Biting Into An Apple
Toronto, Ontario
Cameron and I took to the ravine, leaf-laden in spectacular colours of the fall. Cameron reached over, bent a branch of a Mac Intosh apple tree so that we could sink our teeth into a delicious pesticide –free piece of fruit. As we expected the taste was fresh and tart-a crispy sweet and sour.
I was reflecting on our guru –retreat of ten days earlier in Ujjain when a number of us monks discussed when something sweet goes sour, especially in the way of a disciple or student and guru relationship. It does happen that a person initiated as a student can become disenchanted in the relationship with guru and veers off into other directions. “devastation” is sometimes the chosen word to describe a prodigal son. Our topic of discussion was what to do in such a circumstance?
Each of the members of our small group recall such instances where a follower would turn away. The consensus that we came to was to keep our doors open welcoming a return and that divine intervention by the absolute be given chance to mend ways and relationships.
In the beginning of someone’s coming there is usually a sweetness. Like in a man/woman relationship novelties wear off after some time bitterness between the two can set in. Finally through patience and prayer the sweetness can make a comeback.
By the way, the apple was delicious.
13 Km
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