Saturday 9 October 2010

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

The sign read, " Common sense is like deodorant. Those who need it most don't use it ."

Geet, Deva Datta, my two companions, and I just completed a rigorous trek through trails at Fork York Creek, when we read this light comment on a sign board. We snickered. But I took it a trite bit more serious. Perhaps I'll stretch to say that the remark is rather "absolute". It is often enough that those who are needing are resistant when offered.

For example, you get all excited when a person comes to town to conduct a workshop on reflective hearing, especially when rendered in the most professional and serious way. You have someone in mind who can benefit from such a workshop. In fact non-empathic listening is their chronic weakness. You really believe in the program because you reaped a great harvest from it yourself. You want to share it but your buddy is not willing. Does it sound familiar? He or she will resist like the plague.

How about the conflict between a couple? Counseling can do wonders but both party members must agree to participate. The ,"No way Jose" attitude will not permit for reconciliation. And so we see that the reluctance to talk the issues over puts everything at a stalemate. Everything freezes.

One great sadhu (holy man) Rupa Goswami, actually encouraged speaking to someone mature to lead to a resolve. It is speaking confidentially that helps a person win the game to reach deeper understanding . In fact this humble monk offers much advice on breaking stalemates between people in his book, "Upadeshamrita". (The Nectar Of Instruction)

Back to the "common sense" remark, our guru, Srila Prabhupada encouraged common sense action. Spiritual life inclusive of common sense. We must use practicality otherwise you run on superstitions and that can be extremely dangerous.

15KM

No comments: