For your inspiring words of wisdom
That has helped me
And countless others
On the way, on this path
As we transit through
This time and space
Both wondrous and monstrous
Both beauteous and hideous
Where night and day
Juxtapose
Where light and dark
Counterpose
Where meaning can come to life
From the depths of abysmal despair
To the heights of dazzling light
To guide us gently, yet clearly
As we transit through
This time and space
Each day, with inner joy
Each night, peaceful dreams
I and dear friends on this path
Give thanks, give thanks
For your gentle guidance
For everything you have shared.
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A background. I was and am fortunate to have encountered Mario Rodriguez Cobos, known as Silo from far-away Argentina– philosopher, founder of the Humanist Movement, considered the sage of the Andes—three times.
The first time was in the seventies, here in Manila, Philippines. I was a student of the University of the Philippines, in my 3rd year of college. A classmate and friend invited me to a Talk/Conference that he was giving in a University hall to which I went, curious to see and hear what this person coming from South America had to say and share. I can barely remember what was said as that was in the seventies.
But on the second day before the closing of the Seminar, the attendees, I included, were invited to do a “Service”. We were asked and were guided to do this. First, a guided relaxation. Then what was called an Experience of Peace or the Force. All the participants and I followed—imagining a sphere coming down and entering, going into my heart and expanding. Yes, it became a quiet moment to experience something new.
Then, we were asked to come forward. Silo came down from the speaker’s stage, and standing in front of each participant, he was laying his hands on each one’s forehead. I was in the second row with a first line of participants in front of me. There was a small space between two attendees in front of me and, I, curious and excited, tried to squeeze myself in that small space. He was coming closer, he saw me and he gently put up both hands to motion me. At that moment, I felt a gentle pat and yes, I moved back to the second row.
When my turn came, as he laid his hands on my forehead, I heard a very light bell and I felt something like a light bulb open in my chest, radiating a white light expanding from the center of my chest. The very first time I experienced something like that, a white light emitting a gentle force or energy emanating from within me. I didn’t know what to make of it then, except feeling that this man was sharing something truly special.
I went back to my life as a student. A few years passed. It was the eighties and I had begun working. My group head was actively involved in the works of the Siloist group and would invite me to sit in. Then, the Humanist Movement launched the Community for Human Development which I joined, together with my college friend who first introduced me to the works of Silo. This was when my life as a humanist took shape.
My second encounter. It was sometime in the Eighties, I believe. There were Public Acts being made in the Asia-Pacific. The Base Team, with Silo, was having a Public Act in India and yes, I went. I must have been so happy, looking forward. On my last day of work, the night before the plane was leaving, I was walking out of the office and down the street, I felt that wonderful experience of peace emanating from my chest, accompanying me…
The Public Act was in Chowpatty Beach in Bombay and there I encountered Silo a second time. We, the visitors from other Asian countries were asked to sit behind the Base Team on the stage. Even if it was a grey, rainy, windy day, people had gathered to hear him and the base team, feeling inspired and elevated.
The third Encounter. It was the Three Days of Spiritual Inspiration in the Punta de Vacas Park, in the Andes where Silo gave his first talk, The Healing of Suffering. I, together with three close friends, was with the thousands who came and spent time together in this special place. And to see him, be with him, hear him speak…hear him, once again, share his “words of wisdom”.
Gracias, Silo!
Photo of Silo from www.silo.net
http://www.silo.net/en/present_milestone/index/6
