By Paulo Coelho
Having recently written a book about madness, I was forced to wonder how many things we do are imposed on us by necessity, or by the absurd. Why wear a tie? Why do clocks run “clockwise”? If we live in a decimal system, why does the day have 24 hours of 60 minutes?
The fact is, many of the rules we obey nowadays have no real foundation. Nevertheless, if we wish to act differently, we are considered “crazy” or “immature”.
Meanwhile, society continues to create some systems which, in the fullness of time, lose their reason for existence, but continue to impose their rules. An interesting Japanese story illustrates what I mean by this:
A great Zen Buddhist master, who was in charge of the Mayu Kagi monastery, had a cat which was his true passion in life. So, during meditation classes, he kept the cat by his side - in order to make the most of his company.
One morning, the master - who was already quite old - passed away. His most adept disciple took his place.
- What shall we do with the cat? - asked the other monks.
As a tribute to the memory of their old instructor, the new master decided to allow the cat to continue attending the Zen-Buddhist classes.
Some disciples from the neighboring monasteries, traveling through those parts, discovered that, in one of the region’s most renowned temples, a cat took part in the meditation sessions. The story began to spread.
Many years passed. The cat died, but the students at the monastery were so used to its presence, they soon found another cat. Meanwhile, the other temples began introducing cats in their meditation sessions: they believed the cat was truly responsible for the fame and excellence of Mayu Kagi’s teaching, and in doing so forgot that the old master was a fine instructor.
A generation passed, and technical treatises began to appear about the importance of the cat in Zen meditation. A university professor developed a thesis - which was accepted by the academic community - that felines have the ability to increase human concentration, and eliminate negative energy.
And so, for a whole century, the cat was considered an essential part of Zen-Buddhist studies in that region.
Until a master appeared who was allergic to animal hair, and decided to remove the cat from his daily exercises with the students.
There was a fierce negative reaction - but the master insisted. Since he was an excellent instructor, the students continued to make the same scholarly progress, in spite of the absence of the cat.
Little by little, the monasteries - always in search of new ideas, and already tired of having to feed so many cats - began eliminating the animals from the classes. In twenty years time, new revolutionary theories began to appear - with very convincing titles such as “The Importance of Meditating Without a Cat”, or “Balancing the Zen Universe by Will Power Alone, Without the Help of Animals”.
Another century passed, and the cat withdrew completely from the meditation rituals in that region. But two hundred years were necessary for everything to return to normal - because during all this time, no one asked why the cat was there.
Welcome to Share with Friends - Free Texts for a Free Internet
Change…
yes, we’re so afraid of change.
We forget that what’s brings us joy is life full of surprises, full of miracles, full of music, full of love.
The sunshine, the smile, the rainbow, the journey of our life.
Why don’t get a little crazy and…change things…go where no one dares to, feel the rhythm of the beating heart dancing to the music of love?
Kiss the butterfly, feel like nobody could and …be free!!!
Life won’t wait, the music may stop, just catch the wave… and feel the ocean breeze in your eyes.
This moment…is the moment of your life.
love
Agnieszka
We need the courrage to break the normal
routines. Meditation is not a technique most
of the people are thinking that we need a
instruction manual for a good meditation.
We have to find out what the the best is for
us. Everybody is different
yes you collaborate this subject so beautifully in ‘Verica decides to die’…When someone behaves differently or has different opinions, others say he has gone mad , or he is totally from another planet..i have heard this so many times..
But why losing yourself and be ’sane’?? that s insane!!!
i believe that everyone is unique, i believe in everyone\s individuality and his potential…great changes come by those who are not afraid to try, to be who they really are in this world where most people want to be like all others and dont accept who they really are…such a pity..
Love to all of you..
Annie
I think pets give great comfort to people ,a loyal friend indeed ,but not every one likes the same thing ,that cat was special indeed it taught a valuable lesson to the monks .See even animals can be our greatest teachers .I for one like cats ,I have one and have noticed it change every now and then ,shape shifters if you look close enough .Blessings Tania
Grin, I have heard a similar story a while back and I always question stuff that seems ridiculous to me.
In some places you have to be careful to do so or you offend people.
Try to talk sense to a strict Muslim during Ramadan and a searing 55 Celsius out there that not being allowed to drink water is not healthy to you….
Good Luck…..
Anyhow, I wish more people would use their common sense instead of walking in the footsteps of their sometimes brainless leaders or follow some “rules” that they don’t understand.
The way you see it depends on the view of the watcher and not of scientific knowledge!
Have you ever felt the relaxing effect of a cat sitting on your lap, stroking it and hearing and feeling the softly vibrations of its purr?
If not, it is the same thing like looking to the stars with no sense for its magic. Reducing the cat to an useless accessory with the disadvantage of being fed is similar to reduce universe to a merely vast, cold an empty space.
No other animal has such a relaxing effect on the mind like cats – regardless whether they are democrats or republicans.
Animals can be great teachers indeed, on the road which leads us to ourselves… If you want to be touched by the beautiful harmony between man and animals check:
http://www.ashesandsnow.org/en/flash-popup.php
and click on explore
Have a wonderful journey!
Loves
F
Yes Agnieszka, “A Moment” is the true measurement of our time, if only we could “all” value every single one…..Love, Paul
It is clear that many are afraid to question things, many quite rightfully so, as they could well perish for daring to. But let’s be honest, for us lucky ones, with our freedom of speech and movement, there is really no excuse to accept everything that’s thrown at us. But…. we do….all the time….that’s fat and happy wealth for you! It comes down to something we all know very well, “Social Courage”, and believe me, I am just as guilty as everyone else, I don’t speak out or act half as much as I should.
That’s really funny. I laughed a lot.
And surely I would have chosen a dog instead. Even if it’s more complicated to see meditate.