Toronto, Downtown
Strong
Within one hour of the start of my walking, the classic question came my way, first by three Chinese-Canadians.
“Are you a monk?”
“Yes, indeed.”
The second time the question was posed came from a Black Canadian standing at the corner of Yonge and Dundas. I wasn’t sure if he was poised to cross, but when I began answering, he remained planted right there, eager to listen.
“I am a monk. It’s a good life,” I said.
“So you’re celibate? You don’t have sex with your wife?” was his curious question.
“The way it typically works is this: one remains totally celibate ’till about twenty-five years of age, then one may marry and have a full family experience. Years later, maybe at sixty, if one so desires, albeit with the consent of one’s wife, one may return back to monkhood. At that stage of life, there’s less drive. One naturally gravitates to simplicity.”
“Wow, that’s amazing!”
I then thought: What else would a young man like to hear? and said, “You see, you become strong when you can control yourself. That’s what you want and that’s what she wants; a strong man in body, mind and spirit. So resist until the time is right.”
“This is all very interesting.”
“Would you like to be a monk?” I asked.
“I like the idea but I don’t know if I can….”
“Simple living! High thinking! You know you probably lived a monastic life in a previous life. Call me if you want to talk.” I gave him my card.
May the Source be with you!
6 km
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