Comments:

Barry, 24 June
Hello

Intrigued by the verb 'to elder' or 'to be eldered' - sounds like something a craftsman does to certain types of wood to cure dry rot?

Part of me is assuming it means to be 'told off' in some way by a Quaker Elder? And, as a newcomer to Quakerism and a practicing Buddhist, this does leave me quaking somewhat? I would really hope that any Quaker 'elder' deserving that post would not resort to such power-over behaviour, but work more toward 'power-with' (these two terms come from Non-violent Communication or NVC.

I would welcome other reflections on 'being Eldered'!!! And also whether, as a practicing Buddhist, I would be expected to not meditate during a silent Quaker meeting - the boundaries between the two are pretty nebulous and undefinable as far as I has experienced and read so far?


Barry Hill

Peter Arnold, 17 March
Perhaps they used to believe that we must remain alert and ready to be inspired by words from a supernatural source but, as Nick suggests, it should be possible to meditate at the same time.
For those of us who lack a belief in the supernatural meditation may help us over eighties to stay awake.