One day along the east coast of mainland China a man came to visit a monk. The man explained that he was addicted to opium and was desperate to stop. He asked the monk for help. The old monk handed the man a piece of chalk and a piece of slate. The man frowned with lack of understanding. The monk explained,
"Go home and take these with you. Each day when you rise you are to write 'aum' (OM) on the slate 50 times, chant 'aum' as you write, and then weigh the chalk. That is the amount of opium that you can have for that day." The man was doubtful but went home and did as the monk had advised. Each day the man wrote
'aum' on the slate and weighed the chalk. Each day the chalk got smaller and smaller. Each day the man's need for opium grew weaker and weaker. And each day the man rose higher and higher, closer and closer to his true self for OM was lighting his way.
The principle that the monk used to assist the man seeking help is the same principle applied to the repetition of your training. If you are consistent in your training it is inevitable that you will bring about change.
There are several important elements in this story. Tell me what you understand about the monk and about the man addicted to opium. What lessons did you learn from this story? How can you apply it to yourself?
Alafia ati Ilera!
Peace and Health!
Seifu Sharif
