Toronto, Ontario
Marriage and Makeover
One of our ashram residents asked a question, “Why are we putting so much energy into this wedding?” When I heard this query, I did not take it as a challenge, but as innocent curiosity coming from someone who leads the simple devotional life with a group of other monastic people. Shekar and Christina were getting married, and our main kirtan hall was going through a kind of makeover. My response to the question was, “Marriage is an important day in a person’s life. It’s a major commitment, and the couple needs blessings.”
I thought more about what I had said and wanted to add something.
We live in an era of lack of commitment. We quit on people and projects so easily. It’s a lack of determination – not a good trait. In marriage, you demonstrate maturity through vows and keeping them. You learn to communicate and learn the game of give and take. When there’s kids involved (which is natural between a couple), show them that you have some conviction by being committed. Try to avoid defraying the fabric of a family. And people don’t always get along, even when you make a new arrangement. Show some tolerance and patience. Of course, there are cases of abuse. Granted, you may need to break off. But the word abuse is very casually used. Break off can be a last resort. This opens up a new door of discussion. People have become non-congenial. Much is to be said about the selfish world in which we live, and about an educational system which does not build character and avoids spiritual based values.
Yes, a makeover on us would be good.
The wedding, by the way, went well. I wish the couple all the best. I had to leave early to attend a funeral for Mark Mulair, also known as Muralidhar. He died from cancer. His new existence means a makeover of sorts.
May the Source be with you!
10 KM
No comments:
Post a Comment