Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 8 Verse 7
7 therefore constantly remember me at all times and fight, offering your mind your spiritual intelligence unto me and surely you will attain me without a doubt.”
Recently a person I know said to me that I use only one book as a theological source, that I deny the theological works of other faiths….
I am reminded of the candy store that was near my home.. It was an old fashioned candy shop that had everything imaginable to this young boy. There was taffy, and hard candy, chocolate, and confections. There was licorice, and maple candy pieces, gum and really every imaginable type of candy was available. I loved to go into this store (of course) and after a while developed a sort of relationship with the woman (Probably a college student) that worked there. She knew that when I would come into the store that I would take some time, deciding which candy that I would try next, and would encourage me to try new things, occasionally with suggestions, because, she knew every piece of candy held its own particular delight for me. Some candy was a delight for the absolute sweetness, some for its tartness, and others for flavor. Now there were a few types of candy that I did not like at all, but I did not know that until I had tried them, and there were also my favorites, There was certain candies that I would come back to time and again because they had become familiar to me, they were satisfying to my sweet tooth, and I knew that I would enjoy these particular pieces. This did not mean that every other type of candy in that store did not bring me some pleasure and that every flavor within those types of candy did not give me something… I just always also had my favorites, the reliable candies I knew would satisfy me at that moment.
I had a few friends that would never try different candies. Their attitude was they had one type that they liked and so why should they spend their money trying something different and I wouldn’t argue with them except to say, the best way to enjoy your personal favorite is to have your taste buds challenged by different sensations… In that way you will experience a greater understanding of candy and the knowledge may only reinforce the choices you have made.
I had a few friends that never had favorites… they would try first one kind then another, but never settling on a particular favorite. Everyone I knew was treated the same at the candy store. It didn’t matter if you were a nickel customer or a multi dollar customer. Surprisingly, even those that tried to steal were not treated unkindly. When caught, they would be rebuked by the manager or owner for trying to steal, asked to make restitution either in cash or with a little help around the store, and then remarkably, given a piece of candy.
As I regularly visited the store over the years the woman was replaced by another, and the workers came closer to me in age, and the people working there came to know my tastes and my favorites and occasionally would direct me toward some new candy in the store and yet always had my favorite ready and packaged up for me to take.
In the reading from the Bhagavad-Gita we are reminded to keep ourselves focused on the one, knowing that our immortal self, at transition, will join the one. This message is a universal message of spiritual dedication and focus and is relevant to all seekers…
Just as when I was a child in the candy shop, I have my favorites. Yet I still enjoy learning, hearing, reading, tasting and trying new things, new ideas. My fervent hope is that my mind and spirit will remain open and questing to all knowledge I can acquire as I journey through this life, that I will always be able to rise above language, prejudices and boundaries and remain teachable in my search to understand Spirit.
Actually, I must confess to being a man of one book. I enjoy the bible, it is familiar to me, it welcomes me and satisfies my spiritual “taste buds.” Yet, I am ever willing to explore, and learn, in my great desire to understand this Still speaking God of ours.
