SIMPLICTY – Live simply that others may simply live.
Quakers do not have a dogma or creed but we do have testimonies. A testimony is an outward expression of an inward leading of the spirit, a guide to try and live by. Our most well known testimony is the Peace Testimony however there are other testimonies that are also very important to us. One of these being SIMPLICITY.
SIMPLICITY: Extract from the Friendly Guide to Quakerism
Friends believe that simplicity should be a way of life. It allows them to concentrate attention on seeking the Truth and to avoid being distracted by worldly materialism. They advocate simplicity in language, dress and behaviour. Early Friends believed that self-indulgence and love of luxury hindered a person’s spiritual life. They also warned against living beyond your means. Today Friends would also advocate living a life which respects God’s creation thus having a concern for environmental matters and the responsible use of the world’s resources. In a society which is becoming increasingly materialistic, Friends are challenged to watch against conformity to commonly accepted worldly standards and to seek to live simply.
Friends try to find ways to meet the challenge of living simply and in moderation. It’s a different experience for all of us as our priorities and concerns may vary greatly. But mostly we have choice when so many do not. Of course it may not be possible to make the preferred choice because of economics or location. The simple solution of getting from A to B may be to walk or cycle but the reality is that public transport or personal transport is the only option due to distance or access. Similarly with buying food and other goods. The preference may be for locally grown, organic and cruelty free products but these are not always readily available or may be too costly.
Meeting for Worship is a very simple format as we gather in silence seeking to discover a deeper sense of the Spirit. Some may be led to speak but whether vocalised or silent the Meeting centres down to a deep unified energy.
Our Quaker Meeting Houses are usually very simple, unadorned buildings. Monkstown Meeting House is a good example. A plain building with lovely big windows that allow lots of light in the Meeting Room. However, it is also graced with a beautiful ceiling. Headstones in our Burial Grounds conform in size and shape and the wording is standardised. This is to ensure simplicity and equality. Flowers are not encouraged on graves. At Temple Hill Burial Ground in Blackrock trees and flowering shrubs create an oasis of nature in an urban area.
If there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do, let me do it now, let me not deter or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. Stephen Grellet c 1800
Susanna Murdoch