relationship.
MS: I’m OK with a lot of this, but you were celibate from the age of twenty-nine until your death. Is that part completely necessary?
B: Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
MS: Uh, it doesn’t.
B: And it doesn’t mean that you will ever awaken from the slumber of ignorance in this life or the next.
MS: Sex just seems like one of those things that’s on my mind a lot, that’s all.
B: However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act upon them?
MS: Or don’t act, in this case.
B: Remember this: What we think, we become.
MS: Then right now I’m a triple tall vanilla latte. I’m going to assume you don’t want one . . .
[The Buddha is still and quiet.]
MS: Your last words were, “All things must pass away. Strive for your own salvation with diligence.”
B: Yes.
MS: Well, dude, that was a George Harrison tune! From the Beatles?
B: Beetles, boars, men, and women can all learn from my inner peace.
MS: All right, but I gotta get you this CD. There are some things even I can teach the Buddha.
B: And let me turn you on to a state beyond suffering, called true Nirvana.
MS: So you do dig music! That’s awesome!
B: You have much to learn. Of this I’m sure.
Copyright © Michael A. Stusser, 2007
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