PHYSICIAN OF THE SOUL
Exploring the mystical meaning of the life of DR. ALBERT SCHWEITZER: Letters from a Journal
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Foreword Freeing your mind past the ‘thinking’ stage and pressing on to the ‘being’ stage is the ultimate purpose of this unique book. Probably there is no other like it. The spiritual philosophy of Albert Schweitzer is explored by the author in a series of letters she has addressed to the deceased genius. Thus the premise of the book is unique along with its presentation. What would you say to the revered genius? Renate’s book really includes you in her conversations with the man for the ages. Robert G. Chaney Introduction This story developed from one particular letter in my personal journal. Before writing this letter, I was deeply frustrated and stuck in a mode of just getting up and coping with life’s many daily challenges. The joy of life had somehow escaped me. I was tired of being a slave to crippling fears, which is often the cause of the symptoms of emotional pain and suffering. I started to ask, “Where do fears originate?’ There must be more to life than this! There must be some way I can overcome the effects of what seemed like a roller coaster ride of pleasure and pain. What is the secret to being happy? I had so many questions and decided it was time I started a dialogue with Dr. Albert Schweitzer, whom I had allowed to become my spiritual teacher. I see myself as an average person who has always been curious and interested in learning. My early circumstances had not allowed me the privilege of a formal higher education. My best and most formative schooling, seen only in hindsight, has been life and the many experiences that were presented to me on my path. My diplomas are the books I have written and the books I have read, understood and applied to my life. It is my deepest desire to be of help. This story may lead us to wake up to who we really are—souls, seeking experiences that will lead to recognition and growth on the path, leading us to a deeper awareness. Recognizing our own ignorance and fears, replacing them with love, reverence, tolerance, humility, faith, hope, gratitude and finding the courage to take responsibility for our experiences, is part of the process. This process will eventually lead us to self-mastery, to more freedom and independent thought, and finally, to a deeper understanding of our selves and others, through compassion and love. While writing I recognized that ‘Know thyself’, is the message, the path, the way and the goal. It is the first step we will eventually take—it is also the beginning of understanding the Laws of Life. Looking outside for life’s answers by choosing glamour, excitement and material possessions had become less and less fulfilling for me. It kept me aimlessly running in circles. I discovered that until we make the decision to investigate the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of our own nature, many answers to this puzzle elude us. Often, this stage is preceded, by asking ourselves a few fundamental questions about life, including: “Is that all there is?” There is an inherent magic in asking ourselves these and other questions. Once the internal curiosity is aroused and a dialogue is established, the answers appear all by themselves, seemingly out of nowhere. Will more of us eventually gain the insight and courage needed to look at our selves and ask some questions?
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About the Book
I devoted years to the study of the teachings of one of the world’s great humanitarians, the medical missionary, theologian, philosopher, organist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965).I thought about his life and pondered over his statements, such as: “When you portray me it should be not as the doctor who ministered to the sick. It is my philosophy of ‘Reverence for Life’ that I consider my primary contribution to the world”, and “Will we be able again to entertain and exercise ideals which transform reality? This is the question before us today.” I found that his words are as valid today, as when he spoke them. ‘Physician of the Soul’ I used letters I had addressed the ‘Man of the Century’, Albert Schweitzer. I used this format as a process to describe the changes in consciousness occurring as I proceed with my quest for growth, truth and understanding. I describe my childhood and my experience of marriage and divorce, to my mentor and teacher, who had become my ideal of what a human being is capable of becoming.I address the subjects of meditation, reincarnation, karma, intuition, responsibility, purpose and how they relate to our destiny. By pressing beyond the limitations of thoughts, often born of doubt, ignorance and fear, I discovered that I am a soul growing through every experience. Life is the journey, leading us to the path, not only of self-discovery, but a journey of remembrances.I talk to my teacher about the truth I discovered, that life itself is my teacher. Looking at myself has been the most painful, and at the same time, the most liberating experience of my life. I also found that comparison to someone else causes pain, suffering and unhappiness. I present the reader with the opportunity to undertake his or her own courageous journey towards liberation and self-healing, as “Know Thyself” becomes the quest.
About the Author
The author was born in post-war In 1984 during a period of turmoil and inner struggle she started searching. She began her spiritual quest by immersing herself in the study of religion and philosophy. She became fascinated by the spiritual philosophy of one of the world’s greatest thinkers, the philosopher and humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer. She was intrigued by his philosophy of ‘Reverence for Life’ and his statement: “I have made my life my argument.” Her quest for freedom and a keen sense of curiosity led her to search for truth in metaphysics and the Ageless Wisdom Teachings. She has written 3 children’s books, two books of poetry and articles for spiritual magazines. She has lectured about the life and writings of Dr. Schweitzer and is leading discussion groups based on the works and teachings of other spiritual teachers including: J. Krishnamurti, Don Miguel Ruiz, Rudolf Steiner, Mabel Collins and others. In the introduction to her current book she admits that looking at her self has been the most painful and yet, the most liberation experience of her life: “My best and most formative schooling, seen only in hindsight, has been life and the many experiences that were presented to me on my path. ‘Know thyself…’ is the message, the path and the way.”