Ujjain, India
The Seasoned and the Young
I’m always amazed by
the sacrifice of the other older monks, swamis, brahmacharis and grihastas
(householders). When we meet, we discuss
what is relevant. Part visionary, part
strategic and part problem solving would be the categories of topics that we go
over. Meetings can be long but they are
important.
I was requested to
give an extra class, in Q and A format, to the younger men. The room became filled with souls of the ashram.
Their hearts were also filled—with questions.
“How do you stay
enthusiastic?”
Answer simplified: “Stay
in the company of those who are zealous.
It is contagious.”
Second answer: “Just
do it. Pondering too much is
hesitation. Act more, think less.”
“Can you clarify the
difference between principle and detail?”
Answer: The overall principle is sweet surrender. All the little steps taken to get closer to
perfection are the details. The
principle or concept is the same for everyone.
The approach varies. One example
is Arjuna was to surrender to Krishna, but his approach was as a ksatriya, protector, and that is not for
everyone. Someone functions as a
moralistic mentor, someone as police, someone as a producer of goods, someone
as a physical labourer.
“Can you tell us of
one of your walking experiences?”
Answer: I detailed my encounter with the grizzly bear. They liked that one too.
I also learned one
thing from those monastic students. When
they go out in public, they wear white.
“Why?” I asked.
“Because although
people respect the saffron, they don’t want to see their sons become
renunciants.
May the Source be with
you!
6 km
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