Inspiration from the Book of the Kohelet Thinker | Dr. Martin L. Sinaga
Modern life characterized by hectic activities and various challenges demands a moment of pause for recovery. The need to take a break or a vacation to restore our mental state and find new inspiration underscores the importance of an attitude of service towards ourselves. In this context, the Book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) offers an insightful perspective on how to deal with the vanity of life through the value of a meaningful Sabbath or rest.
The Basic Concept of the Book of Kohelet and the Urgency of Wisdom
The Book of Kohelet, interpreted as The Thinker, highlights a fundamental aspect of human life that is characterized by vanity. This study outlines that Kohelet contains a message that urges the congregation to attain wisdom through the cultivation of thought and the appreciation of life experiences. Although faith involves total surrender and trust in God, a deep understanding of what is believed is considered essential. The concept that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" is the foundation for this approach.
The struggle for faith reflected in the Book of Kohelet involves not only belief in divine mercy, but also recognition of the reality of God's hiddenness, which manifests in the form of paradoxes and absurdities in daily life experiences. Kohelet's uniqueness as a reinforcement of faith lies in its courage to raise and question the sides of life that are elusive and often contradict conventional theological claims.
The Reality Test and the Doctrine of Futility
Kohelet's narrative begins with a critical examination of the reality of life, which leads to the conclusion of the futility of all things. This is illustrated by the analogy of "catching the wind". This analysis asserts that the triumphalistic claims of faith, which promise total victory and glory, are unrealistic and must be rejected. Instead, believers are required to accept the paradoxical aspects of suffering and incomprehension without abandoning their belief in God's sovereignty. The definition of futility is expanded into two main aspects:
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Temporality: This life is temporary and transitory, so human understanding and dreams will never be fully achieved.
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Absurdity (Contradiction): There are things that contradict beliefs or prayers that appear in reality, so life cannot be totally ascertained or defined.
Empirical evidence of futility is found through Kohelet's observations of the dimensions of time and social life. Time is portrayed as an arbitrary force, controlling the cycles of birth and death, planting and uprooting, which will ultimately weaken human beings. Meanwhile, the social dimension suggests absurdities, such as the injustice found in courtrooms or the suffering endured by the pious.
Practical Implications for Life Attitudes
Based on the conclusion about vanity, Kohelet provides a series of practical exhortations that are fundamental to a life of wisdom.
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The Practice of Mindfulness and Existential Detachment
Individuals are encouraged to fully live in the present. Anxiety about the future or burdens of the past are considered obstacles to finding happiness in the present. In addition, the importance of letting go and letting things go is emphasized, as holding on to possessions or achievements is considered impossible. A cessation of striving to master, accumulate, and achieve more in work and life in general is necessary, as such ambition will only exacerbate the suffering of futility.
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Spiritual Balance and Celebrating Divine Favor
Kohelet warns people to practice piety and wisdom with a sincere heart, not out of fear, which can lead to self-destruction. Faith practiced out of fear is not a sign of spiritual maturity, but rather a self-defeating attitude. Moreover, excessive piety often leads one to be trapped in self-righteousness, easy judgment, and closure towards differences and diversity that should be respected as part of a common life.
The Concept of Vacation (Sabbath) as a Moment of Salvation
The concept of taking a vacation or sabbath is interpreted as an essential spiritual practice that is closely aligned with the profound message of the Book of Kohelet. The interpretation of Sabbath as Leisure is emphasized as an attempt to create a respite from the energy-draining routine and busyness. This leisure time, etymologically referred to as "school" (schola), is understood as an opportunity to delve into life and achieve understanding without being overwhelmed by pressure or stress.
The activity of vacationing is a deliberate giving of permission to oneself to be fully present in the moment being experienced. It is perceived as a reflection of God's favor, a divine act that allows humans to enjoy time with spaciousness without being dominated by the desire to master or accumulate. In spiritual traditions of thought, Sabbath is further explained as a moment when eternity is present. Through genuine Sabbath practice, people have the freedom to savor moments of happiness, friendship, and celebrate the joy of salvation. This acceptance of the value of Sabbath serves as an antithesis to the mentality of vying for extreme piety or ephemeral material wealth.
Balance and the Prayer of Peace
In conclusion, it is emphasized that everything in life that is temporary and difficult to fully understand needs to be surrendered to God. The wise balance of life is achieved not through the rejection of the reality of futility and limitation, but through calm acceptance. This balanced attitude to life is then practically formulated through the principles of Serenity Prayer. These principles include: first, accepting things that cannot be changed (including futility); second, having the courage to work on things that are within human power; and third, gaining the wisdom to clearly distinguish between the two realms. By embracing Kohelet's inspiration, a life of wisdom is realized through taking time to be at peace, savoring the moment, and finding Divine pleasure in every life event.
