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Dharma and Chocolate

by T. N.

I was rising up the escalator in the Los Angeles convention center on a clear spring day. My friend decided we absolutely had to get to the seminar early- only to find a handful of people there. This annoyed me slightly…but it didn't stick. After three days of a four day seminar, I was changing levels in my being I didn't even know were there.

It helped that I lived in Boston, so coming out here felt more like a retreat than a class. It was an expensive trip, particularly on my paltry income. But when I could afford to come, I really appreciated the lack of responsibilities. On retreat, I didn't have anything to distract me from the experience of meditating with Rama.

Sunlight streamed through the windows cradling the stairs, as I continued my slow rise to the top. The slight annoyance at my friend melted away like morning dew. In fact, I felt a harmony and good will towards others. Where I normally retreated around strangers; it felt natural to joke with people on the parking garage elevator. As I edged toward the top of the escalator, I saw a silhouette on the landing - the sun's brightness hid them from view. The feeling of good will overwhelmed me, and I spontaneously said, "Hi!", and sent a wave of happy energy - even though I had no idea who I was talking to.

As the escalator gently delivered me to the landing, the sunlight faded and my eyes adjusted to the normal light. The revealed figure looked at me with a huge smile, and even happier energy.

"Hi!", said Rama.

In a flash, I went from happiness-to shock-back to happiness again. Dazed, I walked nonchalantly to the candy machine. I tried to look like I wasn't pleased as punch to have warmly greeted my teacher - even if it was accidental. I had talked to Rama only a handful of times in my years as a student. Yes, it was good to get some candy and not focus too much on the happy coincidence. Rama often suggested we have a little snack during the mid-evening break to provide some grounding during an intense seminar.

I was really trying to concentrate on the selections, when I heard someone behind me whistling…LOUDLY. To be clear, no one did anything loudly at these seminars. We were trying to learn the art of inaccessibility. This meant you didn't drawn attention to yourself because it was an energy drain and drew unwanted focus. As this loud whistler continued to pace behind me, I also felt they had a tremendous ENERGY around them…

I froze as I realized the identity of the whistler. Quick as a cat, Rama saddled up beside me, facing the candy bar machine.

"I bet you are trying to figure out which of these snacks has just the right energy for the break" he said.

I nodded my head-unable to speak. "Is it the Snickers bar, the peanut butter cheese crackers, or the peanut M&Ms? Hmm", he said shaking his head in empathy at my decision. He nudged his head toward me, "Would you like my opinion?".

I nodded, vigorously this time, still unable to speak. Now, he turned his entire body to face me, and scanned me up and down. It was as if he was doing a complex systems analysis of my aura.

"Looking at your energy tonight, and considering the energy of this evening…I would pick…", he paused for dramatic effect, "…the Snickers!".

He smiled broadly while I garbled a muffled "Thank you". He gracefully nodded, turned and walked away before I could make my purchase.

I bought the Snickers. I don't think I've ever had a candy bar that tasted so good.