"At last an artery in his brain betrayed him and rather than linger useless he requested the Gentle Cup." (p. 162)
To remain alive and conscious with the wisdom, or at least with the experience, of old age is useless neither to the individual nor to his companions. Life expectancy in Britain, having increased, is currently decreasing because of economic setbacks and we have reason to dread what the future holds ecologically. Nevertheless, other things being equal, I hope to survive for at least two more decades, twice as long as this blog has existed, especially when I consider the alternative. One of the monks who visits our meditation group speaks with apparent familiarity of the bardo plane but the others emphasise the value of contemplation here and now.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
While not impossible, at least in theory, a completely helpless and immobilized quadriplegic is almost certain to find it very difficult to attain philosophic detachment, wisdom, and resignation.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Indeed. We need to work toward nonattachment before we are afflicted.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I don't think Catholics can wholly agree with Buddhist ideas about non-attachment.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
No but the same point applies to Christian virtues. It is hard to acquire them all of a sudden in difficult circumstances.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
That I can certainly agree with!
Thankfully, my computer problem has been resolved.
Ad astra! Sean
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