A old man dropped in during our Chinese calligraphy class to understand our teacher's style of teaching. Though interested to join our class he said he couldn't make it on Tuesdays as he has to take care of his grandchild whilst his wife is engaged. Our teacher told him not to be disappointed and advised him to join us when he can or maybe a year or two later when his grandchild is older. His response surprised us all. He said in all seriousness he can drop dead any time as his circle of friends is growing smaller and smaller.
I was amused and chuckled. Then I realised I was the only one in class who thought it a joke. First I wondered why no one finds his remarks funny. Then I asked myself what was so amusing about what he said. On deeper thought, if you are 70+ and people in your circle drop dead suddenly, it is difficult not to think about your own impending expiry and how it can happen anytime. It is definitely not funny and I was really being insensitive and even rude. How does one live life with zest whilst uncertainties abound?
Reading the newspapers can be very depressing too, Greek tragedy/European crisis, Arab spring turning into economic winter, war/terrorism, unemployment , heinous crimes, corruption, accidents, natural disaster, moral decadence etc etc. Of course it is depressing because newspapers are supposed to report events which is out of the ordinary. They do not report the ordinary or focus on the pleasant things going on in this world (although they do that occasionally). How does one live with zest whilst others suffer?
A lady was watching the sunset in the balcony of her house. Her husband joined her after the news on TV ended. He told her people are being killed in the streets of Syria. The lady asked her husband "Why are you disturbing my sunset?". After a pause she asked herself "How can I enjoy the sunset whilst people are dying in the streets of Syria?". After a longer pause she said to herself "The sunset is beautiful. People are dying in the streets of Syria."
Presence amidst Impermanence.
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Just came back from Greece, there is no sign of a distressed country. A taxi driver told us the Greeks have been saving money for rainy days so they are OK, it is the Greek government that is poor. However, our tour guide told us many graduates could not find jobs. They are living off parents' savings now.
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