Ujjain, India
Foot Care
With a few minutes
available in Room 112 of the Guest House, I gave some attention to my
feet. With a rasp-like instrument I
managed to take off dead skin, much like a pumice-stone effect. I also utilized my nail clippers to carve
away at semi-soft skin, especially at the tips of the toes where the attention
is most needed. After this procedure, I
took to a good soaking in lukewarm water in a basin with some of the local salt
dissolved inside.
I have to be kind to
these feet. They have done a tremendous
service this summer in carrying me across the western part of the USA. “Service your feet,” is what I say. It is a form of devotion.
I took additional dead
skin off after the soak, clipped the toe nails and felt as though I had new
feet. It felt so great on the marble
floor of the temple of Radha MadhanMohan.
It was like I was gliding over the surface with my clean new feet.
I do have a sister who
specializes in pedicure. As a swami, I
generally don’t have physical contact with the opposite gender, even though
they may be kith and kin. I will give
hugs that are momentary, especially if it is a newcomer, as I just want to
encourage the ladies toward devotional life.
I never thought to ask Rose Ann, my sister, and I will refrain from such
a request, to aid my feet. Also, there
are usually young men around to help the elders in the matter of foot care.
The same type of
stricture should apply to women who choose a life of bhakti. Women will help each
other in an interdependent fashion like in a nunnery or a convent. There are not too many facilities like this
for women, from what I’ve seen.
In my travels, I see
how people really care for their cars.
The same type of spirit should apply in the case of one’s feet.
May the Source be with
you!
5 km
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