service.

When I lived with my teacher, I served him. I felt it always to be a blessing and a privilege.

I looked for opportunities to do this, and in my mind, nothing was ever too much trouble. From preparing his breakfast to simply opening the door for him when he left the Dhamma hall, each was a gesture of gratitude from my heart, for what he consistently brought to our relationship.

To be with someone who does not expound political or religious ideas, but is always present in front of you is a great gift.

To be with someone who does not continually intellectualise the situation but is in a direct relationship with you, is a great gift.

To be with someone who allows you to express your heart by serving them is also a great gift. The heart wants to serve, and it is the loving wisdom of the other that understands this and so can respond by creating the space for this aspect of relationship. Without the giver there can be no receiver. Without the receiver there can be no giver. this is the balance of a loving and respectful Relationship.

In Dhamma the master serves the disciple, and the disciple serves the master. This is the manifestation of perfect balance and truly is the greatest gift.

For myself, even if I am no longer in robes, I ask for nothing and make no demands on the kindness of others. This giving of space allows the other to express their heart and so it seems that people are happy to be with me.

When self-identity is penetrated and released all that is brought into every relationship is love and a purity of being.

This is what my teacher always showed me and it what I endeavour to share with all beings around me.

It seems to me that the highest mark of friendship and respect is when two people part, and each says 'thank you' to the other. This is how pure Dhamma manifests.

May all beings be happy.