Week Four:
As my time in Amritsar comes to a close, I would like to acknowledge two of the most influential people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I met Harman (on the left) on my first day at the Golden Temple. We were working side by side at the Roti station. Not knowing that he spoke English yet, we exchanged smirks, which then turned into our career aspirations - classic first conversation. When I left that day, I told Harman that I would be at the Golden Temple every morning for the rest of my time there. Soon thereafter, he introduced me to his best friend, Robin, and I saw him everyday after that. Harman and Robin were joys to be around. We would sit and peel garlic for hours while talking. They taught me that the most important thing in life is to find good people and surround myself with them everyday, they taught me how to find good in myself, to not fear the inevitability of death, and they opened my eyes to the insignificance of material things. In 3 weeks they taught me many lessons that may take some a lifetime to learn.
Robin and Harman wake up every morning before the sun rises (unless they "accidentally" sleep in..lol) and go to the Golden Temple for seva. They do not go with their parents or their siblings, they go by themselves. When they first told me this, I was shocked that they had the will power to wake up every morning. But as I spent more time with them it started to make more sense. Seva is all about willingness to change your schedule and step out of your comfort zone for the service of others and yourself. When I expressed my honor for them, they did not say thank you. Why would they thank me for honoring something that is basic human nature to do? We were created to serve others and influence as many people in a positive way. For them, they are not going above and beyond, they are simply participating in the service that is expected of all of us.
Even though Robin explained to me, "friends never say thank you or sorry to other friends," I would like to say thank you to Robin and Harman for introducing me to a new way of life, testing my limits, and offering me a glimpse of what my true purpose may be.
Robin and Harman wake up every morning before the sun rises (unless they "accidentally" sleep in..lol) and go to the Golden Temple for seva. They do not go with their parents or their siblings, they go by themselves. When they first told me this, I was shocked that they had the will power to wake up every morning. But as I spent more time with them it started to make more sense. Seva is all about willingness to change your schedule and step out of your comfort zone for the service of others and yourself. When I expressed my honor for them, they did not say thank you. Why would they thank me for honoring something that is basic human nature to do? We were created to serve others and influence as many people in a positive way. For them, they are not going above and beyond, they are simply participating in the service that is expected of all of us.
Even though Robin explained to me, "friends never say thank you or sorry to other friends," I would like to say thank you to Robin and Harman for introducing me to a new way of life, testing my limits, and offering me a glimpse of what my true purpose may be.