p39: “True spirituality also is to be aware that if we are interdependent with everything and everyone else, even our smallest, least significant thought, word, and action have real consequences throughout the universe. Throw a pebble into a pond. It sends a shiver across the surface of the water. Ripples merge into one another and create new ones. Everything is inextricably interrelated: We come to realize we are responsible for everything we do, say , or think, responsible in fact for ourselves, everyone and everything else, and the entire universe.”
Jigme’s grandfather has passed away. He flew out yesterday after finding out. They were very close. His grandfather was a lovely person who I was lucky enough to meet this summer. I’m so glad that I had a chance to. The family is having a rough time and I am aching for Jigme, wanting so badly to ease his pain and hold him close. Tonglen is about all I can do from here and I guess for right now, that’s all there is. I’ve never known him to cry like this and am so grateful that he is opening up to me this way and sharing his grief with me. I am reminded again about a bodhisattva Pema once talked about who never stops crying because of the pain there is in the world. It seems like now, more and more, when something “bad” happens, there’s this sort of inner stubbornness inside of me saying, “I’m going to wait this out and stay here until every last bit of samsara is gone, by God!!” It sounds nuts and I don’t know if I would believe that someone would feel that way genuinely if I hadn’t experienced it for myself. It’s like a firming up of resolve to call out the dogs and take a seat for the long haul. Like no matter what it takes, no matter how many lifetimes, this inner warrior is saying I’m going to stay and fight.
