BE THOU MY VISION

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 https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/ep-blog-posts for over 170 links or
https://digitalbloggers.com/articles/elysiumspassage for the host site 

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VpSqAcLrDI  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJAJA4ibEs 

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BE THOU MY VISION

In this post, I have revised an article I wrote on this site a few years ago called a ‘Higher Vision.’ With this post, I’ve tweaked the idea of vision with the theme of Be Thou My Vision as we move into this year with hopes and expectations of something better than what many of us experienced in 2021.

As we leave the past behind, we seek a vision of what will give us the courage to create a better world where there is love, not fear; peace, not discord; light, not darkness; freedom, not servitude.

To this end, I’ve added a few more excerpts on the topic of vision from my other novels that I’m currently editing before publication, hopefully in this new year. Rather than restate what I've already written on having a vision, these selections might be more interesting within the context of the novels.

Also, along with the words of the music, I trust this post may inspire us as we leave behind the last year of darkness, fear and authoritarianism to head into a brave new year. Btw, if you haven't already seen my post on prediction for The Coming Golden Age, you may read it here. https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and.../golden-age   

It's time we become inspired to have a ‘higher vision’ to create a world of light and freedom for ourselves by focusing on all what’s highest and best in the world and what’s within us. May we see past the forces that would diminish our personal sovereignty by demanding compliance with tyrannical threats that have shrunken many into ignominy and disempowerment.

Perhaps, some will gain strength and encouragement to endure what remains of the darkness by listening to this great Irish classic, BE THOU MY VISION

The original Old Irish text, "Rop tú mo Baile", is often attributed to Saint Dallán Forgaill from the 6th century Ireland, although some scholars date it to the 8th century. A 14th-century manuscript attributed to Adhamh Ó Cianáin contains a handwritten copy of the poem in Middle Irish and is held at the National Library of Ireland. A second manuscript is at the Royal Irish Academy, dating from about the 10th or 11th century.

I have included three performances of the song by different artists, but haven’t decided which is my favourite so have included a couple more below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Optrm7lF16s    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihJAJA4ibEs 
 

BE THOU MY VISION

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that thou art
Thou my best thought, by day or by night
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light

Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true word
I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, and I thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with thee one

Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise
Thou mine inheritance, now and always
Thou and thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure thou art

High King of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, O ruler of all

 

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One of the major themes in Elysium’s Passage novel series is having a vision to, in the words of C.S. Lewis, Come further up, Come further in. If you are familiar with his works, you may recognise this phrase from what was cried out by the characters as they ran further up and further into the New Narnia, as described in The Last Battle, the concluding book in the Chronicles of Narnia series.

As we each ascend our Mountain further up and further in, we gain greater clarity and vision in seeing who we are while we remain on earth. Whatever path we may be on, we are all on a trek through life. James, the protagonist, shares a peculiar venture that took him further up and further in, far beyond what I could have imagined. He sensed there was more to life than he could be seen from his limited perspective. It wasn’t until he received his inner vision of a mountain that he knew he was called to ascent towards a much higher field of vision.

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Excerpt from Chapter Twelve, The Ascent

‘Savour the journey, James,’ he said. ‘It’s only beginning. Though you may rest along the way to take in the spectacular views, realise the adventure is never over because enlightenment never ends; it only expands with fuller vision from the heights. Wherever you find yourself, you’re always at the starting gate to go wherever you wish to go. There are always more marvels for you to see and experience along the unlimited paths yet to be discovered in paradise.

‘Unfortunately, many on the earth plane consider the body’s death to be the end of their journey, or at best, an eternal ennui of religious tedium that, if you had your druthers, you might prefer annihilation.[1]

‘For you, however, wherever you decide to ascend will always be your highest and most noble adventure. At least until the next, and the next...’

‘Most inspiring words, Eli. However, I doubt if any of this is what I will experience when I return. I see only more drudgery.’

‘Well then,’ Mo said, ‘I have something here I’ve been saving that might lift you with some cheer. It’s an excerpt from what Julianne was recently reading. Let me recite it to you: For you know that when you return to the level ground from which you climbed, you will be different as a result of having made your ascent. The hard work is done. What you gain here you gain from what is beyond effort and learning – what you have gained will never leave you but will sustain you forevermore.’[2]

[1]  Pascal wrote: I would prefer an intelligent hell to a stupid paradise. 
[2]  Excerpt from A Course of Love, Mari Peron, Book 3, Chapter 11.  

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Excerpt from Chapter Four, Book Two, Elysium’s Passage: The Summit

 

With that, they both rose to their feet and bid me adieu as they walked out the door. While I watched them make their way to the summit ridge, I heard Mo whistling the old Irish hymn, Be Thou My Vision.[1] Knowing him, I could only assume there was a message there for me.

