Reflections on an aspect of Dharma practice: ‘leading a horse to the water…’ ~ By SiafuAntony ~ Part of the ” Something that happened in a small moment” series.

Over the next few weeks, Dew on the Grass is featuring writings, photography and artwork around the theme of “Something that happened in a small moment”. Our first offering is a lovely piece by SiafuAntony, with accompanying images.

I learned a lesson last evening. Having my eldest grandson on a visit, 18 years young, on the threshold of adulthood age, I really do not know him well; extremely taciturn, he does not readily convey his inner thoughts, although I do get the impression he is quite a “deep thinker”.

I took this time as an opportunity to get to know him, to discover what motivates him, moves him, and so on. I thought to take him on a gentle amble at sunset, to a spot I prize over a bridge at the local railway line, facing west, where the sun sets perfectly over the hills, about 8 miles distant.

It is one of my favoured places that I love to visit, especially at the moment of dusk, as the rapidly changing light presents (to me, at any rate) a feeling of “time standing still”  and a glimpse of the “eternal here and now “.

As we sat by the pavement’s edge, I noticed that he looked tired, bored and intensely irritated by the hovering flies, glancing at his watch and then at me; it became obvious that ‘the moment’ entirely escaped him!

 

It forced me to reflect on a passage somewhere in the Dharma literature, which states that one should never impose one’s beliefs willy-nilly onto another!!
Lesson learned…

3 Replies to “Reflections on an aspect of Dharma practice: ‘leading a horse to the water…’ ~ By SiafuAntony ~ Part of the ” Something that happened in a small moment” series.”

  1. Thank you Siafu, having nieces and nephews myself, I can understand when appreciation of the moment isn’t always shared in the same way. Although there may be some recollection of his time with you in hindsight. Sounds a lovely spot.
  2. This is a beautiful piece of writing, Siafu. Like Mo, I think that, at some point in the future ,your grandson may look back and remember this time with you with an appreciation that he isn’t able to have at the moment.
  3. Hi Siafu, experiences vary as we all have different body-minds. It seems to me that what counts is your willingness to connect with your grandson. Human relationships involve a fair amount of trial and error. Perhaps you can find out more about the interests of your grandson and find an activity that speaks to both of you. I am sure he will appreciate his grandfather taking an interest in his world. Thank you for sharing this.

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