Jim Riley

Enlightenment Jim Riley

From the film, National Treasure: "There are 20 million books in the Library of Congress, and they all say the same thing: 'Listen to Riley!'" In college I was the Editor of the literary magazine, and received a national award for young writers. For a while I was a rock performer. My music has evolved into a synthesis of British Iles folk and early Renaissance. My writing has remained a singular journey toward light. My spiritual progress started slowly, like a locomotive pulling heavy freight. Gradually I picked up steam. Finally I reached the destination. I liken it to a rustic country station with a weathered sign, "The Village of Truth." On the platform, the Stationmaster stands, greeting all who get off the train, speaking thus: "If you would live among us, know this. The routes to this place are many. We give them different names. Yet what separates them is less than what they share. Enlightenment is open to those of all philosophies and faiths. "You seem earnest, so I'll tell you a great secret: Throughout the universe, countless beings seek life's meaning. Whatever their shapes or forms, the lucky come to this: 'Reason may be who I am. But love is why I am. And it takes these two, love and reason to ignite the lamp of conscience that lights the way. Take away either love or reason, and we stumble in the dark. "Dream of Heaven if you like. Love beauty where you find it. Faith and art both point the way. But they are not themselves the answer you seek. The tracks they lead us down are well travelled, yet must be daily cleared. Not faith, nor art, but your own conscience stands ready, like a faithful handmaiden, to draw back the curtains of delusion and let in the light." No mere book can be such a lamp that leads us faithfully. All I can offer is collection of reminders of that which, deep within, you already know. If you be a good and willing reader, I may will act the piano tuner, and adjust your heartstrings until they resonate. If you are an inveterate cynic you shall remain out of tune. The truth cannot be forced on anyone. What readers say: "?.transformed my life." "...seamless and intelligent...perspectives I've never thought of before." "...flows like poetry...breathtaking." "...a book to keep by your bedside...more wisdom and common sense than Solomon." "...reminds me of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. While the author recognizes limits to the written word, his use of the medium is beautiful."