One of the many beautiful realities of life is that we are often greeted with signs or indications of what lies ahead in our journey.
My first realization of this occurred during the summer before my last year in high school. As a senior to be, we had to read The Razor’s Edge by Somerset Maugham. For those who are not familiar with the story, it is about a young man named Larry who returns from World War I confused about what the meaning of life is.
Larry, prior to the war, was engaged to a woman named Isabel and she has great difficultly understanding Larry’s confusion. She encourages him to find a job and to go on with his life. Larry, on the other hand, just wants to have his pain disappear. Fortunately for Larry, he had a trust fund which enabled him to not have to take a job right away.
He spends his time reading books and then finally decides that he needs to see the world in order to find answers. So he goes off to Europe where he works in a mine and all kinds of places. Along the way, he gets introduced to spiritual books and finds his way to India.
On a boat in India, he meets a man who offers him the chance to get initiated into one of the highest Orders of India. He accepts and gets initiated into the Ramakrishna Order. Larry then realizes that being a monk is not the path for him. He heads back to Europe for more realizations and adventures.
Eventually, he realizes that the meaning of life is unconditional love and returns to America where he gets a job as a taxi cab driver and he gives the remainder of his trust fund to charity. (Please note I just highlighted the main sections of the story and skipped over what happens with Isabel.)
When I finished reading the book for the very first time, I felt that someone had ripped out my guts. I had such an uncomfortable feeling….a sense of dread that was unlike anything I had experienced. My mother saw me and asked what I thought of the book.
Being young and ignorant I told my mother that I absolutely thought Larry was an idiot. Lesson Number One: never ever judge someone for their actions because inevitably you will end up doing the action you thought was stupid.
Fast forward eleven years later and yours truly was in the midst of a spiritual quest and dilemma. I wanted meaning and was totally lost. As life would have it, a Buddhist Master crossed my path and offered me the opportunity to be initiated into…wait for it….the Ramakrishna Order.
When I flew out to one of their temples in California, I was greeted by monks who were full of love and light. I also was exposed for the very first time to the concept of bringing my palms together and bowing in honor to my teacher and every monk and nun at the Temple.
Being that I considered myself a modern woman, I was not so thrilled about the idea of bowing down to men. Yes, it was all ego but I had seen enough macho behavior to last me a lifetime, that the idea of bowing just struck me as anti-modern. However, when in Rome…so I started to do the bowing. Initially, it was a disaster because I had no idea what I was doing. I could not figure out if I bowed with just my head or the entire upper half of my body. With each bow I would try something different.
At my initiation ceremony, it was just me and the high monk of the Order. And when it comes to high monks, you have to bow to their feet. So here I was getting down on my hands and knees bowing to his feet. I was so clumsy, he laughed and blessed me and said that with time, I would get it.
As time went on and with each bow, not only did I develop an ease but I started to notice that it felt good on some level. Not out of ego but something inside felt that it was an act of humility.
While being formally instructed by my teacher, my studies were focused on ancient Vedic and Buddhist texts as well as learning some Sanskrit which is the historical language of many Buddhist and Hindu texts.
During this time in my life, I had never heard of the term Namaste. The yoga craze had not hit the area I lived in yet so it was a foreign term in my mind. One day the term came up during some reading and I looked it up and learned something which changed my life.
Namaste means that the God in me bows down to the God in you. So when palms are together and you bow, you are not bowing to the person but rather to the inherent Divinity that resides in each of us.
Up until that point, God had always been a force that existed outside and it struck me as strange that God existed inside all of us. So I called my teacher and told him what happened.
He went on to explain to me that there was an external God but that we are all part of that external and so when we are dealing with people, we should not focus on the personality but rather on the Divinity within them. He went on to make the joke that it makes life a whole lot easier and you do not get caught up in the drama of the other person.
Of course, I then asked him about the bowing and he said that is what the bowing was all about. It is not that the monks or the high monk are more superior but rather it is an exercise to make you realize that each one of us is worthy of respect and honor because the Divine is in everyone and everything.
