Anna and I recently visited a village in the Coorg district in Karnataka, where there is a Budhist monastery, and an introduction to the Tibetan way of life.
While at a restaurant, I was taken back by the time the monks take to eat food or drink a glass of tea. I noticed that most monks take even up to half hour to drink a glass of tea. They are often silent in between the sips of tea. Even their conversations are well paused and there is no sense of hurry.
The Budhist tradition is one of 'mindfullness'- being fully present to whatever one is doing. This is intended to enhance inner attention, awareness and sense of nearness.
There is a message of hurry I often convey, while walking, talking, eating, shopping etc. It can be a hurry to move from the present to the next.
The monks seemed to relish what they do because the present engagement seemed to give them fulfilment, meaning and purpose. They do not have to 'escape' from the present into the future to draw meaning purpose. The present is already fulfilling.
There is a price we pay for our hurry. In fact we may even eat more if we eat hurriedly as we can miss the feeling of satiety the apetite centre may convey. So one can eat more unconsciously, which is a sure trap to become obese.
Although, we need to account for the way we spend our time, it is also necessary to convert our times to be fulfilling and uplifting. This calls for paying attention to what we do, and do what we do attentively.
I saw a child of six years complete his drawing, while the rest of the class waited for forty five minutes for the teacher to come. He said, 'I was immersed in my drawing. I found it good enough for me'. What an affirming way of being in charge!
Jesus of Nazareth demonstrated an unusual sense of presence. That is why he was able to recognise the unspoken needs of Zacheaus, who was waiting for Jesus on the top of a sycamore tree.
M.C.Mathew(text and photo)
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