Waiting

The following is a true story about a Japanese dog named Hachicko. Hachiko lived in Tokyo in the 1930’s. He was owned by a Professor Ueno, who caught the train every morning to go to the University. Every afternoon, Hachiko would be on the Shibuyu train platform waiting for his master to return. And this went on for many years. Only, one day, the professor suffered a stroke at the University and died instantly. He didn’t return on the train. The professor’s house was sold, and Hachiko was taken to a new home to live with a new family. But every afternoon Hachiko would find his way to the old railway platform, and there he waited for his master – every day, every afternoon, for ten years. At first, young boys would laugh and taunt the dog, but Hachicko remained steadfast. Later, people would bring him food. But he never abandoned his post. When his master would not appear, he would walk off alone. But the next day, he was patiently waiting again. They say that passers-by would burst into tears seeing his devotion, his faithfulness and his loyalty. One day he was found dead at the Shibuyu Station. He died waiting for his master.

If dogs can have this focus, this steadfastness, then the question a disciple might ask is, “Where am I waiting? Where can I find the love that will set me free?” For a follower of the path of the saints, the answer is simple. Love, hope and truth lie at the eye centre. That is where the Master will appear. That is where the Master has asked us to wait for him: to wait gladly, contentedly and with faith.

This spiritual practice will require our courage, our persistence and an open heart. We are to do our meditation gladly, steadfastly and with all the courage we can muster. Still, that will not be sufficient. In the end we must trust in his mercy. At the last, we will know our true condition and our total reliance on the Master’s grace.

It is not difficult for the Master to take a soul upward, but premature uplifting causes harm. Just as fine silk cloth, when spread upon a thorny hedge, is torn to pieces if suddenly pulled away, so the soul, entangled in the thorns of karma, which penetrate every cell in the body, must be gradually purified by the Master’s love.
_{Maharaj Sawan Singh, Spiritual Gems}

Wait constantly at this door, for the king may unexpectedly distinguish thee with His presence.
The main thing is for thee to be present, and nothing else; thou must be present – nothing else matters.
If thou standest ready at the door, thou wilt be favoured by the king’s presence.
_{Farid al-Din ’Attar, Ilahi-Nama, translated by John A. Boyle}