Four kinds of virtuous
people worship me, O Arjuna: the distressed, the seeker of knowledge, the
seeker of wealth and the wise. — Bhagavad Gita, 7.16
We once again lift the cover off the final months of the
calendar, with its roiling stew of extra tasks and mandatory good cheer.
Our term “holiday” is rooted, of course, in the concept of an
appointed time when all labor ceases and clamor is calmed, that we might
reflect, realign, and rejuvenate in the light of some underlying truth… or at
least fill the aisles and coffers at some temple.
Strange how most faiths have holy days, but I’ve yet to hear of a
religion observing profane days. It’s a pity, really, as these would no doubt
prove more popular, and the commercials wouldn’t be so hokey. But in truth,
most religions, distilled down to their essence, call every day holy, with
similar blessings and obligations. Particular days get special focus primarily
to call attention to that which is always present.
Here is truth: the only novel elements of the holidays, those not
available any other day of the year, are our tension and unrealistic
expectations. Yes, God is unmoved mover. But life doesn’t budge much, either.
If your kids abuse each other daily, don’t look for Mother Teresa and the Dalai
Lama at grandma’s house. Wine will be spilled. The awkward topic will be
broached. A dish or a dinner will be burned. The amoeba doesn’t change its ways
for the microscope. Neither will your family. Deal or no deal?
Remember this day and keep it holy. Remember yourself and keep it
real.
Fear less, hope more; eat
less, chew more; whine less, breathe more; talk less, say more; hate less, love
more; and all good things will be yours. — Swedish proverb
This article appears in Nov 8-14, 2006.
