33. Report - 5/1/22 - The interview

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 It's the geography teacher who had passed me in his car before and got the idea to introduce me to his colleagues.

When he waits for me at the curb and politely asks if I have a few minutes, my first thought was an opportunity to do magic. On the way to the headmaster, he then explains that it should be an informal interview.

There is a relaxed, collegial atmosphere in the principal's office. His office is quickly full and we move the meeting in front of his door in the corridor. A very pleasant, interested teaching staff comes together.

But I'm uncomfortable. I had already noticed that many people in Kerala wear a mask in a very disciplined manner. I raise mine too, just to be polite. But as the conversation gets going, I ask permission to take the mask off again.

The conversation quickly turns to the topic of masks etc. And that with this pilgrimage I want to set an example against people's fears in the pandemic. That's why I try to avoid wearing a mask as often as possible. At the same time, I express some big question marks behind the pandemic.

Critical questions from colleagues come. I reason that viruses, diseases and other types of suffering are part of life. Instead of constantly running away from these afflictions, we need to learn how to develop a relaxed, confident attitude toward them. We can trust into the goodness of life.  I'll include everything I've understood so far about Buddha's FOUR NOBLE TRUTH.

More questions about the visa. I out myself that I'm not legally in the country at the moment, but I'm willing to take responsibility for possible consequences. - Why didn't I go back to Germany? - Because I think India is dealing with the pandemic more humanely and I'm trying to stay here as long as possible. - Why I don't apply for Indian citizenship? - ... I already had this thought in the back of my head.

Almost all colleagues take off their masks for the group photo - what a beautiful sight.

As a precautionary measure, I apologize to the Headmaster if I should have caused anything unpleasant by my speech. - His answer: "Your words are the cream on the Bhagavad Gita".


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