─ Chapter Eight ─ Wisdom and Discernment

― Chapter Eight ―

Wisdom & Discernment

Val took her coffee and found a seat near the window so she had a good view of The Royal Courts of Justice. She loved its Victorian Gothic architecture, a revered place where legal judgements were handed down on all manner of cases.
       She had alighted from her number eleven bus - sat on the top deck as usual - near The Savoy Hotel to test out a friend’s theory that if you walked into any hotel in the world with confidence you would not be challenged, even though the only motive was to use their toilet. It worked! She walked in, not too fast, not to slow, good posture, holding her most expensive hand bag gingerly under her arm. She spotted the sign and after greeting the concierge with a warm “Good morning” made her way directly to the toilet revelling in the plush red carpet cushioning her feet. The warm one-use luxury hand towels were as impressive as the tiled floor. This is the poshest wee I have ever had, she thought to herself, as she sampled some of the complimentary perfume from the spotless glass shelf, adjusting the collar of her jacket before leaving. A sense of cheekiness descended on her as she approached the concierge once more and, without any thought said “darling you have the best privy in town, must dash, I have a date with a judge and can’t be late!” He smiled broadly as he opened the door for her, nodded and said “It has been a pleasure marm.”

       She stirred her coffee thinking of Patrick who would probably arrive shortly and was looking forward to spending time with him. She looked at the courts building again and wondered what the Lord Chief Justice would decide in a case she had been following. Having arrived early Val took out the Koran in its dark orange embroidered cover and placed it on the clean table, almost with reverence. She had bought it a few months ago and treasured it, along with her growing collection of sacred texts. She gingerly took it out of its cover and found the marked places to re-read two passages.

O you who have attained to faith!

If you remain conscious of God,

He will endow you with a standard by which to discern

the true from the false,

and will clear evil from you,

and will forgive you your mistakes:

for God is limitless in the abundance of His blessing.

Sürah al-Anfäl 8²⁹

Discernment is the innate capacity within the human being to make distinctions, especially to discern the good and the true from the bad and the false.

     In the realm of our own experience we can come to discern the qualities of the Spirit from the qualities of the compulsive ego. The ego is most concerned with its own survival, comfort, and vanity. The ego is the source of envy, resentment, pride, hypocrisy, guilt, and blame. Spirit, on the other hand, is inwardly supportive, patient, forgiving, generous with no strings attached, humble without being weak, loving yet impartial.

     The individualised Spirit, which we call the soul, can learn to see beyond its immediate identifications in the material and psychological worlds and resonate with Spirit. Spirit possesses us; we don’t possess It. We become aware of It and join with It. We become in Love with It. Eventually and incredibly, the ego, which had been such a tyrant, begins to lose its power and becomes a willing servant.

     As we become familiar with Spirit, the material world - with all its diversity, with all that can be gained and lost - becomes secondary. It is not less important, but secondary in priority. We become less dependent on circumstances for our sense of well-being. We feel connected to Life and Spirit.

     What may appear as a loss, for instance, in the material world is seen differently in the world of Spirit where nothing can be lost. This does not mean that our grief just disappears - losses are still losses. The sorrows of life embitter some, and shatter others. Yet these same sorrows may set all of life against the backdrop of eternity, and become a fountain of refreshment, a living energy to draw on. The agony of Jesus, the pain of Mary, the submission of Muåammad and ªAlï are reminders that suffering cannot be avoided... and yet we are blessed.

     The same Life that gave before will continue to give. We know and are aware that the Giver of Life, the Provider, the Generous One, the Beloved can take any shape. People and events do not lose their significance; they become witnesses and evidence of Spirit, transparent to the radiance of Spirit. We begin to see the qualities of the Creator in the creation. The heart is the manifesting part of the Spirit. It is activated through the unconditional love of life around us. Together with others we increase our life.

     If it weren’t for the presence of Spirit, this world would truly be a prison. But with Spirit and the faculty in humans that can perceive It, the world displays the infinite attributes of the One.

