4R-series - no 2

ALV
I am more than flattered and also a bit embarassed, the latter because, though I seem to enjoy when praises come my way, I am equally unable to accept that I deserve such praises.

In Sanskrit, the word "viswa" means the Universe; and eswara means "the Lord". My name transliterated means "Lord of the Universe". Big enough for me to feel embarassed!!

Call me alv ( a l v) that's how many of my friends call me.

As to using my comments, pl feel absolutely free to use them, if you find them fit enough. I hope it means, that I can continue to correspond and share what I feel deep inside is worth sharing. And here is one of them about "love" and I do hope you will like it.

There is this small piece in one of our epics; A great devotee of Lord (Rama) by name Sabari, tells Him, that since she is unlettered, and the lord is omniscient, the Lord can think of the best way to describe Himself, in all its verbal finery, and treat it as being offered by her.

I cannot think of a better example of pure selfless "love". I remember your saying that stories are unimportant, but they do add poignancy to our feelings.
R
I have decided to write to you directly from my personal email instead of through our web master as I too would like to continue our conversation. I always get something very helpful from our exchanges, though my enjoyment of them alone would be more than enough to keep them going.

I love the story you shared! You've also opened my eyes to how I might soften my approach to talking about stories. I actually use them all the time as illustrations, just as you did. You helped me to see that it's only when we believe our stories (especially our stories about ourselves) and get attached to them that they may become distractions. And even then, I can imagine a Christian fundamentalist having a beautiful connection because of a story he or she believes as absolute truth. I suppose it is part of letting God be big that we make room for all of the ways to experience God.

I have set aside this week for finishing Complete I Am, which is an expanded version of the 10 steps. I am amusing myself no end with the timing of it. I had surgery on my left hand 10 days ago and am typing with a giant black splint that isn't causing me much trouble, except that it has put my left thumb in position to hit my space bar seemingly whenever it pleases... I'll be used to it in no time.