Our last shiny class until a bright new start

 

Photo Bob Hoffman

Bob Hoffman Video

The comet, July 2020

Vendredi 12n 31 juillet

 

https://join.skype.com/opUG3bFUSJcb

 

The story of the Sterntalar

 Here we are in Stuttgart where I am reintroduced to the Brothers Grimm touching story of the Sterntaler.  Stardollars.

We learn these tales as children, teach them to our young and conveniently forget them as we grow older.  I would like to share this with you.

There was once a young girl whose only possessions were the clothes on her back and a piece of bread some kind soul had given to her. But even these few things were much needed by others less fortunate than herself, and in selfless love, the girl gave the little she had away. In this beautiful Grimm tale, she is down to her thin shift which she too gives away to a child cold in the forest.  Our little heroine stands naked. Suddenly the stars rain down gold and silver coins and a shift spun of the finest silver clothes her.

Taler is the  etymological origin of dollar.  

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So I ask, how am I doing, how are we doing holding the fine threads of our society together?

The little girl shows us we can always do better.

The Kleshas (5)  Causes of suffering from the Yoga Sutras, tell us we are nothing but each other.

What strikes me is her fearlessness, not just from the holding on to what she has but from the want or desire of things.  She can give it away.

In the Yoga Sutras this is called Raga.  By practicing this we feel free.

Then, in her heroic way she deals with discomfort to the point she herself is left with not one last piece of clothing to protect herself.  She does not turn from discomfort.  By practicing this we transcend.

In the Yoga Sutras this is called Dvesha.

Absolute ego-lessness because she sees herself in others, and others in her.

In the Yoga Sutras this is called Asmita.  By practicing this we don’t feel separateness.

Abhinivesha or fearlessness in the face of what could be the end of one’s life, she trusts inside that deep dark forest, what will come. 

Stardust of gold and silver rain on her and those she loves continue to live in peace and prosperity, they glow with light.

A good story is also light.  Teachings that speak to our highest nature are meant to be told over and over and forever. 

What are we telling ourselves and each other right now?