The Book of Revelations, 122-123

       The words seemed to possess a life of their own that, in turn, possessed the reader who was open to their meaning. Val had read these passages many times. Before setting off to catch the bus from her aunt’s house in Fulham she had used the Revelations passage in her personal Lectio Divina practice. It had been just over two weeks since the Seven’s first reunion and Val was now sure what Spirit was asking her to do.

       She had stayed behind at Mahayana after the rest had left. She sat in the garden outside the drawing room and stared at the plants, listening to the relaxing trickles of water on the stones. In the peace and tranquillity of that moment Val heard a voice; she could not tell whether it was a man or a woman’s voice. It’s quality was aetheric. “Write a book on wisdom and discernment. The words will fall into your lap. Welcome them. Many coincidences will happen, welcome them. Many people will help you in this task. Welcome them. You will be surprised by who becomes convinced by its messages. I will be your editor.” She had day dreamed earlier that she would know her next task before leaving Mahayana and so it was. Spirit had spoken and further evidence would be provided to her before the day was over.

       She arrived back at her parents’ cottage in Holsworthy at about five o’clock, just in time for a light meal. Tom, her brother, arrived just as the food was being served. ‘I don’t know how Tom but you have a knack of turning up at just the right time’, Val’s mum declared. ‘Call me psychic - runs in the family’, winking at Val. Tom and Val hugged and sat down to catch up on news about the crops, comings, goings and local gossip.

       ‘You arf to that ere special meetin tonight Val?’ asked Val’s mum.

       ‘Yes, fancy coming?

       ‘Now you know what I’s thinks about all that stuff my dear.’

       ‘I know mum, but you are welcome, anyone is.’

       ‘Thanks love, I promised to go round to our Margaret’s for a game of cards and a drink.’

       ‘Have you won anything recently?’

       ‘Yes actually, I had a smashing prial of aces a few weeks back and Sid was so cocksure that his hand was better it got quite ‘citing. There was fifty pounds in the pot and just he and me see, well I knew I was gonna win like but you know how stubborn that man is it went on and on. We had to write numbers on bits of paper see as we’d run out of cash. Anyways, I thought I betta see ‘im see before he was too out of pocket...’

       ‘That was very charitable of you mum.’

       ‘... so I saw him; you should have seen his face. He had a run of Jacks which is a mighty good ‘and but mine were betta.’

       ‘How much did you win?’

       ‘ A hundred and twenty smackers, thank you very much.’

       ‘Did he pay it?’

       ‘That’s the strange thing.’

       ‘He came round the following morning for his usual coffee see and paid the balance in full. I bet he got asked questions at the bank unless, of course, he raided his stash under the floorboards.’

       Everyone chuckled at this comic account and congratulated her on having nerves of steel and a face that, on that occasion, gave nothing away.

       ‘Tom, you coming with me? It’s Sheena Ball.’

       ‘How much?’

       ‘It’s only two pounds each, I’ll treat you if you give me a lift.’

       ‘Done!’

       They arrived at the Spiritualist church in Chilsworthy with ten minutes to spare. Meryl greeted and hugged them both. They made their way in and took their seats near the front. There were about eighty people present. Val could see the church had been decorated recently and the fold-up chairs had been re-upholstered. The church was not allowed to charge for its Sunday services - a voluntary collection is taken - but they can charge for special events and Sheena Ball is one of those. She is a very experienced medium and usually somehow manages to get to everyone present. After they had croaked their way through a hymn and a song, notices given and prayers of purpose and protection offered, Sheena stood. It was extraordinary. She did not hesitate. Evidence was provided quickly, people were comforted, challenged and there was lots of laughter. Even though she was fast it did not feel rushed.

