To: K-list
Recieved: 2000/12/17 08:48
Subject: [K-list] coming and going
From: Harsha

In the Jaina tradition, it is customary for a person to literally pull out
his hair in 5 or 6 chunks before embarking upon the career of a monk. I was
once told that the method is precise and the hair are rooted out in such a
way that injury is minimized and healing takes place in time. Of course some
bleeding and pain has to be expected in such an endeavor. There is no doubt
that some people like my teacher embarked on such practices willingly with
anticipation and joy.

When I was very young it was difficult for me to understand why a religion
that has nonviolence as its primal principle would support a practice
causing pain to the body. Of course, I do not object to people following the
ancient traditions and other ascetic practices such as fasting and pranayama
for the right reasons if their heart calls for it.

One time I heard my teacher say something and the gist of it was that he
became progressively more nonviolent towards himself and in his outlook and
spiritual practices as he got older. That makes sense to me now. Youth is
associated with great energy and enthusiasm but also with violence in
various forms, even in ascetic practices. This seems to be particularly true
of males. Age and experience can sometimes give us perspective and wisdom if
the seeds were there in the youth. It seems, as we look around, that life is
fragile and one is subjected to enough suffering as it is without needing to
engage in behaviors and practices that cause more pain to one self and
others.

There is the coming together and there is the parting. This is the nature of
all things. Knowing this deeply is sufficient to make one want to embrace
every living being and give all of one's love.

I got the following Haiku from David Hodges website.

  Cry not insects!
Lovers, even the Stars,
  Must part.
-Issa

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