Principal Reflections

A Short Message from Dr Jake

Dear Parents & Friends,

The Japanese have a story about a Zen master being guest to a university professor who came to enquire about Zen, the attainment of spiritual enlightenment.

It was obvious to the master from the start of the conversation that the professor was not so much interested in learning about Zen as he was about impressing the master with his own opinion and knowledge.

The master listened patiently and finally suggested they have tea. The master poured the visitor's cup full and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the cup overflowing until he could no longer restrain himself. "The cup is overfull, no more will go in!"

"Like this cup," the master said, "you are full of your own opinions and views. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

Well, what are we to make from this little story?

That if children fill their heads with television before school each morning they will find difficulty attending to their school work?
That if we adults fill our heads with all the trash and trivia of the glossy magazines we will be as confused as those we read about?

That the spirit within a child needs to be cultivated in such a way that there results a growth in the ability to understand, to contemplate.
That as parents, we learn to reflect God to our children by sharing qualities such as love, patience, courage, kindness, compassion and justice.

Of course, from such a story we can choose to draw any moral which might suit our particular rationale of life.

However, as co-creators with God of wonderful children we do have a responsibility towards these children. Luke Fay who conducts "healing" sessions for adults has this thought to offer us:

"Today there are many people, life-loving, life-affirming people, who call us to life. Their own sensitivity and appreciation has been sharpened, and they want to arouse others to similar awareness. They lament that so many live with unawakened gifts, unused skills, grown old too soon. They invite us to press the unpressed buttons of optimism and curiosity, of hope and wonder; to let the child within us see and marvel at the endless beauty of the world around us."

So there's a challenge. How much am I such a person to my children? During these spring holidays, may you enjoy the company of your children.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as we are only too happy to help.

Peace & Best Wishes

Dr Jake Madden

(Principal, St Edward's Primary School)