       Tom got a message from their grandfather that included “Now Thomas, I want you to help Val with her book. She knows the title, it was given to her earlier.” When Val heard that she burst into tears. It was a lovely moment. She passed on other things to Tom as well that touched him deeply. Val got a message from her Great Aunt Mary “Mark my words Valerie, there will be tough times ahead. Stick to your task. You will be amazed by the help that comes just in the nick of time.” Just about everyone received a message and the event concluded with this vesper:

Grant us thy peace, O God of peace and love

Who dwelleth in the shining realms above

Grant us with thee forever to abide

Where is no night or falling even tide

Till that day breaks

And earth's dark shadows cease

O God of peace and love grant us thy peace

Thy peace, thy peace

       They did not stay for coffee.

       ‘Fancy a swift drink?’ asked Tom.

       ‘Think we need one!’

       ‘They parked the car near the family cottage and strolled down to The Harvester, not The Cock and Sparrow - too many people would know them there. True enough The Harvester was fairly quiet and they were recognised by only a couple of acquaintances. They talked for two hours. Val told Tom about the reunion and what Spirit had asked her to do that afternoon. Tom had many questions and Val answered them all, apart from one.

       ‘So, what do you want me to do to help you in this venture Val?’

       ‘I don’t know. It will become clear Tom. Just trust.’

       ‘Okay, I’m thrilled, nervous and excited - all at once!’

       ‘You and me both.’

       ‘Let’s go back now shall we?’

       Val’s parents gave them a quizzical glance as they came in a settled down in front of the telly.

       ‘Dad’s watching one of those murder mystery things so we betters keep quiet,’ Val’s mum said with a knowing wink at them both.

       ‘Did you win tonight mum?’ whispered Tom.

       ‘Lost a tenner - win some, lose some; at least it was not to Sid.’ She replied with a chuckle.’

*

       Val looked up to see Patrick making a funny face at her through the coffee shop window. He took off his jacket and they hugged. A stunningly handsome waiter took his order and smiled at him for a little bit too long. Val noticed, made no comment, and ordered another coffee.

       ‘I’m all ears Val, tell all, what are you up to?’

       She told Patrick the full story.

       ‘Wow, that’s a tall order. Where are you going to start?’

       ‘With you, right now, right here!’

       ‘I’m honoured sweetheart.’

       ‘Our first stop is to go over the road and sit in the public gallery of the Lord Chief Justice’s Court.’

       They finished their drinks, crossed over the road and entered the building. X-ray machines had recently been introduced so they placed their bags in a plastic tray and were then searched, rather superficially, thought Val, by the security guards before retrieving their bags and making their way into the main hall. It was overwhelmingly huge. Lofty gothic arches kept a vigilant eye on all who entered. The decorative marble floor lured you deeper into the heart of the building. They wandered around for a while in silence, soaking in the extraordinarily crafted arches, pillars and paintings of famous judges. This was a place where justice was seen to be done, whether you agreed with the judgements or not.

       They found Lord Lane’s court and carefully opened the door to find uncomfortable seats in the public gallery. Val had chosen the handing down of a judgement in a criminal appeal case about a woman, convicted of murdering her husband two years ago. She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum of twelve years before parole would be considered. The appeal hearing had lasted for a total of three days over two weeks. New evidence had been heard from a defence witness about the manipulative and threatening behaviour of the woman’s husband towards her. There had been much legal wrangling and the prosecution barrister argued strongly against the appeal being allowed.

       A door opened from the front of the court and a red-robed Lord Lane and two other appeal judges entered the court.

       ‘Be upstanding for The Lord Chief Justice,’ bellowed a voice.

       The Judges sat down on their high-backed and, no doubt, comfortably padded chairs followed by everyone else. Lord Lane put on his glasses, adjusted his long, rather grey wig and then started to read the judgement.

       It took him twenty minutes to read the extremely detailed judgement. Val and Patrick were entranced by his commanding measured delivery, gentleness of tone and respect for all parties. As he reached the end the conclusion was no surprise.

       ‘I therefore allow the appeal and quash the original conviction.’

       ‘I agree,’ said the female judge to his right.

       ‘I agree,’ added the third judge to his left.

       It was clear to Val and Patrick that they were sat amongst a group of people connected to both the prisoner and her former husband. There were sighs of dismay from a couple and huge relief  from the majority.

