Random Notes From The Big Cheese!

Holiday Reflections!

We generally get pretty excited
about the holidays around here.
We have to start ordering special
products and such way back
in August so there is always
a lot of anticipation. We put
considerable effort into everyone
signing the Christmas Cards
and other small details of the
holiday season.

This year is even more poignant.
It’s like we had a huge class
in sensitivity training.

We seem to be more aware
of details around us. The fragility
of life and the impermanence
of everything has given more
significance to little things this time
of year. We appear to be making
each other’s work life at least
a little more tolerable. Our staff
has had its own set of personal
challenges these past few months.
I am certain there is a greater
sense of caring and looking
after each other this year.

The point is we are learning
some huge lessons as a result
of September 11 and I believe
the impact will last a life time.
We cannot turn the clock back
to our ordinary lives before those
tragic events, that’s for sure.
How we respond to the challenges
ahead will be the true test of this
new curriculum we are learning.

For now, during this holy
and reverent time when there
is still so much sadness as world events unfold, let us renew again
that wonderful admonition to love
one another and to be our
brother’s keeper.

All of us at Cornucopia would like
to express to you, our loyal
customers, our sincere wish
for peace and harmony in the
coming year. We thank you deeply
for your business and your
support. We wish you abundance
and happiness in the coming new
year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another Story!

A big, tough samurai once went
to see a little monk. In a voice
accustomed to meeting with
obedience, the samurai said, “Monk,
teach me about heaven and hell.”

The monk looked up at this mighty
warrior and replied in a voice
of utter contempt, “Teach you
about heaven and hell? I could not
teach you about anything. You’re
filthy. You stink. Your sword is
rusty. You’re a disgrace to the
samurai class! Get out of my sight.”

The samurai was speechless  with
rage. His muscles bulged. His face
got red. He swung his sword high
above his head, preparing to slay
the monk.

“That is hell,” the monk said softly.

The samurai froze. Suddenly he was
overwhelmed by the compassion
of this tiny, defenseless man who
had just risked death to give his
teaching. As he slowly lowered his
sword, he was filled with gratitude
and wonder.

“This is heaven,” the monk said
softly.

(J. Maguire, (2001) Essential Buddhism, Simon & Schuster, pp. 27)

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