Our one River … ( 07 / 20 / 2012 )
Our one River … ( 07 / 20 / 2012 )
“ Buddha claimed no copyright on his teachings … Shakespeare received no royalty checks . We have been enchanted by music , paintings , architecture and crafts of many cultures , from time immemorial . We have received a treasure house of traditions as a free gift . In response , we offer our work as well -- our creativity , our arts and our crafts as gifts to generations present and future .
In such times , when we are motivated by such a selfless spirit , then our work is never a burden … It is not a duty … It is not a responsibility . In such times , we are not even the doers of our work … Work flows through us and not from us . In such times , we do not own our intellect , our creativity , or our skills … We have received them as a gift -- and we pass them on as a gift .
It is like a river that keeps on flowing . All its tributaries together are what make the river great , and we are one of those tributaries -- adding to the Great River of our particular time and culture ; adding to the Great River of Humanity .
If tributaries stop flowing into the river , if they become individualistic and egotistical , if they put terms and conditions on their entry before they join the river , then they will dry up -- and the river will dry up as well .
To keep the river flowing , its tributaries must come together willingly — with Joy , and without condition .”
(~ inspired by Satish Kumar )
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