He could be subtle at times, as he could be direct. And sometimes, the more subtle, the more direct, meaning I would have to think deeply about what he said. Was this the reason they were leaving me to myself, to find my vision, and thereby myself too?

That night, as the hymn’s tune continued to play in my mind, I asked myself what my vision was for life since it wasn’t something I had given much consideration to, at least consciously. Still, was it possible something within me, perhaps a subliminal impulse, that drew me to this mountain? As Mo and Eli suggested, an underlying vision that would lift my soul beyond what I thought I was, transcending my earthly strivings towards some unfulfilled desire. If so, what might that mean for my future?

Judging by the moon, it was probably well past midnight – very unusual for them to have stayed so late. As I climbed to my loft, I continued to ponder what this vision was about. I realised, as a philosopher, examining one’s life was never inconsequential. If Socrates considered introspection of primary significance, then it should be for me too.

With that, they both rose to their feet and bid me adieu as they walked out the door. While I watched them make their way to the summit ridge, I heard Mo whistling the old Irish hymn, Be Thou My Vision.[2] Knowing him, I could only assume there was a message there for me.

He could be subtle at times, as he could be direct. And sometimes, the more subtle, the more direct, meaning I would have to think deeply about what he said. Was this the reason they were leaving me to myself, to find my vision, and thereby myself too?

That night, as the hymn’s tune continued to play in my mind, I asked myself what my vision was for life since it wasn’t something I had given much consideration to, at least consciously. Still, was it possible something within me, perhaps a subliminal impulse, that drew me to this mountain? As Mo and Eli suggested, an underlying vision that would lift my soul beyond what I thought I was, transcending my earthly strivings towards some unfulfilled desire. If so, what might that mean for my future?

Judging by the moon, it was probably well past midnight – very unusual for them to have stayed so late. As I climbed to my loft, I continued to ponder what this vision was about. I realised, as a philosopher, examining one’s life was never inconsequential. If Socrates considered introspection of primary significance, then it should be for me too.

 

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Excerpt from Chapter Nine, The Summit

 

what’s not so amusing is to be stuck in the Lowlands and not knowing the way out. It’s sad how many of these clever souls remain smugly entrenched in their ruts. If they had any vision, they might find their way out eventually as you did.

‘If they’re determined to believe that humanity oozed out of the primordial mud they’re stuck in, then that’s where they will remain… sinking ever-deeper into their swamp. That was you too, James, at least until you started having your vision of the Mountain, which became an invisible marker to help you find your way out. Before there’s a vision, there must first be a desire to envision what’s beyond seeing. To have no such desire is to remain lost. Or, as the proverb states, where there is no vision, the people perish.’[3] 

‘That’s very depressing. What do you want me to do about this? I mean, if that’s the world’s choice, there’s not much I can do about it, and so it’s their problem, not mine.’

‘Give them a vision, James,’

‘Of what?’

‘Of who they are! Remember, this is our message to you, and now it will be your message to them. When you have a clearer vision of who you are, many will be inspired to see who they are too. Your experiences will help them rediscover they are immortal beings, even while their bodies remain mortal on the mortal plane.’

‘That’s jolly, but how will my experiences here convince anyone of anything?’

‘You will demonstrate it, first by the light of your presence and then, if necessary, by your words. Still, you must have a clear vision of who you are before you can communicate to them who they are.’

‘That would be quite the tour de force,’ I said, laughing, ‘considering that I know bugger all about being a light. So how do you expect me to enlighten the world when I have no aspirations to become anyone’s Messiah?’

‘Maybe not, however, someday you might,’ Mo said. ‘Don’t you realise Lazarus needs a Messiah to raise him?’

‘Splendid! Then let him find one. By the way, who in bloody hell is Lazarus… and who is this Messiah?’ 

‘You are… you’re both. That’s why you need to prepare yourself.’

‘Prepare… prepare for what… where am I going?’ 

‘London. Lazarus awaits his Messiah!’ 

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For further reading on this and related topics from my blog posts, I suggest

Follow the Light
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/follow-the-light   

Mystical Beauty https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/mystical-beauty

Can you Just Imagine? https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/just-imagine

Sowing Happy Seeds of Gratitude https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/sowing-happy-seeds-of-gratitude

The Art of Contemplation
https://digitalbloggers.com/book-reviews/art-of-contemplation  

Guard Your Heart
https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/guard-your-heart 

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SUMMARY OF ELYSIUM'S PASSAGE SERIES

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The Elysium Passage series of seven novels regarding a young British philosopher named James Phillips who finds himself living in an altered state of reality while still remaining on earth.  

