I was watching the British TV Series "Sherlock" while taking care of my daughter recently, and I came across an interesting statement. It was from Moriarty, the villain of the Sherlock works. One of Moriarty's acquaintances expressed their gratitude to him, and he said something along the lines of "Your gratitude is worthless to me. It is merely the expression of expectation of future favors." I was shocked, because it seemed to have some validity--at least in everyday expression of gratitude.
Why do I say this? Well, because I was just about to post a general expression of gratitude for the GWV. I think if I am still alive in 5, 10, or even 20 years, I will look back on the moment I was welcomed and educated by the GWV as one of the most fortuitous life-changing events I experienced. Everything from the moral support, to the profound wisdom and knowledge, down to the companionship this group has offered me.
Do I express my gratitude with expectation of future favor? I don't think so, but maybe I'm delusional about it. I know that I hope to always be apart of this sangha as long as its integrity is preserved. That I will be of help to its members. That in the future many of us can meet for retreat in the wilderness. And that many of us will realize arahantship in this lifetime. Maybe we can have a celestial celebration when we've done so and left this realm
That is what comes to mind when I say I am grateful for you all.
Apologies if this post seems unnecessary or in anyway not the noble message I intended.
