A few months ago I was ringing the Monastery bell by the old oak tree when I noticed that the bell striker was looking a little beat up. The black tape on the handle was coming unstuck, the bark was beaten to ribbons, and a serious crack had developed right down the middle. “We should get a new stick,” I thought.
During bell ringer duty a month later, the bell striker was in even worse shape. The tape had nearly fallen off, and the stick itself was beaten to splinters. “This is getting ridiculous,” I heard a voice in my head say, “We really need a new stick.”
Recently, while ringing the bell, I noticed that someone had repaired the bell striker by carefully taping up both ends. I picked up the stick and struck the bell, “GONG!” Beautiful. Good as new.
Clearly that bell striker was not yet ready to retire. Someone, I project, intuitively sensed that and respectfully made the repairs that would enable the striker to joyfully continue being of service until it has finally given everything it has to give. Such selfless dedication! Such reverent care!
“GONG!” Ringing the bell now, appreciation deepens as the habitual sense of separation fades. The Life energy animating this bell striker is the same energy animating this being. Of one essence, and serving one purpose (to love and be of service to all) bell, striker, being, sound (and everything else in the Universe)—it’s all One, and it’s all worthy of care and attention.
Gassho,
Lakota