De Daumier-Smith's Blue Period Spirituality Quotes Page 1
Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
| Quote #1 I told him on the way, pointedly enough, that I was a student of Buddhism. I later found out that both he and Mme. Yoshoto were Presbyterians. (23) |
Jean adapts his religious perspective to try to connect with the people around him. His personal religion seems to be a blend of the elements of the different religions he encounters. It almost seems like he uses a variety of texts (paintings, drawings, letters, newspaper ads) to construct this story.
| Quote #2 Her hobbies were loving her Lord and the Word of her Lord and "collecting leaves but only when they are laying right on the ground." (34) |
This passage seems to use Sister Irma as fodder for laughs, to ridicule her answers on the questionnaire. When we get the "joke" – that Sister Irma collects leaves from the ground, as opposed to picking them live from trees, we can read into the statement that she is a gentle person. This is also probably a nod to St. Francis de Assisi, who Jean says he admires, and who is considered the patron Saint of the environment.
| Quote #3 If it is not overstepping myself, I would greatly appreciate your telling me if you find being a nun very satisfactory, in a spiritual way, of course. (52) |
Jean seems to be making a distinction between religion and spirituality. Religion can be adopted for a variety of practical reasons. It only becomes spiritual if it provides inner satisfaction, beyond the practicality, or at least that's one way of looking at it.
