Standing on the very streets of Decatur, Georgia, where I was raised on the foundations of “peace, love, faith in God, and understanding,” I found myself flanked, waiting for a glimpse of the Venerable Monks. While some may question why a Christian would spend hours awaiting Buddhist practitioners, I am reminded of the wisdom of Dr. Diana L. Eck, Professor of Comparative Religion at Harvard University. Eck (1993) argues that “pluralism is not just tolerance, but the active seeking of understanding across lines of difference.” Even as a follower of Christ, I recognize that the Monks possess a discipline of spirit from which we can all glean. While I am not a theologian or an expert in Buddhism, I observed a profound alignment of principles that transcend religious labels.
Lesson 1: The Sovereignty of Time and Patience
As a “Type A” analytical professional, I am accustomed to schedules. The monks were slated to arrive at 2:30 PM; I had been standing since 1:00 PM. When their arrival was delayed until 5:00 PM, I realized my first lesson: Presence is more valuable than punctuality. From the monks, I was given an opportunity to “pack my patience” and surrender the need to control the clock.
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