As a result of this piece of news, I began to take bowing more seriously and in due time it became second nature. Living in India only helped to perfect my bowing skills and it was such fun.
Even though it has been five years since we lived in India, I have to admit, I miss the bowing. It is such a simple and powerful gesture that says so much without really having to utter a word.
So often we get caught up in the personality of an individual, we forget that their personality is not who they truly are. It is just an expression of their reality. Sometimes it is hard to see the Divine in another when they are doing something that really bothers or hurts you.
However, this is where Lesson Number Two comes: such a situation is an opportunity for mastery for not only you but the other person. Nothing gets a person more than when their intention of hurting you, backfires back to them.
As for my love of bowing, I came to see that even though I cannot actually bow when I am out in the world, I silently do it in my head by saying Namaste.
But I have to admit, whenever I am in some Asian restaurant, I usually bow to the person who served us as we leave and the great thing is that the other person always bows back.
So as this post comes to an end….with my palms together, I say to all of you: Namaste!
Special thanks to SuZen of Erasing the Bored, for providing me unknowingly with the confirmation to go ahead and share this post with all of you. Since this is a Sunday Song post, here is a song that is an actual Sanskrit chant sung by Madonna. It is called Shanti/Ashtangi. The English translation is as follows:
I worship the gurus’ lotus feet
Awakening the happiness of the self revealed
Beyond comparison, working like the jungle physician
To pacify loss of consciousness from the poison of existence
In the form of a man up to the shoulders
Holding a conch, discus and sword
Thousand headed, white
I bow respectfully
Peace
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Nadia,
Bowing from a spot deep within, to that spot within someone else – what a beautiful way to respect and honor the Higher Source, the God – within each of us. And the thing about bowing is that it feels very sacred. And not something done lightly. Nadia, thank you for sharing your journey with this, and what it means to you. That all helps to add meaning for me, in how I view bowing, as well.
Namaste,
Lance
Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day
Hi Lance,
Isn’t wonderful the meaning behind the simple act of bowing? It sure does feel sacred and if you think about it, life is meant to be be viewed with a element of the sacred for human life is so precious.
Namaste to you too!
I love the meaning behind and the simple act of bowing. I bow to objects, people, thoughts, air… I’m an all-out crazy bowing fool! (Not be confused with a crazy bowling fool.) (smile)
Ha, and I totally laughed when I read your use of “…wait for it…” Barney Stinson! (Wait, was it?!)
You know, you made mention of me using “namaste” yesterday in a sign-off, and the funny thing was, I had another greeting in place but heard the prompt “namaste is more appropriate here.” So I changed and put that, instead. I have to admit, Nadia, I love the connection we share. It’s palpable at times, and I’m grateful.
Happy Sunday, my friend!
Megan “JoyGirl!” Bord´s last blog ..Feeling Prosperous
Hi Megan,
Yes, that line is from the character Barney Stinson.
I could not resist mentioning it.
Please know that I, too, am grateful for the friendship and connection we have. And that is cool how you were going to write something different but then “Namaste” came to your mind. I love stories like that.
Happy Sunday to you too and keep smiling!
Thanks for reminding me that I want to read that book, “The Razor’s Edge”. I just put it on my Amazon wish list for my next order.
This is a beautiful piece you’ve written, a usual, full of life and personality and insight.
Thank you for this gift.
Bob Weisenberg
http://YogadDemystified.com
Hi Bob,
Please let me know what you think about “The Razor’s Edge” once you finish reading it. I have it read many times since high school and it is such a great story. My life has mirrored it to some degree and it is always great to hear what others think. Each person takes away something that speaks to their soul.
And thank you so much for the kind words about my writing. I am grateful and humbled.
I usually reserve bowing for very special occasions, but I might change this now that I’ve read about it here. After all, what could be more special than connecting soul to soul with another human being?
Hi Jay,
There is something definitely special about souls connecting. I often wonder how people would treat each other if they had that awareness. So often we get consumed with the personality, we lose sight of the core.
Namaste Nadia.
thanks for sharing this post.
