All Things But None

As we cross the threshold into the millennium, more and more people have begun to ponder the question of time. According to reports, the United States has spent millions of dollars to build an eternal clock. It will only strike once every century, to remind people to slow down their steps and to reflect upon their shortcomings. To understand and successfully utilize time has indeed become a worthwhile issue for modern people.

Many people often complain how time flies, while others complain about how time crawls. Some spend their time in search of fame and fortune instead of spending time with their loved ones, while others waste their time on trivial matters instead of using time to better themselves. If students are unwilling to spend time in the classroom, how can they acquire knowledge and broaden their horizons? If farmers are unwilling to spend time plowing their land, how can they reap a full harvest? It is clear that the way time is perceived is dependent upon how time is used.

Once upon a time, someone asked a Chan master to teach him how to manage time. The Chan master replied, “When time passes, it never returns; every second is thus precious.” Hence, whoever can use time wisely has control of his or her life. It does not matter how old you are; what is important is how you manage your time.

“For a person who is exhausted, the road is long; for a person who cannot sleep, the night is endless; for a person who does not understand the truth, the reality of birth and death is far-reaching.” We must understand that the past will never return, the present is gone in a blink of an eye, and the future is fast approaching and will become the past in a moment. An eminent master once said, “A day’s time is more precious than the treasure of the universe.”

As long as we can understand the fleeting essence of time and learn how to use it wisely, we can break the boundaries of time and transcend the limits of temporal space. As long as we can learn to treasure every second of our lives and seize every moment, we will be able to realize and experience the truth in the saying, “a moment is eternity.” In this way, precious time is not limited to the tolling of an eternal clock.

Text: Venerable Master Hsing Yun

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This is nothing we haven't heard or read before. But to me, it's inspirational. It still is no matter how often I'm being reminded.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. Mine was good, well-rounded. Saw my family, met with friends, did a bit of shopping, gave away stuff to Goodwill, eating out, dining in, worked around the house a bit, played, relaxed, browsed at a bookstore, read ol' plenty at home... What more could I ask for! When I saw my folks this weekend, I also took my 96yo grandmother shopping. But before that, I took her to the nearby Buddhist temple and just walked around a short bit. She's not very mobile, but she was still able to see the important parts of the temple.

I remember when I was young in Hong Kong, she used to have me bow down to the little Buddha and Guanyin statues in the house; which I'll never forget. Y'know she's been an inspiration to me all my life, and I definitely have her to thank for! All these years... Thanks grandma! This weekend I bought her 2 blouses while I was out. Her wardrobe consists of all dark pieces, so this time I got her something more appropriate for the season. I had wrapped it up in a nice box with a bow and when I showed it to her, all she said was "When will I be able to wear these new clothes!". It's true, and in the back of my mind, when will she!?! I only felt a knot in my stomach while I hung them up.

While in the car, she also told me that I should 'find a nice girl and get married', because a man should indeed get married when it's time and it's just the proper thing to do. Remember the part from the movie The Road Home? Again, I diligently told her that I won't be getting married and that I doubt that I ever will. I remember years ago I tried to tell her about me and my boyfriend at the time, but I don't think she understood so I just dropped the subject. These days, I don't think I'll ever tell her. People say that 'truth shall set you free'. Does it really? What would I personally gain if I told her about me? Breaking her heart. Will it set me free knowing that she'll be troubled and worried by it? And somewhere in my heart, there's something in me that truly believes this is part of the reason why she's still hanging on, has to do with her seeing me finally getting married. Bless you grandma.

I hope I get to spend more time with my grandma and my parents. I'm trying. “When time passes, it never returns; every second is thus precious.” And I guess the same thing can be said for our fragile lives, as well. Time waits for no one.