In response to ND's "Musings"

By Zita Perera Subasinghe 

Reading Nihal’s musings from his rocking chair gives one the idea to look back on one’s own life. Nihal has the knack and talent to analyse his memories of the past and relay it in an interesting fashion!

  In my case, I can look back on words, phrases, principles or rules and snippets from stories which I often ‘muse’ on. I like to look back on ‘Pearls’ which teachers have told us. One was,  ‘Never put off for tomorrow, what you can do today’.   Another ‘rule’ was ‘things are never just black or white but they are usually shades of grey, not always right or wrong but something in between. Situations you face are not ‘clear cut’ and decisions dictated by them could give you a dilemma. In this case, you have to choose the lesser of the two evils, i.e. you have to make the best of a bad job. Another is, if your instinct tells you something is wrong, you’re probably right. Also remember, two wrongs don’t make one right, even though in Maths -x- (minus x minus) is plus.

 Making lists is a good habit. It may be about what to buy, what to do, who to invite and who to avoid! You are your best companion, so spend time with yourself: thinking, planning, laughing even laughing at yourself! Use the abbreviation etc. as little as possible. Write full lists.

 A person’s name is the most important sound in the language to that person. So, listen to and remember the names of a friend, a foe, a teacher, a student or that of the stranger in the gym. At a party when you meet new people learn their names and remember using a clue e.g. Pearl (she shines like a pearl), Saman (a samanalaya and picture it in your mind).

 Other useful rules:

1.    Treat others as you would have them treat you.

2.    Two wrongs don’t make one right

3.    When someone gives you a lemon, make lemonade. (That came from Dale Carnegie)

4.    Reading maketh a man (or woman)

5.    People bring what they are capable of so when it’s your turn do the best you can.

6.    Finally, the Gentle art of Blessing (from the book of the same name)

However badly others treat you, do not curse them but Bless them in your heart. Keep doing so till you feel the hurt is gone. You will be surprised when they come back and apologise for what they did or said, or do something good to you!

In the book, they cannot explain how this happens except that we humans can communicate spiritually or mentally.

I think that is enough! Good bye and Good Luck! All Blessings!