Today we conducted the 24 annual “Retreat for Pregnant Mother’s” in Sri Lanka. I began this program years ago in honor of my teacher’s birthday, and have been so happy to see it continue.
This year 300 mothers joined us at Sri Subodharama for this opportunity to honor and serve them. The extraordinary journey of motherhood is something I have reflected on for many years. I think that a mother has to do this a great deal. In order to guide her child to handle life, she has to plan and prepare and predict. This requirement creates great opportunities to develop mindfulness including empathy, sympathetic-joy, compassion, and loving-kindness. In addition, the mother’s job does not come with a vacation. Even when apart from the children, I have observed how mothers are always thinking of the children.
I have observed in myself over the last year how my respect for mothers is connected to my concern for children. We all know that children are our future, but when this concept truly penetrates our mind, it impacts our entire life. We change the way we behave, our hearts open, and we feel a greater sense of purpose. I feel like we all become motherly when we realize this, and when I tell people that by changing themselves, they can change the world, this is what I mean.
The depth of this program is beyond helping 300 women by providing gifts. The purpose of this program is to nurture those who will nurture the future of this world. When I look around the room during the program, I don’t see the room, I see the world, and am satisfied that I am doing what I can to support it with the short time I have, and with the wonderful and generous people who made this program possible, and trust and encourage me to keep going. ��I am humbled and grateful today, and wish that the merit of today’s actions resonate peacefully through the world for years to come
May you be well, happy, and peaceful.
