Thou art One
by Solomon ibn GabirolEnglish version by Bernard Lewis
Original Language Hebrew
Thou art One, the beginning of all computation, the base of all construction.
Thou art One, and in the mystery of Thy Oneness the wise of heart are astonished, for they know not what it is.
Thou art One, and Thy Oneness neither diminishes nor increases, neither lacks nor exceeds.
Thou art One, but not as the One that is counted or owned, for number and change cannot reach Thee, nor attribute, nor form.
Thou art One, but my mind is too feeble to set Thee a law or a limit, and therefore I say: "I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue."
Thou art One, and Thou art exalted high above abasement and falling -- not like a man, who falls when he is alone.
 | -- from The Heart and the Fountain: An Anthology of Jewish Mystical Experiences, by Joseph Dan |
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