| |
love, your joy, your sadness, your silences. I want you to be as rich as possible -- all these feelings and emotions and moods are your treasures.
Nothing has to be denied, everything has to be absorbed; nothing has to be thrown away, everything has to be made part of an orchestra.
Mr. Green receives a cable from his son in India.
"Dear Father, have decided to go to Poona and become a sannyasin."
Mr. Green bangs the table. Distraught and not knowing what to do, he decides to go to his old friend, Mr. Levy, and seek advice.
When he tells Mr. Levy the sad news, his friend turns white and says, "It is a funny thing you should say that to me. This morning I had a telephone call from my son. He also has gone to India to become a sannyasin."
Mr. Levy bangs the table. They look at one another in consternation.
Mr. Green says, "What shall we do?"
"We will go and see Alderman Goldberg, and see what he says."
They call on the alderman, and tell him their story. He looks back at them in dismay and says, "It is a funny thing you should say that to me. My son too! By telex he tells me he's in India to become a sannyasin." The alderman bangs on the table.
"We have to do something about it," says Mr. Green.
"What do you suggest? What can we do?" asks the alderman.
"We will go to speak to the rabbi. Who else?"
So they go to the school, and find the rabbi praying. They tell him the bad news, and he nearly faints. He bangs the seat, and stammers out, "It is a funny thing that you should say that to me. My son also... I'm so ashamed."
"We must do something," insists the alderman.
The rabbi finds some strength, "Yes, we will. We will pray to God for guidance in the manner of our people in mourning." They tear their clothes, put ashes on their heads, and for two days without food and water they pray, "Almighty one, help us in our time of need."
And on the second day, the heavens open and the voice of God is heard. "What can I do for my people?"
The rabbi, head bowed, says, "Ah, great one, help us. Our sons have gone to India to become sannyasins."
There is an
|
|
|