Loving Thy Neighbor

We were walking towards our ancestral village, and as always, I felt a lot of joy. The difference was that this time we were pilgrims. Some of our family was there to receive us. 

While we were entertained at my cousin's newly built home, I heard an old lady asking about our whereabouts. Later, I discovered that she was our neighbor staying next door. Over the next 24 hours, we heard different people respond to her in a high-pitched, rude tone and try to ignore her. Later, I discovered that the new home where we were staying once belonged to her. All her life, she has stayed alone, and her extended family takes care of her basic needs. Her home looked shabby and dark. Her thoughts are a little repetitive and random. She never steps out of her house. Maybe that is why people called her mad. I wasn't sure if that was the case. 

In the evening, Swara and I thought of spending some time praying in silence. This is when Swara takes the neighbor along. I definitely had resistance as I was looking for some quiet time. But her intention changed my mind. One reason definitely was to bring her out of the four walls b, ut the subtle intention was to reconnect her to life -,o the river, with the mother (referring to Nathe rmada riRiver Swara shared that we might not be able to do much, may be just share some maitri (loving kindness) and who knows grace might flow through her. 

All three of us sat in silence, watching the sun set, while we heard prayer bells ringing in temples. 

May we all become compassionate and wise  :)

Signing off from Sinor