ntra is said 180 times at a go), and prayer and song. I was surrounded by statues of Buddhist deities--each representing different abilities to grant wishes to the truly devoted. The Burmese were knelt in prayer, palms together, thumbs either facing their heart, or their arms raised higher, thumbs pointing to their noses. They bent down to touch their noses to the floor, and stayed kneeling for long lengths of time, concentrating their minds on the Buddha and his teaching. They were very serious and chanted,
...Eat little, and sparingly, be kind to one another, speak gently to each other, never revile another human form, live in as secluded and peaceful a place as you can, to concentrate yourselves on higher thoughts....
My experience with Nee in Myanmar has showed me that nirvana means different things to us all. For example, to me right now, nirvana would be having to do no schoolwork or sitting on a beach in the Caribbean, or being able to buy everything to my heart's desire. However, in a few year's time, my concept of nirvana will probably change. It will probably involve having professional success, a devoted and kind husband, and making sure that my family and children are healthy and happy. I believe that concepts of nirvana do not only change at different stages of our lives, but across different cultures and continents as well. For the people of Myanmar, their way of life has imposed on them a different set of values and wants. Nee once said to me during our tour, "I am suffering very much in my life, ma'am." Her statement had a profound effect on me. The Burmese are Buddhists--more than 80% are Buddhist--and they are gentle and kind and very devoted. And I wonder, what is it that they want that causes such suffering? They want their children to grow up without malaria, they want to live in a home that
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