Vannakkam: My sister called this morning to inform me my Aunt passed away, at about 1:30 AM last night. I left the temple at about 1:20 AM. I am not in the least upset about my aunt's passing; she was 95 or so, and ready for it. The timing was 'interesting'.
Over in the Philippines, another loved one, by someone else, also passed. It does not bother me, in the least.
My aunt's death could bother me ..... if I let it, but I'm choosing not to. Why could it? Is it not because of attachment? I knew her. We had shared memories. I could be all over it, tears starting another salt flow. But I look at my aunt's passing as the same as the Philippine stranger's passing. It is as if I didn't know my aunt, and the comparison helps in the detachment ability.
Same with potential experiences ... suppose a good friend's wedding, or a Hindu festival. We get attached to this idea, or to put it better, we allow ourselves, our emotions to get attached to this idea.
Then, the night before, we come down with a nasty illness, a kid gets really sick, religious protocol says we shouldn't go, or some higher calling comes. Still we allow ourselves to be upset.
Mature Hindus don't. They take it all in stride.
Five years ago my Guru was coming to town. Big event ... only happens once every 3 years, maybe less. My Mother-in-Law passed. Protocol (deeper mystical reasons, actually) said we couldn't see Guruji. So we didn't. It didn't bother us. There will another time, another lifetime, another date with destiny.
Just as the losing sporting teams say year after year .... guess we'll just have to wait until next year.
Sorry for the Sivaratri ramble. I'm tired.
Aum Namasivaya
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