In about two weeks, on March 22, it would be the 19th death anniversary of my dear teacher and spiritual friend Godwin Samararatne (1932-2000). In the past nine years or so, I've found my appreciation of Godwin growing and growing. To this day, Godwin remains the most Christ-like person I've ever met in my life - luminous, empty, selfless, light yet immensely warm, attentive, kind, and gentle, with all the time in the world for the person he was with, at any given moment.
A simple, honest, transparent man with no agendas to impose, no empire to build, only an outpouring awareness and love for all he met. Indeed, he embodied perfectly the Buddhist concept of kalyana-mitta (spiritual friend). Godwin has been significantly formative in my own life and spiritual ministry.
As a Christian now, I can say he was and still is my heart-teacher, a spiritual companion without peer, who lived the Dhamma wonderfully and who beautifully exemplified the Spirit-filled life I hear or read much about in Christian circles. While nominally a 'Buddhist,' Godwin was never into labels and sectarian identity. He was a good friend to anyone and everyone of any religion or no religion. He admired and respected the Buddha, that much I know. Yet he also spoke of how much Jesus on the cross affected and inspired him, especially how the Lord asked His Father to forgive those who knew not what they were doing.
Much food for reflection on the mysterious workings of the Holy Spirit who blows wherever and as He wills.
More on Godwin Samararatne at https://www.godwin-home-page.net/.
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