And especially – thanks for the summary of “The Razor’s Edge”. Sounds like a must-read for me.
Glad´s last blog ..Nothing to it … Ha!
Namaste Glad,
You are welcome.
As I mentioned in my reply to Bob, “The Razor’s Edge” is a great story. It is said that it is a true story. Whether it is or not, it is a beautiful book that really has impacted my life on so many levels. I have read it many times since high school, and see the parallels.
When I was a teenager, I did not understand the beauty of his journey and it scared me. But now, considering the journey I have been on, I am grateful to have walked a similar path even though some people may not understand it.
Namaste, my dear. I love that sanskrit chant and had NO idea Madonna even recorded stuff like this. We’ve come a long way from… well, the old days. Now I’m going to have to check out that whole album.
That first lesson you shared here is priceless. I’ve had the same sort of moment of judgment of something(s) my mom introduced to me, only to later have to take back everything I said. Unfortunately, she isn’t around for me to apologize for being such an idiot when I was younger, but I’m assuming she knew even then I would eventually learn what I needed to learn. Just don’t judge anyone, period.
Lisis´s last blog ..Inspiration from Yoko Ono: Seasons Pass
Namaste Lisis!
I just love that song and listen to it often. Whenever I tell people about it, they don’t believe me so I had to include it in this post.
The Ray of Light album is one of my favorites and most of the songs are spiritually based. I think you will enjoy it and you can listen to it all on You Tube.
As for that first lesson, have no worries. Your mother knows how you feel and so even though you may not be able to apologize directly to her face, she can feel what is in your heart. So it is all okay and it is wonderful that you see what you see.
Nadia:
You have introduced me to yet another great book – it sounds very intriguing and worth reading at this stage of my life! Reading your post really makes me realize you’ve had quite an amazing journey that has led you to writing this blog. I suppose all of us have had amazing journeys that have brought us here – but perhaps not to all the same “exotic” locations. Thank you for sharing a little background about Namaste, as well – I forgot about this since taking my yoga classes about 10 years ago.
Thank you and Namaste.
Hi Tim,
You are most welcome and namaste to you too!
We all definitely have had amazing journeys and our own version of “exotic”. And as for my journey to get to this point of writing this blog…well…it has been an awesome ride. But that said, I think that is true for anyone whether they blog or not. I think we do not realize how great each journey is because we are so consumed with what is on our minds, we cannot see where we have been and how much we have grown.
There is a man in Sweden, I think his name is Ambros. He said that we all are progressing forward but we just do not see it. I tend to believe that is true.
Hi Nadia,
The Razor’s Edge sounds like a really good book. I am adding that one to my list! This latest installment to your story is fascinating, like all the others. I love how you have been (and continue to be) open to every lesson available to you. Last year I heard Namaste for the first time as well (I know, a little behind the curve, where have I been?!) and when I looked it up I had the exact same reaction that you expressed here. It is such a beautiful sentiment. I don’t say it out loud–it still kind of feels like an awkward bow for me (part of me thinks my friends will think I’ve gone off the deep end~first Jodi started writing a blog about JOY! and now she’s muttering what?!?) but I think “Namaste” quite often and the word really makes my heart smile.
Great post, Nadia! I love stopping by here and gleaning your latest wisdom!
Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last blog ..Expressing Thanks
Hi Jodi,
Please let me know what you think after you read “The Razor’s Edge”. I love to hear other people’s reaction to the story. There is a movie of the book with Bill Murray and it is good but the book goes into more detail.
And no worries on when you first heard the word “Namaste”. You learned about it when it was time and I know what you mean about what your friends will think. I went through the same thing too. So it is all part of the process.
As for being open to lessons, someone told me the same thing recently and I guess it is because I had such a bad childhood, I just wanted to get over it. So I was open to whatever life showed me so that I would heal. Maybe there is more to it than that but I think when you are in pain, you just want to be free from it.
Thank you for being so joyful and Namaste to you!
