The path of the spiritual fisherman – An interview with the author of Fly Fishing – The Sacred Art
By Steve the Humble Angler (Sportfishingweekly) on May 12, 2013
An interview With Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer, co author of Fly Fishing – The Sacred Art.
Praise for Fly Fishing – The Sacred Art. “Clearly [shows] we are all united in our spirit…. A great read for anyone who cares about people, the conservation of our planet or learning to fly-fish.” Sherry Steele, communications chair, Federation of Fly Fishers National Board of Directors.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is an experience that involves the entire body and engages the whole mind. There is simply no room in the focused fisherman’s consciousness for self doubt. If the fish are there then the successful fisherman will find them and will, more often than not land them.
However, peel back this total commitment, strip the fisherman of his or her focus on the job at hand and more often than not there is a calm core, an inner peace that is the mark of those who spend much of their leisure time in the embrace of Mother Nature.
Fish for long enough and gradually you will find yourself dividing your time between an appreciation of your quarry and its habits and a growing realization that you are privileged to be part of web of life that spreads across rivers, ponds, oceans and dams. Once the fisherman has taken the first step on this journey of spiritual discovery, it is only a matter of time before deeper questions on the nature of existence begin bubbling to the surface.
Fishermen are surrounded by nature’s splendid tapestry from the early sunrise to the dipping of the last rays below the horizon. Wind, rain, the smell of grass crushed underfoot, damp earth and the sound of flowing water are all part of a sensory experience that promotes deep thoughts on the nature of reality and mans place in the universe.
Many of us are lucky enough to share our passion with peers who seem to be predisposed (certainly in my experience)to a strange combination of introspection and forthrightness. An older fisherman, an ounce or two of the good stuff and the mysteries of existence can provide engrossing conversation for hours.
Some of us are lucky enough to have a spiritual foundation that fishing seems to enhance and bring into sharp focus. One such man is Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer, co author of Fly Fishing-The Sacred Art, published by SkyLight Paths.
This fascinating spiritual journey is the result of a collaboration between Rabbi Eisenkramer and Episcopal priest, Rev. Michael Attas, MD.
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