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The Scripture of the Golden Eternity

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"The Scripture of the Golden Eternity," by Jack Kerouac, is one of those books that you should read, then put aside and out of sight, and pick up and read again several months later (that's what I did). The "Scripture" consists of a series of numbered, meditation-like prose poems that explore the concept of the Golden Eternity. The City Lights edition contains both a 1970 introduction by Eric Mottram and a 1994 introduction by Anne Waldeman. According to the publication data page, the Scripture itself was first published in 1960 (although the introductions note that it was composed earlier, in 1956).

The Golden Eternity is an enigmatic concept that seems to transcend rational thought; it reminded me somewhat of the Tao. Kerouac uses many paradoxical statements to explore the Golden Eternity; his writing is sometimes funny. He also plays with words, using such terms as "the universal Thisness" and "the everlasting So." He even incorporates geometric symbols into one section of the Scripture.

Throughout are a multicultural constellation of references that give the Scripture a universalistic flavor. Buddha, Jesus, Shakespeare, Krishna, Kali, Einstein, and the Native American deity Coyote are just a few of the many references. He also finds insights in a butterfly, cats, and "your little finger."

Kerouac writes, "When you've understood this scripture, throw it / away. If you cant understand this scripture, / throw it away. I insist on your freedom." But whether you throw the book away, treasure it, or pass it on, chack out Kerouac's wonderfully written "Scripture."

_When I first read this little book I thought that it was primarily Buddhist in essence. When I read it again a while later, I said,no, the spirit of this book is definately Taoist. When I read it next I said, this is a true Gnostic creation- who but a gnostic would have the audacity to compose an original scripture? Of course I was right all along, for this book cuts to the mystic heart of all true paths. This is the teaching that we are all one, for we are all emanations of the one Source, call it the Golden Eternity, the Tao, Spirit, or Self. It could be the "dazzling darkness" of Dionysis. It is the core truth of the one appearing as many that it may come to know itself. This was the unnamed IT that the beats were waiting for, it is the perennial lesson for all true mystics.

_Oh yes, the book is a small one. perfect books are often like that- take a look at the Tao te Ching....

_A man that can write a book like this doesn't have to hang around this old world too long- he's already paid his dues and learned his lessons. Like Lao Tze it is time to depart, for your work is done, and the decline of the country is painful and tiring to witness....

beautifully written, these spiritual meditations are some of kerouac's best and most humble, opening up the quiet side of kerouac often overlooked, simply amazing

Not every line in this Sutra is great, but the parts that ARE great are super enlightening. For instance, take this choice quote: "...this little place of flesh you carry around and call your soul...is the same emptiness, the same, one and holy emptiness everywhere." Ecstatic lines like that occur throughout this fine little book. It's nice to carry around because it doesn't weigh much...physically. Spiritually, it's heavy as the universe.

I was truly impressed with this book. A profound expression of the enlightened mind. Universal in scope. Definitely something to meditate on.

This is a tiny book considering the format but unlimited in its content. I absolutely love it! I have been on a spiritual quest for some time and this book sums up beautifuly what I found to be the Truth. I had glimpses which leave me beyond any doubt that nothing ever happened and I have no trouble with Kerouac's own sutra. He grasped the kernel of the teaching in a creative and inspiring way.

This little book is shining bright and it is a reliable guidance into the splendor of your own being. It basicaly restates what The Heart Sutra says: form is emptiness and emptiness is form. You can't reason about/with it but in the depth of your heart you'll know that it is so.

Those who are meant to read this gem of a book will find it even if it doesn't show up as a first item on the search list. If it calls you, get it! Someone recommended it to me and it arrived with perfect timing. I am grateful. Kerouac's work confirmed that my search is over, now I can only aspire to live this wisdom until the yearning itself dies or is fullfiled. God bless.

_When I first read this little book I thought that it was primarily Buddhist in essence. When I read it again a while later, I said, no, the spirit of this book is definately Taoist. When I read it next I said, this is a true Gnostic creation- who but a gnostic would have the audacity to compose an original scripture? Of course I was right all along, for this book cuts to the mystic heart of all true paths. This is the teaching that we are all one, for we are all emanations of the one Source, call it the Golden Eternity, the Tao, Spirit, or Self. It could be the "dazzling darkness" of Dionysis. It is the core truth of the one appearing as many that it may come to know itself. This was the unnamed IT that the Beats were waiting for, it is the perennial lesson for all true mystics.

_Oh yes, the book is a small one. perfect books are often like that- take a look at the Tao te Ching....

_A man that can write a book like this doesn't have to hang around this old world too long- he's already paid his dues and learned his lessons. Like Lao Tze it is time to depart, for your work is done, and the decline of the country is painful and tiring to witness....