As the COVID-19 pandemic ebbed away and life cautiously tiptoed back to its pre-pandemic rhythm, the gates of the ancient monastery continued to remain closed to the outside world. Inside, the monks continued their daily rituals and prayers, but they were extremely hesitant to resume their customary spiritual discourse for the people outside.
Curiosity swelled among the townsfolk, prompting questions about the reluctance of the monks to resume their once-cherished role in the community. The Rector of the monastery, a man known for his sagacity, addressed the concern of the townsfolk in measured words saying, “Our duty transcends the present. We must safeguard our lives to serve our society’s spiritual needs in the future.”
At the monastery gate, the cynical gatekeeper kept saying, “Those who have renounced the cares of the world have missioned themselves to self-preservation so that they can attend to the spiritual needs of the world in the future – a future they may never witness.”
