I know that I carry a jewel inside of me and I have the intention to share it wherever I go. That intent alone qualifies me as a monk, even though I no longer wear the robes of a monk. This intent is not for my benefit alone, but for the benefit of everyone I encounter.
The jewel I carry is my ultimate nature. It is the jewel that radiates the hopes and loves of all previous generations. It is, as some say, the jewel of my Buddha nature, my nature as a spiritual being. I do not walk in the secusion of a monastery. I openly walk in the world of humanity and all beings so that I may reveal and share the riches of being vibrantly human.
The jewel within me is not mine alone. I attempt to live out the generosity of being human. My generosity is not so much in food and matertial resources but in the flowing energy of the universe. I recognize and affirm the presence of all I encounter. My recognition is in a loving embrace.
Many years ago, I proclaimed that we are all born to be lovers. That is the glowing nature of the jewel I carry. It is my nature to be a lover. I share the jewel of my nature wherever I go. I walk in the world as a monk.