       The defence QC made an application for compensation and agreed to submit figures to the court within fourteen days. Costs would be paid from Central Funds.

       ‘The woman had remained calm and controlled throughout but now revealed a deep smile as she left the dock and stepped towards freedom.’

       ‘Thank you,’ concluded Lord Lane as the three Judges of Appeal rose.

       ‘Be upstanding.’

       Patrick and Val made their way from the public gallery back to the hall. They found a bench and sat down. It was busy. Tourists wandered about taking clandestine photographs. There was a sign that said “No photography” though this was generally ignored. Capturing the grandeur of the place was irresistible. Groups of people gathered in corners with their barristers and solicitors discussing cases in hushed semi-confidential tones.

       ‘That was pure theatre,’ exclaimed Patrick. I’ve never been in a court room, let alone this temple of jurisprudence! I must say Lord Lane was very impressive. The judgement told a very powerful story of the Crown Court trial and highlighted its deficiencies without hurling any blame on individuals. The account of the legal arguments about whether or not to allow the new evidence to be heard demonstrated how thorough all parties had to be in examining and assessing the safety of the original conviction. I am absolutely convinced that they made the right decision to allow the appeal and I wonder how many other women have been convicted of murder or attempted murder of their husbands and lovers?

       ‘Now you know why I thought this case would be of particular interest.’

       ‘Indeed it is Val, thank you so much for this experience. I felt justice was truly done.’

       ‘Feeling is so important when it comes to judgement, wisdom and spiritual discernment. In some respects you could say that the judges’ analysis and questioning was clinical, without emotion. The independence of the judiciary is a vital thread in our British constitution. All judges must be seen to be impartial in every respect of the cases they adjudicate which can give the appearance of being aloof but they have to control their emotions; if they revealed them they may be interpreted as bias. Their Judicial Oath states “I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this realm, without fear or favour, affection or ill will.” Without fear or favour to all parties in the case, the public, the Church, the press, Parliament and the Government. The power to send another human being to prison carries a huge responsibility with it. Magistrates takes the same oath and are bound by exactly the same rules. Despite this I’m still very interested in the notion of feeling. We know when justice has been done. We can feel it in our bones, it’s in our DNA. Its my starting point in thinking about approaching how to write this book.’

       ‘What do you mean exactly?’

       ‘I’m not totally sure. I don’t want to write a “How to be wise” or “How to do spiritual discernment”, I want to take a bigger view and feel, yes I feel so strongly, that feeling is the key. How do we know when something is right? Is it because we have read evidence? Is it that we have scrutinised the pros and cons until the cows come home? We just know. This knowing is at the other end of the scale compared with deep-seated opinions, prejudices and the power to convince. It is in the heart of a human being. It is instinct.’

       ‘So do you have an idea how to frame the book?’

       ‘I didn’t before we went into court but I do now.’

       ‘You saw something in court didn’t you.’

       ‘Yes, there was a fourth robed “judge”. A monk in red robes. As the judges sat down it opened its arms wide each side and moved its head from side to side as though it was “hugging” them though it was not hugging the judges, it’s just how it felt to me. It breathed on them a light misty blessing then looked directly at us and drifted up through the court’s ceiling. For some reason it paused its descent at the Royal Crest and gently rubbed the crown as though it needed a polish before disappearing. I had goose bumps all over. I knew it had given the judges its blessing. It was also blessing us and our time together today.’

       ‘Wow!’

       ‘Ever been to The Savoy?’ asked Val.

       ‘No but I’d love to.’

       ‘Come on, I’ll treat you to lunch.’

*

Val told Patrick about her earlier visit and, sure enough, as they approached the entrance the concierge greeted them with “Back again?” to which she replied, “Indeed, and this time I’m paying for the privilege!”

       Lunch was a sumptuous repast in every way.

       ‘Are you familiar with the Order of the Garter?’ asked Patrick.

       ‘No, why?’

