Is There Anybody Out There?

By Eileen Benson

Dear Editor,

In an article in Newsletter issue 30 entitled “Is There Anybody Out There?” the answer is ‘Yes’. We are all still out here, and if all the old (and new members) were to come together, we should still experience that old closeness and brotherhood that was so strong 20+ years ago. There is a bond that can never be broken.

Unfortunately, time has moved on, we are all so scattered, travelling has become expensive, some of us are getting old, sick, whilst others in work are working too hard too long. Accommodation at summer retreats are out of reach financially or time-wise, and altogether things are very different. But then, on the other hand, we had years of wonderful teaching from Phiroz. Were not we blessed? Repetition is really no answer to having listened, absorbed and lived that teaching then. One cannot hold onto the past, we have to move on, but, like the fellowship that was gained in those early years, Phiroz’s teaching is deeply embedded in our souls and acts through our lives. How often do we remember his words.

The Trust has done, and is doing, a wonderful job and there is sadness that we do not communicate on a regular basis. It must be soul-destroying to keep putting out newsletters and even information on the Internet and not receiving any response, but there have to come new people with an interest in these teachings and nobody can predict from where they will come or when, but Phiroz’s work will never die — it will flower again when the season is right.

In the meantime, perhaps other members could also belatedly drop a line to say “hi”. It would be great to know where you all are and what you are studying and thinking.

Most of us are doing different things now but hopefully still trying to live the religious life and, however far we move on, we no doubt, still relate it all back to Phiroz’s teaching.

Yours sincerely,

Eileen Benson
Holland-on-Sea

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