Nadia, this is a wonderful post. The idea of bowing and the reasons behind it are so powerful. If I needed any more encouragement not to judge others, this is it, not because I want to avoid doing the same thing, but because I need to focus on the good in everyone as a way of showing respect. Thank you.
Daphne´s last blog ..More Inspiration
Hi Daphne,
You are most welcome and no worries, we all need to focus on the good in everyone. There is too much negativity and pain in the world. We do not need to add to it. So we are all in this boat together.
Hope all is awesome.
Hi Nadia,
This was beautiful, Nadia. Thank you so very much for sharing. I want to read that book – it is officially on my list.
I know the fundamentals behind the word, Namaste, but have never studied or learned the true meaning behind bowing to others. I knew it was a form of respect, but now I know it is much deeper than that. I feel touched with what you’ve shared today. I often have had an urge to bow to those serving me (in restaurants or the like), and never knew why.
Importantly, now I won’t stop myself if I feel the urge.
I really loved this post, Nadia. It touched my heart. You are a divine woman.
~Namaste~
Lori´s last blog ..Start A Blog
Hi Lori,
You are so sweet and I say that in response to almost every comment you leave. You are a divine woman too. And I am so happy that this post touched your heart. That means so much to me.
As I have told all the others, please let me know what you think about “The Razor’s Edge” after you read it. By the way, the reason for the title is because in the Upanishads it is said that the road to salvation is as narrow as a razor’s edge.
Bowing is pretty sacred and I never knew much about it until I was initiated. Isn’t is amazing how almost everything life has a reason behind it but we have lost sight of it due to time or whatever?
Namaste to you too!
Nadia,
My first time here (I think) and am so happy I did. What a marvelous post. I love that you love bowing. I do think it is something we could all benefit from here in the West. Imagine, how it would change us….:-) I enjoyed reading your story, such a heartfelt gasho to your teacher. And I reciprocat….Gasho to you for being open and present enough to receive such insights then share them with us. May you be happy…Oh, and Namaste.
jan´s last blog ..Weekend Reflection
Hi Jan,
Great to meet you. Thank you so much for all the kind things you wrote.
I agree with you that in the West we would definitely benefit from the concepts behind bowing and the act of bowing. So often people here are in such a rush, people forget their manners. Actually, it makes me wonder if people really care about manners anymore. I will have to ponder that one.
Namaste and gassho to you too!
Dear Nadia,
When I began my yoga journey in late 2002 (when I decidedly stopped thowing pearls at swine), I didn’t understand the bowing, Namaste, Om, Shanti Shanti, none of it. As I grew in my practice, I grew in my understanding. The simple act of bringing my palms together at my heart, centering, and bowing is the ultimate in paying respect to the divine within. And when I teach a class, there’s nothing more gratifying for me than to bow and say Namaste to my students.
Bringing my palms together and bowing at you.
Namaste my friend!
Peggy at Serendipity Smiles´s last blog ..Your Moment of Bliss
Hi Peggy,
That is cool that you began your yoga journey when you stopped throwing pearls at swine. The timing aspect is beautiful and perfect. It is wonderful how yoga cultivates awareness and good for you for becoming a teacher. Thank you for sharing your journey.
With palms together, bowing to you…Namaste, my friend and have a beautiful day!
Namaste. Namaste. Namaste. Is it okay to bow three times in a row?
“we should not focus on the personality but rather on the Divinity within them.” So beautiful, thanks.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Now, Where’d I Put Those Passports?
Hi Jannie,
So how is Bulgaria? And bowing three times in a row is fine.
Hope all is awesome and namaste to you!
Wonderful post Nadia! I’m glad you wrote this – it’s fun that we are thinking alike. I love the way you write of your experiences – the Divine walks right along with you, my dear one.
Namaste
suZen
suzen´s last blog ..Be Happy! A Good Choice!
Hi SuZen,
Namaste to you and thank you for all the support. The Divine walks right along with you too.
> we should not focus on the personality but rather on the Divinity within them. He went on to make the joke that it makes life a whole lot easier and you do not get caught up in the drama of the other person.
I like that lots.
