OKETAMO

 UKETAMO

My friend Alka sent me a video today about a Japanese self development and self discovery training program called Yamabushi. The first phase in the program is called Lessons From Mountains. The trainees trek for three days and face various challenges during this time. They have to sit under waterfalls, climb and cross rivers. They do all this without questioning. The term for this is UKETAMO. I accept. Without questioning. 

But why am I talking about it here ? The term intrigued me. To accept without arguing, to face the challenges in our journey of life with courage and surrender. Surrender to things which are beyond our control. Long line in the store? UKETAMO. Traffic jam on the highway? UKETAMO. Computer taking a long time to upload a big file? UKETAMO. 

We fret for smallest of things and create avoidable stress. The sooner we accept the good and the bad things life throws at us, the more peaceful we will be. We  will be  Sthitpragya, one with a stable mind as lord Krishna says in the  Bhagwat Geeta. It’s difficult yes, to accept without questioning. Human beings have an innate tendency to question everything. But then what can you do with the traffic jam? 

If you can,change things but without anger. If you can’t, OKETAMO. It will bring peace in your mind and will give you insight into the problem. 

Let’s try it for one day, today and see. Tomorrow we can discuss the results. 

OKETAMO 

So be it !!!