This afternoon by the water cooler:
Woman (singing): What if God was one of us? Hmm? hmm?
Me: Haha.
Woman: Hey! Maybe it’s you!
Me: Nah. I would’ve known.
Apparently Swami Satchidananda (who opened Woodstock and was Swami Sivananda’s student) — his students sat so close to him in class that they would blow their cigarette smoke in his face.
Janaki: Some people are like dry wood: they only need a small spark and they’re enlightened. Other people are like wet wood: they need to be dried first.
Me: But wet wood bends. Dry wood is brittle and it breaks.
Janaki, our wonderful lecturer here at the Ashram, says she’s “Head of Housecleaning” at the Canada Ashram (!). “People are either radiators or drains.” — Janaki
“Meedo,” says Tsering. “I’m leaving tonight.” She recommended The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. I used the word “beautiful” twice — once about her accent and then about her asanas. She was waiting for the film crew to videotape her doing some at the request of the Ashram (for a promotional documentary they’re doing).
“I don’t listen to what you say. I just see what you mean.” Why do some people affect me so much by doing so little?
I’m crawling with bugs after outdoor yoga class. She likes my worn-out diary. “I promise to read everything,” she says. “See you before you leave,” I say. I wonder if I will.
8:20 p.m. (I skipped the silent walk — too clean and fresh to do it.) I sit outside the Boutique.
“Meedo!” It’s Tsering. “I just want to say goodbye.”
There she is. Hug.
Tesering: Have a wonderful life. I hate goodbyes.
Me: Keep in touch [blah]… Be happy, Tsering. Thanks for everything.
Tsering: You too.
What was I thanking her for? Back in my room, I think it over and realize I’m still capable of real sadness.
Maybe I’m thankful for that.
DAY SEVENTEEN SNAPSHOTS • Click on each image for a larger view.
Snapshots taken on my phone.
{ 4 comments }
Me: But wet wood bends. Dry wood is brittle and it breaks.
My favorite quote of the blog till now :)
Me: But wet wood bends. Dry wood is brittle and it breaks.
My favorite quote of the blog till now :)
One of my very few (and brief) moments of brilliance. :) x
One of my very few (and brief) moments of brilliance. :) x