Do you know why you were offered the opportunity to be initiated into the Ramakrishna Order?
J.D. Meier´s last blog ..The 80 Year New Economy Cycle
Hi JD,
Thank you.
Yes, I do know why I was offered the opportunity. There were many aspects to it. Some are too personal to fully share but I did write about how the whole experience came to be. Here is the link to that post: http://happylotus.com/2009/04/20/how-i-met-a-real-life-master-yoda/ .
Hope all is awesome!
Nadia. Thanks for this.
It made me realise there are two forms of bowing – one as a sign of inferiority or subservience (I watched the King And I over the weekend and am thinking about the part where the King insists that no-one should have their heads higher than him) . The second – the ‘namaste’ form is a sign of respect and humility and more of an honouring of you and myself.
In this second form I can see the beauty and humanity that’s always been missing for me in the first form.
Ian | Quantum Learning´s last blog ..The secret of happiness
Hi Ian,
You are welcome. Actually, the first form that you are referring to initially did have the intention of being a sign of respect and humility. However, people who have the karma of being royality or leaders also have the challenge of controlling their ego. So the original meaning of bowing was distorted due to the fact that some people could not control their ego.
Namaste to you!
Hi Nadia .. I’d seen the word ‘Namaste’ quite often in commenter’s blogs and wondered about it – but am so pleased to have your explanation. It makes so much sense that we acknowledge the Divinity in the person, thus taking away from the drama that that person might exude.
That’s really helpful .. and your book recommendation should arrive shortly and I can print this post out and keep it in the book.
Thanks – all the best and a lovely story of the Monk, Bowing and the Palms coming together – it does make sense .. and doing it in your head, if the societal norms would react strangely to you.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s last blog ..Garnets, Tolkein, Silver and Gold ….
Hi Hilary,
I am grateful that this post was of help and thank you so much for all the kind words.
Let me know what you think about the book once you read it. And, if you have any questions or want to talk about it, you know how to contact me. By the way, my aunt passed away on Thursday so we are dealing with a similar situation on this end. So is the cycle of life.
Hope all is well and namaste to you!
Hi Nadia .. sounds as though it was quite sudden. I hope it was peaceful and hasn’t caused sadness in the family. These things are always so unpredictable and unsettling.
Be at peace .. as you say it is the cycle of life.
With thoughts – Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s last blog ..Garnets, Tolkein, Silver and Gold ….
Hi Hilary,
It was quite sudden and her passing was peaceful. However, her husband and a few others in the family are a total mess. As for me, I am doing fine and am at peace.
Thank you so much for your concern.
Beautiful, I love the sharings you have been doing recently about your spiritual journey. Were you at the Ramakrishna temple in Los Angeles near Burbank??? I visit there all the time, and love it so much. I have not studied formally with the order, but The Gospel of Ramakrishna played a big part in my own path, as well as the biographies of Vivekananda and Sarada Devi, whom I love. And the Razor’s Edge too, which I think was only recently re-released, thank goodness.
Anyway, I love this commentary on bowing. I was very uncomfortable with bowing when I first studied martial arts, and then later in various meditation centers. I felt it was degrading somehow, or signalled a cult-of-personality type thing. But like you, I came to love it, and the signifigance of it as a way of honoring the light in both ourselves, our teachers, and others. Humility is freeing.
Lisa (mommymystic)´s last blog ..Interview with Akemi Gaines: Akashic Records, Reincarnation, 2012 and More
Hi Lisa,
Yes, that is the one! Talk about a small world.
I have read all those books that you mentioned as they were a part of my studies. Sarada Devi was an amazing woman, wasn’t she? I am so happy that those books have played a part in your path. That is awesome. Did you know that the guy who wrote “Brave New World” used to go to that same temple? As well as another famous writer whose name I cannot remember at the moment.
And you are so right, the humility of bowing is definitely freeing. So often we get caught up with the personality, we lose sight of our true core. So the original meaning and significance of bowing really helps to clarify that perception.
Nadia! this is a wonderful blog article. I enjoy visiting your blog and always find some inspiration and hope.
