Simplicity 단순함

                    (written in 2004)

I still remember Mr. Kalpesh Gajiwala and Mrs. Astrid Lobo Gajiwala from Mumbai, who were invited to the 8th plenary assembly of FABC held in August. Mr. Gajiwala,  a Hindu surgeon, and his wife, a Catholic theologian, looked happy and free in spite of religious differences.

 Before getting married, they decided to respect their individual religions, and still enjoy inner freedom to respect their differences. Mrs. Gajiwala is free to be active in the church and Mr. Gajiwala accompanies her when he feels like it.

 We just talked for a short time after dinner one day, but his talks about the presence of God still linger in my heart. Extreme denominations adhere to their religions, but he has a certain composure and generosity in his beliefs. I don't know much about Hinduism, but I found one thing very inspiring in him -- he seemed to be liberal even though he is Hindu.

 I asked him, "What is the truth? Is there any difference between various religions?"

"Yes, I think so," he answered. "We have only one truth. The method or way to believe is only different." Gajiwala said that he always prays. When asked for how long, he answered, "Is there any meaning if we keep praying mechanically or repeatedly without talking to God spontaneously from our hearts each moment?"

 Talking to God spontaneously, to him, means feeling the presence of God all the time. Feeling God's presence every moment is the way that Gajiwala prays. "That's how we should live every moment. There is no other way to be free and happy," he said.

 These are some of the things we talked about together. There is some sense of simplicity here. Everybody hopes to live a simple life to the fullest. French Br. Lawrence of the 17th century said to do all things for the love of God only, whatever we do, cooking or cleaning. Then, honor, money, or position will not matter much.

 There are truly diverse ways to live, but simplifying life is the shortcut to true happiness and freedom. Simplifying means to live, enjoying every moment without excessive desire as if it is the last moment. Feeling the presence of God in the depth of every moment will surely simplify life and let one concentrate on doing everything with a single and right intention for goodwill.

 These days, we are easily disturbed by so many things, especially due to secularism, materialism, and globalization. Henry David Thoreau(1817-1862) said "Our life is frittered away by detail... Simplify, simplify." There is also a contemporary bestselling book titled "Simplify Your Life," which talks about voluntary simplicity. 

 Being single-hearted, we can overcome various obstacles and concentrate on good things.

 The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/ Oct. 12, 2004