticism keeps us in the world, with answers to how to live in it.
This way requires discipline and persistence, but rewards us with a way to live in harmony and joy. It is difficult, since reality is elusive for us humans, so blinded as we usually are by our preoccupation with things in this world. As we go, however, the Light will show us the reality, the world as it is, the unity of it all, and bring us increasingly into living in this unity. We experience the presence of God within us as well as harmony with the world, as we connect with the reality beyond time. And the Quaker Way is not just to see the oneness, but to practice it.
Ambler addresses the objection of some that Quakerism is Christian and looks to Christ as its center, not to mysticism, and is therefore not mystical. Ambler replies that Christ is encountered by Quakers within them, as immediate and direct experience, as mystical experience.
There is plenty in here, both deep and helpful. It can take some rereading and even some note taking. Fortunately, the style is friendly and clear. show less

I very much enjoyed reading this pamphlet to Pat. I need to read it again to better internalize it. But how we react to the negative events in today's world would seem to reflect how grounded we are in our beliefs as Friends. We cannot simply pay lip service to our Testimonies if we wish them to mean something. In fact, we must trust that the Light exists, both internally in ourselves and in others, but also in the world at large.

Ambler held out a quotation from William Penn I had not before show more noticed: "True godliness don't turn men out of the world but enables them to live better in it, and excites their endeavors to mend it." show less