Piercing the Artificial Veil

A Lesson in Deep Heart Wisdom

This is an excerpt from my novel And So By Fire. It is the sequel to What Can’t Be Hidden. As an allegory, this passage is not only true for this story and my characters but true for us, as well. Here is the passage:

“The wisest people I know are those who’ve descended these stairs and sat at these tables,” Helper said. “They hold no illusions about the city above. They see it for what it is— people existing behind an artificial veil to ignore or escape their pain. People trying to fill an insatiable void in their chest with no inner experience. But there’s no veil down here, Thura. There’s nothing to hide behind. There’s no escaping that pain in your chest. You carry it down these steps and gather with others who’ve done the same thing. That’s earning your wisdom. Sitting with your pain, rather than trying to avoid it, that’s earning your wisdom.”

Thura closed her eyes and tried to contemplate Helper’s words as best as possible, given her state. 

“There are no quick fixes or easy remedies in the divided reality above, Thura,” Helper continued. “One must descend before they can ascend.”

“That’s how Sophia became so wise,” Thura said, opening her eyes. “She sat with her pain for years in a cell.”

“Now you’re seeing it,” Helper said. “Sophia’s real gift was not only in the knowledge she gave you, but in demonstrating how to sit with your pain and let it transform you. Do you understand what I’m saying, Thura?”

Thura nodded.

“Knowledge is important,” Helper said. “But you can’t think your way into deep heart wisdom. Nor can you convince someone into it.”

Thura remained silent, considering Helper’s words. “You mean my brother,” she said.

“I mean anyone,” Helper said.

Helper conveys a profound message about the nature of wisdom and personal transformation. She explains to Thura that the wisest people she knows are those who have faced their pain, accepted it, and learned to sit with it rather than trying to avoid or escape it. Helper believes that true wisdom comes from acknowledging and embracing one's suffering and inner struggles.

Helper contrasts this approach with the society above, where people are depicted as living behind an "artificial veil" that allows them to ignore or numb their pain. This superficial existence prevents them from gaining true wisdom and understanding.

Thura, the main character, reflects on her own experiences, particularly with her brother, and begins to understand the importance of facing one's pain and allowing it to transform them. Helper emphasizes that knowledge alone is not enough to attain deep wisdom. It requires a willingness to confront and engage with one's inner turmoil.

This selection highlights the themes of inner transformation, resilience, and the pursuit of authentic wisdom in a world that often encourages avoidance and distraction from the pain and challenges of life.

Question

1. What does it mean to "sit with your pain" as Helper describes it? How does the pursuit of deep heart wisdom differ from acquiring knowledge through intellect alone?

Peace,

Brandon