All Life Is In The Moment

In 1970, during the Vietnam War, a platoon of U.S. soldiers was on patrol, when suddenly they came under heavy arms fire from the Vietcong.

And then as suddenly as it began, the firing ended, leaving only a strange silence in its wake.

Fortunately, no-one was hit.

When the U.S. soldiers calmed themselves, they cautiously resumed their patrol, now extremely careful in every step they took, and aware of every sound around them.

It was as if time stood still, as they lived in the moment.

Later, they came to a magnificent natural garden growing lushly around a river bed. As the men looked at a sea of white flowers emitting a sweet scent, they breathed a sigh of relief and were captivated in the moment.

Soon they came upon a scenic old Buddhist monastery, one of peace and tranquility, as the monks greeted them with smiles and afterward chanted to a lovely, calming melody.

Although they remained on alert, most of the soldiers welcomed being in so beautiful a sanctuary.

Overwhelmed by it all, Army private Rickie Green shared what had happened that day with a monk, and asked this man of peace what it all means.

"It means all life is in the moment," the wise old monk replied in a gentle voice. "You were nearly killed, then you enjoyed a captivating natural botanic garden and now you are in our beautiful sanctuary.

"When you leave here, your life will be at risk again," the monk continued. "Every moment you and the other men have could be for each of you, your final moment.

"You will be at risk and you will march in fear, living each moment you have.

"But right now, our monestery is in the moment. It is real, and your entire life is in this instant.

"So rejoice in our peace, enjoy our food, share in our stories and music and make the most of this profound gift of life, the one you have in this moment."

Dick

This piece was in part inspired by Tom Brown's "Tigers Above, Tigers Below."