A Dharma Glimpse by Jean
Recently, a dear friend passed away, and although Tony was 81 and had some underlying health conditions, it was still a shock as it was so unexpected.
He was a fit man who was loved by everyone he met. He loved life and made the most of it, always positive, always cheerful.
His wife Pam, who is a close friend, is obviously devastated. They were as much in love on the day he died as they were when they got married 56 years ago. When you were in their company you couldn’t help but admire the strength and warmth of their relationship, and it was always obvious how deeply they still loved and cared for each other.
One week after his death I called in to see my friend again. She hadn’t been outside for the whole week, as all she wanted to do was shut the world away. It was a glorious sunny day, and so I gently asked her if she would come out with me for a short walk and maybe get a cup of tea somewhere so she could get some fresh air. At first she refused so we sat in her lounge, and then she suddenly said ‘Come on you’re right. Let’s go. I’ve got to do it eventually’.
We drove to a local National Trust property, as I thought that was a safe place to be, and slowly strolled through the wonderful wide open grounds. We came to a formal garden area that was all beautifully manicured, and as we walked past a bench Pam wanted to sit down.
We sat for a while in the peace and quiet, taking in our beautiful surroundings, and the sun was so warm. It was a perfect day weather wise. She tilted her head up and I could see the lovely warmth of the sun shining down on her and just how good that felt. The healing properties of warmth and light, and I felt it was Amida there with us, wrapping my friend up in the warmth, light, love and compassion that is freely given to all sentient beings.
We then walked to the café and sat outside and had a drink, again in the sun, watching all the children and families chatting and playing all around us. Life carrying on as normal.
I took her back home, and was relieved when she said ‘Thank you. That was just what I needed’.
So, thank you sun for shining on that day, and thank you Amida for reaching out to my friend.
Namo Amida Bu.