This morning, I talked to my beloved teacher, the Venerable Tashi Rabten of the Lotus Jewel Temple on Bernadette, which had been the only real home I had really known before meeting Aradia. I saw her face upon the screen, with all the familiar lines, and the same smile that had welcomed me to the temple as a young child, so long ago. She bowed to me for a long moment of silence. Then she called me Teacher, and she laughed as she pointed out my hair which has been growing back with all kinds of curls.
I told her I was coming back, but that I could only stay for a month. Her smile faltered, but she did not ask questions. She only said she would be delighted to see me again, that everyone would be delighted to see me again. I asked that they not to make a fuss about my visit, but she kindly reminded me that the fuss isn't about me; it's important to them. And I understand.
Still, I've gotten used to being a simple cook, to being an equal member of Grace's crew, to being hugged, to be able to dance and sing how I like and just be thought of fondly as "our Josie." I like the life I have now. I just wish I didn't have to let other people down in order to pursue my current path. I hope to make them understand that they do not need me, that they can be their own light.
But symbols are important to people. Traditions are important. Who would we become without all that we have always known? What part of ourselves can exist without everything else?
May I express the immeasurable love, compassion, joy, and equanimity of the awakened mind that beings may find comfort and ease in the all-pervading luminosity of their own true nature.
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