Home again

Return from India. November 2013

We arrived in our home at 12.30 am having travelled non-stop for about twenty-seven hours. We were exhausted of course, but our own bed waiting for us was a good incentive to continue, no matter what.

The rapid transition between India and Europe leaves the head a little confused, and the behaviour and dress of western people now seems to be outside the norm. Gone is the elegance of the sari and the gliding motion of Indian women, to be replaced by a style and behaviour much more aggressive and self-oriented.

The temperature also was something to be dealt with. From a humid 30 degrees in Kolkata to a dry, biting 7 degrees in Toulouse. Winter arriving in Europe.

But here, as in every moment in life, Dhamma training shows itself. Acceptance is always the key, and complaining about life when it offers strange, difficult or unusual moments does not bring peace.

Attempting to always protect ourselves from uncomfortable situations is always doomed to failure because from the point of view of ego or self identity, nothing will ever be perfect for more than a moment.

Better to let go of any idea of how life should be, and surrender.

We need to reflect from wisdom, what really is the problem? What must we do in order to make a valuable response to the reality of the situation?

Being a victim is not a Dhamma choice but only a habit of mind, and complaining is very often simply a way to show some personal power in a situation, when actually we are just afraid of what we perceive is happening.

It is an attitude which says, 'this is not good enough for me', supported by a dismissive display of arrogant behaviour. Arrogance can only come from fear. Humility and interest in the situation must come from love. Sadly this attitude of fear based arrogance can often be seen in western tourists visiting a poorer country like India. Too afraid to see the beauty of a different culture and style of life, and too unaware to see that it is fear which colours everything.

But now we are home.

We were met at Toulouse airport by a disciple of mine who drove us to our house, about another hour away by car.

This was such a kind and generous gesture that serves only to convince me again, that whatever the media may show in their complicity to present life as a dangerous and fearful event, actually love and kindness are everywhere. In the end we only ever meet the consequence of what we empower and offer to the world.

In my relationship with my teacher, I would have done anything to be of service to him. To serve the other without intention is always a great blessing in our life.

We entered our small house in the forest, and having spoken at length to our cat, who it must be said, seemed happy to meet us again, and making an effort not to disturb the couple who had been taking care of him and the house (in that order), we slipped into bed and tumbled into sleep.

Today I awoke in France, still seeing the Himalayas in my mind and feeling the friendliness and kindness of everyone we met.

This is my blessed life.

I am British. France is my home. India is the gift in my life.

May all beings be happy.