Sunday, January 20, 2019

Houston, Texas

Best Medicine

All of the attendees at this weekend’s medical conference were handed a credit-tracking record form to be tallied.  According to my addition, I can claim 11 points out of 14.75. Where my numbers went, I don’t know. Some missing points were due to my pulling out for drama practice.  I enjoyed the conference so much and I felt right at home with the group of medical professionals.  However, my greater passion is in drama presentations in the company of performers.

Both groups have something in common. Yes.  An entertainer offers the audience a type of medicine.  In fact, laughter is the best of medicines.  

One of the features of the Gauranga Hall is a stage which I stood upon to introduce our prepared piece, “First Timer.”  The Hall was full of medical people, congregants—including their children—and one monk, Ritavidya Swami.  So, I addressed the crowd,  “Comedy is an exaggeration of the truth.”  The curtains opened, unfolding a portrayal of an objectivity on an aspect of life.  In this case, the spectator is viewing some culture shocks that a newcomer sometimes goes through on a first visit to a temple.  

Yes, indeed, we make mistakes in the execution of our devotions.  We can laugh at them when staring at them—when they are “in our face.”  My only hope is that we can step ahead and correct some wrongs in regard to our dealings with new people, as well as dealings amongst ourselves. 

The performers did well.  I’m grateful to the young folks who laid out the short story. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs52zPlAA79/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=wn38glndieuy

My great highlights of the day are the medical presentations, the drama, and the topic I spoke on, from the Bhagavatam, which was ‘family’.  The word is derived from the Latin word famulus, and defined as “household of servants.”

May the Source be with you!

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