Sundays With Buddha

 

Week 15



You too shall pass away. Knowing this, how can you quarrel?

                                                                                        --Buddha



This weeks lesson will be short. I have not had the time to really search for and think on, let alone write about, a more appropriate quote, and this quote is the most appropriate for what I've experienced this week.

Last Sunday I received word that my oldest brother, Brian, had passed away. This was a definite shock, especially after the deaths of our mothers this past year. A shock, but no real surprise. My brother was very ill, though not in the traditional sense. He was emotionally unwell and struggled with alcoholism.

After our mother passed away, his physical and mental health seems to deteriorate. I would have known this as it was happening had I been in contact with him this past year and four months, but, unfortunately, I was not.

I loved my brother, very much, and tried to stay close with him. His disease and everything that happened this past year did not make a good combination for proper communication, or so I thought. I regret not trying to get into contact with him to let him know I was there for him. I thought about him all of the time, but he never knew it. My only reconciliation to this is that he knows all of this, now. His terrible suffering is over. He has finally found his peace.

This is my lesson to you. We all pass away. We do not know when. Most of us do not know how. Knowing this, why do many of us still waste time with 'quarrelling'? We forget that our time here is limited; limited for ourselves and to be with each other. We forget that it can all change in the blink of an eye. We forget that time can pass so fast; within that blink. And, before we know it, a year has passed and we have lost time that of which we will never get back.

Though the real peace comes after we leave this realm, we do not require death to find it. We may have it in this place, as well. We bring it to ourselves, though. And, paradoxically, we have the power to bring it to others through our unselfish and pure-of-heart actions, though we must never rely on another to bring peace to us.

You can give that gift, unselfishly, to another through your actions of caring, understanding, tolerance, loving-kindness, and presence. I urge you to reach out and embrace your loved ones. Break silences and offer understanding. Live your authentic life, in a way that will keep you at peace and bring peace to everyone around you.

I wish you all so much luck on your journey's. Now, go give someone you love a hug or a phone call. And be sure to live each of your days as if it could be your last--with passion and compassion, love and abandon.

Namaste,

Nanette