Meditation Object

~ By Ajahn Jayasāro ~

Yesterday, I arrived in England and went to visit my only surviving uncle. He is 93 years old and his mind is still very bright. Although he lives alone, his daughter’s house is visible from his kitchen, and he has many friends. Every wall in his house and every shelf is covered with family photos. He says that counting grandchildren and great grandchildren and their children there are 51 altogether. When he goes for a walk and his leg hurts, he goes through their names one by one. It takes his mind off the pain and keeps his memory sharp.

My uncle’s daughter belongs to a Christian group. He has not joined it but once a week for the past ten years he has attended one of their meetings. He says that what he appreciates about this group is how they are trying hard to lead lives according to their beliefs, and that they care for each other. He said that after his wife died he thought that they were the kind of people he wanted to be around. ‘In the end,’ he said simply, ‘it’s all about love.’

Two days ago my uncle had a small operation to remove a growth on his neck. He is waiting for the results of a biopsy. He seems completely unperturbed. As we parted he said with a smile, ‘I’ve got nothing to complain about. I’ve had a good life.’

For the rest of the day, the purity of heart that had revealed itself so beautifully during our conversation was my meditation object.

- - ❖ - -

"Food for the Heart", a series of Dhamma teachings handwritten weekly is posted on the Buddhadāsa Indapañño Archives page with Ajahn's kind permission.

- - ❖ - -

For other teachings by Ven. Ajahn Jayasāro, please visit the Panyaprateep Foundation website.