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Many
visitors and guests who have come to Kurisumala have wanted to carry
away some deep souvenir of our founder Francis Acharya, who 'passed
over' on 31 January 2002. During his life, especially during his
teaching hours, a couple of the young monks made notes of his memorable
sayings. They are reproduced here.
The
sayings cover a wide range of life, even though they were never intended
to be complete. Like the man himself, they are deep but not
complicated. And they are practical and holy at the same time.
They are common sense, but they are challenging and often original.
They are down to earth, yet reach for the sky and come from deep inside
the Paramatma.
Originally, we published all the 'Memorable Words' in a long list as
part of the Memento which we published for Acharya's first death
anniversary in 2003. Now we publish the sayings in two groups;
first, those for everyone trying to lead the good life and, secondly,
those especially applying to monks. But Fr. Francis believed
that everyone could be a kind of monk. And that being a monk was
the most normal thing a human being could be. Therefore, the
second group is full of interest for everyone.
We have
also grouped the sayings under each topic so that like is with like, to
get a complete picture. But to use them, you can dip in anywhere.
In fact, it is probably better to read them like meditations or
mantras, one at a time, perhaps on a journey, or doing some routine
work, and savor them like a rich food. For Francis was a great believer
that less is more.
There are
235 sayings in all. That could be about five for every week, with
a new one for each day from Monday to Friday, leaving Saturday to
re-visit the one which shines out, and Sunday for the Gospel of the
week. Or, you can take them in any way you like, which is what Fr.
Francis would have wanted.
Fr. Yesudas Thelliyil,
OCSO
Abbot, Kurisumala Ashram (Cistercian Abbey)
31 January 2006, 4th anniversary of Acharya's death |
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