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Message |
| Posted By: |
Durga |
| Date: |
6-May-2003-15:25:41 |
| Subject: |
The Reluctant Representatives |
I had an interesting experience over the weekend. It's been a decade since I studied directly with Rama. While it will always hold an important place in my heart, it is not something I talk about with many people. As Rama trained us, I've learned to be very inaccessible about that part of my life.
However, I went to brunch on Sunday with a good friend of mine that has been practicing meditation for many years. She just recently had a baby and brought along her husband and another woman who has been a good friend of hers. I've met this friend before, and liked her immediately. She's interesting, intelligent and has a great sense of humor.
The friend - let's call her Anna - was talking about the difference between living abroad and living in the states. She's not from this country, and enjoys how open the people are here, compared to her native England. I pointed out that there is a difference in culture between California and New York. She agreed and said New Yorkers appear to be gruff, but are some of the kindest people she has met.
Out of the blue, I found myself saying, "Well, we moved to New York because our spiritual teacher recommended it. He said that the place has heart". Even though I knew I was in a "meditation-friendly" environment, I was surprised that I mentioned having a teacher.
She looked at me closely and said, "Really? Who was your teacher?" Casually, I said, "Rama", knowing that most either confused him for someone else, or never heard of him.
Anna's eyes flew open, "Are you a Rama student?"
There was something in the way she said, "Rama student", that revealed she knew *exactly* who I was talking about.
"Yes, I am, why?"
She started laughing and shaking her head. "I can't believe I keep running into Rama students! Didn't you see, before we walked into the restaurant, I was talking to D.? She's a Rama student too."
I had to admit I didn't even notice who she was talking to previously. Still, this conversation was starting to get interesting.
She started ticking off names of a number of students I knew personally. Then she also admitted that she lived **down the street from Rama** years back. I told her that clearly she must like the energy, or she wouldn't be running into so many of us. I don't live on either coast, so Rama students are few and far between in my neighborhood. Without trying to push too much, I suggested she may want to check out his books because she may enjoy his teachings.
However, there is often a dark shadow over some of the stories about Rama. Between the press, some frustrated students, ex-student, etc - you never know what someone thinks about him. I tried to gently ask her about this and I was fascinated by her response.
"I don't know which stories are true and which are false. For example, I've heard four different stories of how he died. I dont' know which one is true, and I don't know if it matters anyway. I've talked to people that loved Rama in a pure way, and people who thought he was a complete fraud. I never met him, so I can't base my assessment on my experience of him. However, I have met many of his students. What I've noticed is that his students are thoughtful, intelligent, funny and kind. Many of the students I know have gone on to study with Tibetan masters that I respect very much. No matter what the stories say, I figure if his students are so cool he must have had something special about him!"
I remember Rama saying "You can't trust a teacher by their students". I think in many ways that is true. However, now that Rama is gone, we are his living legacy, whether we teach or not, whether we even practice or not. People who will never meet Rama in the physical base their assessment of him on our actions.
So just remember that we are representatives, no matter how reluctant! Let it inspire you.
Because you never know who may be coming to dinner! |
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