Thursday, July 05, 2007
He must increase, I must decrease
24 June - Happy Birthday to John the Baptist
John’s birth is celebrated at midsummer (24 Jun) when the sun begins to wane. Jesus’ birth is celebrated when midwinter (25 Dec) marks the return of the sun. John is the light who shines, not for his own glory, but for the Someone Greater coming after him - a model of unselfish service. He must increase, I must decrease. Today’s gospel reminded us - know when to let go to let the other flourish.
John’s birth is celebrated at midsummer (24 Jun) when the sun begins to wane. Jesus’ birth is celebrated when midwinter (25 Dec) marks the return of the sun. John is the light who shines, not for his own glory, but for the Someone Greater coming after him - a model of unselfish service. He must increase, I must decrease. Today’s gospel reminded us - know when to let go to let the other flourish.
Gratitude
Christian has the Beatitude, Buddhist has the Gratitude.
At a vegetarian eatery run by Buddhists, I saw a poster that reads:
Be grateful to those who have hurt or harmed you,
for they have reinforced your determination.
Be grateful to those who have deceived you,
for they have deepened your insight.
Be grateful to those who have hit you,
for they have reduced your karmic obstacles.
Be grateful to those who have abandoned you,
for they have taught you to be independent.
Be grateful to those who made you stumble,
for they have strengthened your ability.
Be grateful to those who have denounced you,
for they have increased your wisdom & concentration.
Be grateful to those who have made you firm & resolute,
and helped in your achievement.
At a vegetarian eatery run by Buddhists, I saw a poster that reads:
Be grateful to those who have hurt or harmed you,
for they have reinforced your determination.
Be grateful to those who have deceived you,
for they have deepened your insight.
Be grateful to those who have hit you,
for they have reduced your karmic obstacles.
Be grateful to those who have abandoned you,
for they have taught you to be independent.
Be grateful to those who made you stumble,
for they have strengthened your ability.
Be grateful to those who have denounced you,
for they have increased your wisdom & concentration.
Be grateful to those who have made you firm & resolute,
and helped in your achievement.
Spring of Joy
Spring of Joy
Directed by Richard Hobert (Sweden, 12 Nov 2003) www.imdb.com/title/tt0107019
This is one movie I watched many years ago and it still etched in my mind. It has touching storyline (father & son relationship) set against beautiful scenery and accompanied by lively music and songs. I’ve watched it twice but am hoping to catch it again even though I wasn’t sure of the movie title (Spring of Joy? Joy of Spring?). Recently, I found it at HMV but was disappointed to know the store doesn’t carry it. Meanwhile, I will live on the fond memories of this great movie.
Directed by Richard Hobert (Sweden, 12 Nov 2003) www.imdb.com/title/tt0107019
This is one movie I watched many years ago and it still etched in my mind. It has touching storyline (father & son relationship) set against beautiful scenery and accompanied by lively music and songs. I’ve watched it twice but am hoping to catch it again even though I wasn’t sure of the movie title (Spring of Joy? Joy of Spring?). Recently, I found it at HMV but was disappointed to know the store doesn’t carry it. Meanwhile, I will live on the fond memories of this great movie.
