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The Glitters of My Philosophy Experience

April 2021: Philosophy begins in wonder; wonder begins in openness of mind; openness of mind begins with spontaneity of life which proceeds from a style of thinking pattern that Jesus illustrates in the Gospel of Matthew 6: 26 ‘look at the birds of the sky…’ The three years of my academic studies in St. Bonaventure Seminary were the most blooming and extraordinary years of my seminary life not because I had learnt everything that was taught and not because I received a most honorable certificate, but rather because I faced every challenge that came my way and made many mistakes in the process. Great lessons are learnt through mistak.

Many were instrumental in building my inner self in the three years of my stay in the philosophicate. The captivating view of the surroundings, the odors from the colorful flowers which were pleasing to the senses and the gentle people with the smiley greetings always remain in the annals of my experience. My formators never failed to play their role in the forming me through corrections, appreciations, encouragement, guidance, support and personal examples. They helped me to persevere in my vocation and to walk with my convictions towards my goals. The teachings of my professors were most remarkable. What they taught was like learning swimming; though one may not swim daily but when the time arises one starts swimming spontaneously without anybody’s guidance.

Though all what we learn may not have any impact on our lives immediately yet I am sure that the time will come when all what we have learned will give birth to something extraordinary, to have possibilities we will accomplish which we never dreamt of. And I also know that though I am not a good student who fulfills all the requirements of the institution, yet with the assistance of my professors I did fill my empty cup with something new so that the new things became familiar and the familiar things became new. Henceforth, I can make sense of every nonsense that would cross the limits of my senses. The three years of philosophy wouldn’t have been a successful and memorable for me if there hadn’t been the fun and the joy of my companions, their friendship and the togetherness that we shared from dawn to dusk.

Philosophy, as I had misconceived it in the beginning, is not just the result of a piece of white chalk and a black board, but instead philosophy happens at every step we take with a clear and honest mind. I would like to conclude with a piece of advice to my brother students in philosophy: Philosophy is a banquet of knowledge in which we need to participate. It is only then that one could say ‘yes I did my philosophy’ as one would say ‘I had my breakfast’. It is not just fulfilling the requirements but filling ourselves with the knowledge that is required. Therefore treasure the time you have, device the maximum benefit you can from it and participate passionately in your philosophy (PPP).

Br. Balu OFM
St. Anthony’s Friary
Benglauru

 

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