A
Multiply friend of mine, Mana, posted a Blog with the theme Beliefs.
How we were influenced by family, friends and people around us
especially when we were children. Also that the same weakness, or what's
seen as such in general opinion like shyness, could be, from the
positive side of looking at it, a mystic, making it an attractive
feature.
I liked her entry and put my views on her GuestBook. This is what I wrote: -"
Belief, like faith, is not something you see, hear, or even think in
your head. It is deeply felt with your heart and a conviction;
guidelines needing you to put into action. Some people confuse shyness
with social phobia, or depression with sluggishness. With adulthood and
maturity, we can rely on our life's experiences and the wisdom gained to
distinguish them and to act upon our faith and beliefs. "
I
lost my parents when I was barely a teenager and, with no relatives,
immediate or even distant ones, I became a woman at a very tender young
age, both physically and mentally. There's no one to impress beliefs on
me, nor doctrines, nor anyone to show me the way to the adult world. But
with the far too few years when I did have my parents, and without any
intended effort on my part, I guess I must have been greatly influenced
by both of them.
I don't process many virtues to boast about, but I reckoned I have taken in - inherited or copied by example -
my father's love for literature, music, art in many of it's varied
forms, and the unconditional loyalty to, and the importance he placed
on, friendship. From my mother who was not a die-hard Buddhist but
rather who practised Buddhism by actions, I learned humbleness, honesty,
and respect toward all elders, people who know more than I do, never
waste food, and give unconditional help to anyone needing it, within my
limited ability.
I
am not going to tell you all my weaknesses, shortcomings and defects
here though, far too many to list them! Nor the few sins that I
shouldn't have committed, but have nevertheless enjoyed. Nothing illegal I can assured you.