Namaste!
Hi Lotus,
Thank you so much for all the kind things you wrote and for all the support.
Namaste to you too!
In western culture we shake hands to show respect for each other. It’s become a more common way of greeting each other in the east. With all the swine flu cases popping up bowing would be a much better way of acknowledging each other. It shows respect, give us a time to appreciate one another, but without spreading germs.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last blog ..21 Questions You Should Ask Yourself Every Monday
Hi Karl,
That is funny and true.
It is interesting that you mentioned that shaking hands as a sign of respect. I always thought of it as a sign of manners…more like it is the thing to do. Ironically, I don’t see it happening that much any more in business. At least that has been my experience.
Hi Nadia
When young a whole lot of things about the world can be scary indeed.
So many things that don’t make sense, so many sufferings that seems so unecessary and makes you wonder when your time of suffering will come.
Getting the wisdom and an explanation like we are all divine and do not judge has been such a comfort to me. Acknowledging the divine in all of us makes all of us pretty powerful even if we may not look or see it that way.
Bowing is a visible acknowledgment of each other’s greatness, and a great way to actually experience this connection at this level.
Oh how we in the Western world have misunderstood being equal.
Namaste, Nadia, namaste and a big Western hug.
Wilma Ham´s last blog ..Regrets, mindclutter and weakness in completion.
Hi Wilma,
You are right. When we realize that we are all divine helps us in our moments of frustration or fear or when we feel like we are nothing. So often we get so caught up in personalities and exterior labels, we lose sight of the beauty that lies within all of us. We truly are more powerful than we realize. We think we are small but in reality, we are capable of so much.
I am happy that your discovery of such concepts have brought you comfort. They do the same for me and that is why I wanted to share them via this post.
Namaste to you and a big Western hug right back at you!
When I first met a monk years ago, I felt a sense of awkwardness in bowing and putting my palms together. I did not really know how to do it properly.
Fast forward into the now, I am happy to “bow” to any of my friends who have shared the dharma with me. I feel that it does not really matter how I do it, even if I am to pay the highest respect to a friend. (According to some traditions, the positions by which we hold our palms indicate the level of respect to the other party). The intent of showing appreciation is more important.
I love the way you weave your messages into your stories. Your posts are that much more special! Very readable and easy to relate to. Do keep sharing your inspired thoughts!
Namaste to you, Nadia
Evelyn Lim´s last blog ..Break From Blogging
Hi Evelyn,
Thank you so much for all the kind things you wrote. I am so touched.
You raised an important point…it does not matter the manner in which some pays their respect to another. It is the intention which means more. And thank you so much for mentioning that in some traditions, the positions of the palms together to indicate certain levels of respect. Also in some traditions, the right hand symbolizes certain things as does the left hand. There is so much more that goes into it than people realize.
Namaste to you too, Evelyn!
Dear Nadia, Hi.
I think when we see “other” as god, and self as god and ALL as god, then it is not about losing face, but about bowing to the god in each of us. No wait. It is about bowing to god…period. Although I don’t believe that we HAVE to bow to see, feel , and acknowledge this god or “Is” or Creator. Just as we do not need to go into a temple or church to be close to god. I know I just contradicted myself there, but I guess I am saying that some ceremonies can just be nice and make us more aware of the Divine in us all, but they are not necessarily necessary to be close to the Divine.
This was a BEAUTIFUL post Nadia, so heartfelt and captivating.
You have lived an amazing life.
Thank you SO much for sharing part of it.
Namaste Dear Nadia,
Robin
Robin Easton ´s last blog ..Bizarro Week
Hi Robin,
You are so right, a person can be close to God irrespective of where they are and whether they engage in ceremonies or not. That has been my belief for years. Acknowledging the Divine is a way of life, not something that is left to when a person goes to a temple or a church or ashram. So I totally agree with you.
And thank you so much for all the kind words. You are very kind and you have lived an amazing life too. We all have in our own way which I know you know.
Namaste to you too, Robin!
Nadia, I love this post sooo much!