       ‘Well, it forms an essential element of the Royal Coat of Arms.’

       Patrick took out a folder containing a print of the Royal Crest.

       ‘That blue band is a garter with a slightly obscured French inscription on it “Honi soit qui mal y pense”. Its origins are disputed and there are various legends. The most popular involves a ball in Calais in the 1460s attended by King Edward III and the Countess of Salisbury. Her garter is said to have slipped from her leg while she was dancing, the surrounding courtiers sniggered, the king picked it up and returned it to her, exclaiming, "Honi soit qui mal y pense!", "Shame on him who thinks ill of it!” This phrase became the motto of the Order of the Garter. It seems to have been conceived as a retrospective explanation for the adoption of what was then seen as an item of female underclothing. In fact, at the time of the Order's establishment in the mid-14th century, the garter was predominantly an item of male attire. The motto may also refer to Edward III’s claim to the French throne, and the Order was created to help pursue this claim. The use of the garter as an emblem may have derived from straps used to fasten armour and may have been chosen because it held overtones of a tight-knit "band" or "bond" of knightly supporters of Edward's cause.

       ‘You do love history, don’t you Patrick.’

       ‘I do, though as you know, I hate the fact that most history is written by men - hence my calling.’

       ‘Indeed. So what about the rest of the Royal Crest?’

       ‘It’s generally referred to as “The Royal Coat of Arms” and acts as the official coat of arms for the British monarch. The shield is divided into four quarters that represent the symbols of Ireland, England, and Scotland. Wales does not play a role because when the Act of Union came about the Kingdom of Wales was already integral to England. The upper left and lower right quarters of the shield feature the three guardian lions of England. In the top right is the lion rampant, Scotland’s royal symbol. In the lower left is a harp which represents Ireland. Surrounding the shield is the Garter. Above the shield is the royal crown which is topped with a golden crowned lion. A lion, representing England, stands on the “Dexter” (right-hand) side. A unicorn, representing Scotland, stands on the “Sinister” (left-hand) side. According to ancient legends, a free unicorn was a dangerous beast. This is why the heraldic unicorn is chained. I don’t like that. The lion and unicorn stand upon a small frame, commonly referred to as a compartment. It features a thistle, Tudor rose and Shamrock. They respectively represent Scotland, England and Ireland. Also along the compartment is the motto of English monarchs: “Dieu et mon Droit” (God and my Right).

       The Royal Arms may only be used by the Queen herself. As we have seen they also appear in courtrooms. The monarch is deemed to be the fount of judicial authority in the United Kingdom and law courts comprise part of the ancient royal court. Judges are officially representatives of the Crown, which is why the Royal Arms are placed behind the judge's bench in UK courts.’

       ‘Fascinating. I agree with you about the unicorn - ditch the chain. They can be terrifying and dangerous but they should never, never be chained.’

       ‘I noticed the Royal Arms on the wall outside the Royal Courts of Justice’, commented Patrick. I love the black and gold look of it, don’t you Val?’

      

       ‘Yes, amazing.’

       ‘Just down the road of course is The Old bailey with the Lady Justice statue on the top. It’s a very pertinent image for your work Val. I like the fact it’s a lady, number one! She holds the scales of justice that represent how important it is to weigh carefully arguments and evidence on both sides. The sword represents the authority of the state to execute the court’s judgement through the law of the land and with physical might, if necessary. Many people think that she is blindfolded, that justice is blind. In one sense that’s right, justice must not be swayed by appearances or any other characteristic of a person. In fact she is not blind which, to many, symbolises the importance of examining and testing everything carefully with open eyes, open ears and an open mind.’

       ‘That sounds like a big part of wisdom to me, as does the “without fear or favour” part of the Judicial Oath.’

       ‘Yes, I agree.’

