he entered a certain village,
where a woman named Martha
welcomed him into her home.
She had a sister named Mary,
who sat at the Lord's feet
and listened to what he was saying.
But Martha was distracted
by her many tasks;
so she came to him and asked,
"Lord, do you not care
that my sister has left me
to do all the work by myself?
Tell her then to help me."
But the Lord answered her,
"Martha, Martha, you are worried
and distracted by many things;
there is need of only one thing.
Mary has chosen the better part,
which will not be taken away from her."
- Luke 10:38-42
Martha and Mary
JESUS MAFA, 1973
My dear friends,
In a quaint village, a scene unfolds between two sisters, Martha and Mary, in the presence of a revered spiritual leader. This episode offers us an invaluable lesson in mindfulness, the significance of the present moment, and the true essence of service.
In our daily lives, just like Martha, many of us find ourselves caught up in an unending whirlwind of tasks, concerns, and distractions. The daily grind can easily overwhelm our minds. In the midst of this chaos, the essence of genuine human connection and the depth of spirituality are often overshadowed by our endless 'doings'. We are ensnared by our preoccupations so much so that they become barriers to our inner peace.
Yet, the words of the Lord to Martha provide us with an insight into the nature of spiritual life. While the physical tasks of life are essential and cannot be neglected, it is equally vital to cultivate inner peace, listen attentively, and remain present. For when we are absorbed in ceaseless activity without a moment of reflection or inner connection, we miss the deeper truths that life presents.
Mary, in this account, embodies the ideal of attentive listening. She is depicted as someone who is fully present, absorbing the teachings with an open heart, without the distractions of the outer world. Her focus is singular – to drink from the well of wisdom being offered.
The message is clear: while service and action are critical components of a spiritual life, they must be balanced with moments of introspection, meditation, and attentive listening. Without this balance, even our most well-intentioned actions can become sources of stress and disillusionment.
From the perspective of Buddhist teachings, this balance resembles the Middle Way – avoiding extremes and finding a harmonious path that combines active service with deep inner reflection.
Every moment presents us with a choice: to be absorbed in tasks or to remain present. To worry incessantly about the future or to be in the here and now. To be like Martha, perpetually distracted, or like Mary, attuned to the deeper essence.
As we navigate the challenges of our lives, let us remember the lesson of Mary and Martha. Let us strive to find a balance – serving with compassion and diligence, but also taking moments to sit, reflect, and connect with the deeper truths. For in that balance lies the path to genuine happiness and spiritual fulfillment.
May all beings find peace, and may all beings be free from suffering.