I don’t know why but after read this post I feel like I have some much love inside.
Namaste!
ps: you should come to my country, Indonesia ’cause we bow a lot too
Hi Eva,
Thank you so much and I am so happy that you feel so much love inside of you. That is wonderful.
As for Indonesia, I hear it is beautiful. One friend of mine is now in Bali and another friend is heading there next month. Hopefully, one day I can experience it for myself.
Namaste to you too!
Hi Nadia. Beautiful, truthful post. Thank you. I’d like to comment on your first lesson. I like to call this “foolish discrimination” because it’s calling people names for things we do ourselves. If we look hard we can catch ourselves doing it all the time…and then stamp it out. Here’s some persoal examples. I’ve looked down on people for being fat, after gaining twenty pounds myself. I’ve called guys names for speeding, and was caught by the gendarmes for speeding myself a few hours later. And so on, and on and on. O.K., but after watching myself do this for a while something eventually dawned on me. Everything I’d judged people harshly for…..I’d done myself….albeit sometimes differently. Maybe I’m not a pathological liar for instance, but I’ve told my share of white lies. Maybe I’m not a thief per se, but I’ve taken more than my fair share of stuff on occasion. Id’ better not judge thieves and liars too harshly then, because they and I are “the same but different”. When I began to see this clearly, I also saw this. I’d been judging MYSELF harshly. I’d been calling MYSELF names all along. Once this got through my thick skull…..my judging began to diminish. I can’t say I’ve gotten rid of all of it…..but I’m sure making progress now. And here’s the best part of it. I feel heaps better about myself and the world.
John Duffield´s last blog ..Heartshots For the Law of Attraction
Hi John,
You are welcome and thank you for being open about your experiences in learning to see what judgment truly is all about. What I have come to learn is that people are mirrors for one another. I recently wrote about this in the post right before this one. When we get so worked up about something that someone has said or done, it is because we are projecting ourselves onto that person.
Good for you for seeing this truth and making progress on it. That is awesome.
Yeah, if I five years ago I had read what I write now, I would have thought it insane, so never judge, it does come back.
Namaste is powerful–a few years ago my maternal grandmother passed away in India and I happened to be there and experienced the rituals, and noted a couple of interesting things. One, that death is not hidden from children, and the other was, in that part of India, as the funeral van meandered to the crematorium, people in the street would stop and momentarily touch their heart with their fingers and end in a bowed namaste. It was moving.
k
Kaushik´s last blog ..Floating…
Hi Kaushik,
Kind of cool how we grow and evolve. We end up embracing things we never thought we would. Goes to show you…life is definitely an interesting ride.
The rituals in India are really moving. Thank you so much for sharing your observations. Death there is handled quite differently than here.
I was directed to Tinybudha website and then linked to your blog by my son who is at Univeristy. I enjoyed reading some of your blog and will read more later. I did not know what Nameste really meant even though I spent time in an ashram in northern India where we always greeted each other with Om Shanti and Nameste. Your comments about living in India are so true and I can still remember sitting in meditation on a marble floor with the sun on my face so content yet so much in culture shock. Now a days we live 6 months a year in Bali and 6 months on Vancouver Island and really enjoy our lives. We are a product of “Becareful what you ask for” and “When the time is right you will know”. Two years ago, after working 17 years in developing countries all over the world but mostly in Asia, I dreamed of early retirement and enjoying the fruits of my labour and now we have the life that most can only dream about. When I worked in the Sudan I was nicknamed by my associates as “the Monk” because of my spiritual nature and long hours of meditation trying to find myself and when I was not looking for it I found the most beautiful person in Indonesia who I am now married to and blessed with a little girl who is wise beyond her years. I must have given so much in past lifes generating all this Karma to be enjoying such a blessed life now.
Hi Bryan,
It is interesting how you found your way to my site. I am grateful that you did and thank you so much for sharing your journey. No matter who I meet or talk to…the same lesson always seems to appear which is that life has a way of taking you places and that things always have a way of working out for the best.
Good for you for being so happy with the life you have now. That is awesome.
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