Sunday, June 24
2012, marked a day of celebration. It was the Ritual of
Penance here at the I- Kuan Tao Temple in El Monte, CA. On
this bright and sunny day, Tao cultivators, who
enthusiastically congregated to what was an infrequent event
of the Ritual of Penance. There were Masters who spoke and
inspired us through their teachings that day. One of the
themes I learned about was the importance of right
mindedness. This is where it all begins! The Master spoke
with such simplicity and joy. I was moved to tears. My tears
felt like raindrops coming from the heavens. I could and
couldn't understand it at the same time. This was not a
moment of false sentimentality. It felt like true essence of
being.
I was quite mystified as to his words of wisdom that were in
reality just reminders of what is beautiful in the world.
One can easily forget simple things like kindness and
goodness. But it starts with intention. In order to see what
is beautiful, right and sacred in this world, one must rid
oneself of wrongs, of regrets and of the past. This is
Penance: to pray and to recall our wrongdoings with
sincerity and learning. This was the ultimate event of the
day. After the Ritual of Penance, one lady member of the
temple said to me "You have no idea how lucky you are". I
responded to her “You’re probably right". I could read in
her words her meaning. As I recall having remembered
receiving the Tao years prior and it having been a very
life-transforming event, I knew exactly what she meant. This
was evident immediately days after in my activities of
everyday daily life. I walked away with a clearer mind and a
more aware mind and a more conscientious mind. I, in turn,
resolved a couple of conflicts that were perturbing me. I
was just not in the right mind or had the right perception
to see how I needed to be a better participant and not a
judge.
I was fortunate enough to have received the Tao April 11,
2004. Then on Saturday, June 23rd, 2012, Master Chen and
Master Cheri conducted the Vegetarian Vow Ritual. This was
the prerequisite for the Penance Ritual. Being vegetarian,
now makes me think truly about what I eat and why. I never
before connected what I ate, was any way associated with
spirituality. But, what we do to our bodies reflects our
spirituality, health, emotions, behavior and actions.
I felt at one with the group of Tao cultivators
participating in the day's activities. It was comforting to
be in community of people who come to learn, understand and
live by these concepts. Many people helped put this event
together, to which I'm grateful. Every detail in planning
from the coordination of uniforms and the much needed
translation to the many other details made this event
seamless. And these same people care and support others in
this spiritual journey realized.