After experiencing a near-fatal fall while climbing to the summit of a remote mountain in the Andes, James awakens in a new dimension. He soon encounters two mysterious beings who provide him with a very different perspective on the nature of his existence. Over the next year, before his body recovers from the coma, he is challenged to re-examine his understanding of life’s meaning and purpose far beyond anything he previously believed or could believe.

An engaging and sometime surreal adventure with intimations of impending romance, the narrative explores the most important questions about life, death, reality, and our ultimate destiny. 

The Plains of Elysium (Champs-Élysées) was described by Homer, Hesiod, Virgil, and many other poets as the paradisiac afterlife realm reserved for heroes. As the title suggests, this is about a journey through a passage that leads towards Elysium’s exciting realm of existence.

 
The following comments are excerpts from among the first readers including a number of Amazon five star reviews. To read the full reviews, go to READER REVIEWS on www.elysiumspassage.com or directly at https://digitalbloggers.com/arts-and-entertainment/reader-reviews  

"A delightful mix of fantasy, reality, conjecture, and humour; Mr Meyers draws the reader into the story with a gentle narrative that captures the imagination, leaving one anxious to get to the next page drawing you into his exceptional world.”

"Quietly, gently, and without imposition, the Author unfolds the pages, creating an intricate, interlocking bridge spanning the chasm between mind and heart. Renewing, refreshing, restoring. In my bereavement, it was vigil and light…"

“Excellently written with an exceedingly deep understanding of this world and the next. The characters are very well written and engaging. I can't wait to complete this book!"

“Takes the reader on both a philosophical and spiritual journey, a journey that at times is both disquieting and tranquil. James, a British Philosopher can be irreverent and caustic, traits that should have left me cringing, but instead made me laugh out loud. Elysium’s Passage is a fun, enlightening and remarkable book.”

“This is a masterful fantasy, becoming a real possibility, as the reader is drawn into the story. The Summit leaves you anxious for the next book in the series, yet also leaves you totally satisfied with the world you have just visited. Genius! An exciting, yet calming, experience that is not to be missed."

"There was hardly a page on which I did not find at least one sentence worthy of hi-lighting for future reference. In addition, I thoroughly enjoyed the main character, James, whose personality and passionate verbal exchanges with the other characters, kept me coming back for more. I am reading the book for a second time while I wait for the next one in this series to be made available."

 “N.G. Meyers has clearly put a great deal of research and thought into what the afterlife may look like and I like his perspective. It’s an altogether welcoming and exciting vision. The book gives one a great deal to think about and a reassuring confidence that the end of our lives is truly the beginning of life in the next. I highly recommend it."

"I am really enjoying your book, it’s fantastic! It is so incredible and diversified that I can’t really explain it to other people, so what I say is just read this book. Thank you so much for the blessings that you’ve given the world!"

“The humour interjected into a serious discussion makes me laugh out loud. Totally unexpected....l may be in the presence of at least a master, if not a genius. A fair ride into reality... seeking that which is unseen, yet absolutely real.”

“An engaging story of adventure embracing man's deepest desire to search for meaning and purpose, N.G. Meyers takes the reader on an adventurous thought-provoking journey. This book has substance. It is a perfect blend of adventure and fantasy combined with spiritual philosophy. It ignited my imagination. The author magically weaves a good story laced with wit and humour together with deep philosophical wisdom. This book has it all!”

“An evolution in thought is triggered by many fresh philosophical themes which could inspire readers to re-think their reality and former ideologies that have dictated their lives… the author fires readers’ imaginations to view what could be possible when spirit vacates the body.”

“This is the book spiritual seekers have been waiting for. For me, it granted a great read as well as increased inspiration to live every day with a heightened sense of purpose. I highly recommend it.

“The Summit is capable of hooking readers and luring them to search for Book 2 to discover more about Dr. Philip’s surreal trek into the mysterious unknown universe. This thick book is well worth the read and to share…”

“Mind-blowing statements and speculation (‘…everyone is a non-physical thought form conceived in the Mind of God, preserved for all eternity because God’s thoughts never die…’). Many will find Meyers’ journey up the Mountain intriguing—and possibly even life-changing.” (BLUEINK REVIEW)

“In its effort to grapple with fundamental questions about the meaning of life, it raises questions that have echoed throughout the ages, including about where we come from, where we are going, who we are.”  (CLARION REVIEW)

 
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PENDING PUBLICATIONS IN THE SERIES

 
 

The following titles in the Elysium's Passage series are projected to be released as follows: 

THE ASCENT spring 2022

THE SUMMIT spring 2122

QUANTUM LEAPS summer 2022

SURREAL ADVENTURES fall 2022 

MYSTICAL ROMANCE fall 2022

HE ELIXIR fall 2022

THE RETURN sometime in 2023/4