We all have sources of survival, they are our rations. They are those
things we count on to make it through a day. It might be suitable to
take stock of our sources for survival, to see what they are and
how we rely on them.
Perhaps we'd describe them as not so important but
'nice" to have. Things we'd count on would not be on our
list of "must haves." We'd reassure ourselves we wouldn't die without
them. We might be grumpy, but we wouldn't die.
Spiritual rations may not even come to mind as we take stock, as we
review our list of "must haves." And we may simply ask, "What are
spiritual rations?" An important question for anyone who begins
a spiritual journey, but one that may be overlooked.
We all know when we take a trip to take along certain things, certain
items we think are necessities. Most of the stuff is for the body.
Toothpaste, toothbrush, brush, comb, medicine, suitable clothing,
money, maybe extra money for 'just in case" and a number of various
personal items. Passport, license, and credit cards. Our identity.
If forces beyond our control demolish everything we have, what
would be left for our trip, for our spiritual survival? Change can be
such a force. It can divorce us from everything we rely on.
Here is a short comment from a Buddhist Theravada Bhikkuni who
responds to such a force. She goes through times without food and
other times that are abundant. She learned to meditate with or without
rations.
Sometimes we have our rations and sometimes we don't. It is our
response to either situation that strengthens our spiritual muscle.