       ‘Thinking first about how to structure the book, I’m thinking about telling stories and then maybe discussing what is important about the story in relation to wisdom and discernment. I want to try and avoid getting bogged down in definitions as they could turn it into an intellectual exercise, yet I can’t avoid them altogether and I want it to be rigorous. I want readers to feel what wisdom and discernment really are, an essential facet of the Divine that is present in every religion. How I sort the wheat from the chaff in terms of what’s right and wrong in the major religions I’m not sure. Gosh, when I said “wheat from chaff” just now I felt a lovely heat in both my hands; here feel.’

       ‘They are kind of pulsating.’

       ‘What about Solomon?’

       ‘I was thinking about him just now,’ said Val.

       ‘The story about the babies?’

       ‘Yes, its perfect. Val took out a compact Bible and read from 1 Kings 3:

“⁷Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. ⁸Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. ⁹So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” ¹⁰The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. ¹¹So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, ¹²I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. ¹³Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for - both wealth and honor - so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. ¹⁴And if you walk in obedience to me and keep my decrees and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” ¹⁵Then Solomon awoke, and he realized it had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court.

A Wise Ruling

¹⁶Now two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. ¹⁷One of them said, “Pardon me, my lord. This woman and I live in the same house, and I had a baby while she was there with me. ¹⁸The third day after my child was born, this woman also had a baby. We were alone; there was no one in the house but the two of us. ¹⁹“During the night this woman’s son died because she lay on him. ²⁰So she got up in the middle of the night and took my son from my side while I your servant was asleep. She put him by her breast and put her dead son by my breast. ²¹The next morning, I got up to nurse my son—and he was dead! But when I looked at him closely in the morning light, I saw that it wasn’t the son I had borne.” ²²The other woman said, “No! The living one is my son; the dead one is yours.” But the first one insisted, “No! The dead one is yours; the living one is mine.” And so they argued before the king. ²³The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,’ while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.’” ²⁴Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. ²⁵He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” ²⁶The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” ²⁷Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” ²⁸When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.

       And 1 Kings 4:

²⁹God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. ³⁰Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, and greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. ³¹He was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite—wiser than Heman, Kalkol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame spread to all the surrounding nations. ³²He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. ³³He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. ³⁴From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.

       ‘How often do we hear people say something like “If only I had the wisdom of Solomon I would know what to do.’

       ‘Frequently Patrick. Spiritual wisdom, which is what Solomon had is multi-faceted and multi-dimensional. It’s about leadership, governance, justice, morality, protection from error, preventing madness. True wisdom keeps us on the right track – not one of moral superiority – but humble rightness, in love, in tune with the Source of all Life from where true wisdom emanates. That’s the point. It may be a gift but its so much more. It’s being God in the world, reflecting the Divine essence. I know I’m going to stumble all over the place with my choice of words but they will come. Wisdom and discernment is about “spiritual meat”, not “milk” which is for babies. It’s about spiritual maturity which is, essentially, losing ourselves in God who is all.’

       ‘Solomon’s sword gives a whole new meaning to the sword held by Lady Justice at The Old Bailey huh?,

       ‘You bet it does.

       ‘Any further thoughts on the book?’

       ‘You could see my mind whirring couldn’t you.’

       ‘Yes, come on then, out with it.’

       ‘Spirit is prompting me to adopt a different approach. Typically, when we think about reading a book, depending on its type, we glance at the index, if there is one, and read it from cover to cover – unless it’s boring and we stop reading. How about creating a set of chapters that can be read in any order? It matters not where you begin or where you end. They may relate to each other but are self-contained. There is a growing industry in self-help books, you know the kind of thing, “seven easy steps to this or that... bla, bla, bla”. I don’t want readers to follow my take on wisdom and discernment; I want them to go deeper into the true source of wisdom and discernment. I’m going to start with a chapter on Solomon and sew in some other characters. Can you help me.’

       ‘As soon as you said that I thought of St Theresa de Avila. I’ll give you a copy of The Interior Castle, you’ll soon see what I mean.’

       The book arrived a few days later. Val massaged the its hardback cover, sensing the energy within. It was not a book to be devoured. The Spirit of the words would do that to the reader. St Theresa and Solomon would become her bread and butter for several months to come.