Skipping Class Sometimes Is Good
“The karmic philosophy appeals to me on a metaphorical level because even in one’s lifetime it’s obvious how often we must repeat our same mistakes, banging our heads against the same ole addictions and compulsions, generating the same old miserable and often catastrophic consequences, until we can finally stop and fix it. This is the supreme lesson of karma (and also of western psychology, by the way)- take care of the problem now, or else you’ll just have to suffer again later when you screw everything up the next time. And that repetition of suffering-that’s hell. Moving out of that endless repetition to a new level of understanding-there’s where you’ll find heaven.” — Elizabeth Gilbert
Being the slacker that I am, I missed meditation class last time. I felt bad about it at the time. I didn’t feel guilty or as if I were letting anyone else down. I felt bad about it because it’s something I enjoy doing and I let my crankiness and exhaustion that day keep me from doing something I enjoy and that probably would have led to me feeling less cranky and exhausted. I let myself down.
As always seems to be the case, particularly where my interest in Buddhism and meditation are concerned, it all worked out. Everything happens for a reason. Yes, I know that’s a cliche. Nevertheless, it turned out to be good that I didn’t go to the last meditation class.
I arrived for tonight’s class and there were only three cars in the parking lot. I figured class must have been canceled but went in to find out anyway. Class was canceled because the Venerable who normally leads our class is out of town. This information was passed along to everyone who got their lazy butts to class last time. Since I wasn’t there, I didn’t know that. There was one other person who missed class last time. There was another Venerable at the temple tonight so she graciously offered to just have an intimate discussion with the two of us about Buddhism and answer any burning questions we had, so that our trip wouldn’t be a waste of time. How sweet is that?!
So, the two of us got our own personal Dharma lesson. We talked about karma, reincarnation, heaven, hell, auras, chakras, Buddha, Sutras, meditation, enlightenment, history, past-life regression, Jesus’s connection to Buddhism, desire, suffering, dreams and many other topics. We talked for over an hour and a half. It was great and I learned so much. We even got this book with homework (yay-I love reading and homework!).
Who says skipping class is all bad?
Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, I would have loved to be a part of that conversation!!!
Enlightenment has been my topic of choice for the past several years.
Good stuff!
I love when life hands us little surprises like that, we just need to be open to receive them… and you were! What’s the home work?
We just have to read the first 3 chapters before next time so that we can be prepared to discuss them with the larger group.
I could cry.
Oh no! We’ll both be there next time because our babysitter will have no more excuses!!
First, i liked the last line of the quote very much. Thanks a truckload! for selecting and putting it up here
Looks like you thoroughly enjoyed the session. I guess always a free wheeling chat which liberates you brings more learning, sets thoughts clear and drives good lessons home pretty fast. Am glad you got this lovely opportunity Cindy. Lucky You.
Have a great Day.
Have you read Eat, Pray, Love? The quote is from that book. It’s full of excellent quotes and is an amazing story.