It mattereth not

I am now in my second semester in Pathway.  I can’t believe that I have made it this far.  It has been great, but also a lot more work than I had originally thought.  IN my religion class this week we from Alma 43-63.  The mere fact that I read 20 chapters in a week was enough to treat myself to a little treat as I write this blog post.  Thank goodness that it is girl scout season.  What I read in the last chapters has had a lasting impact on me.  Let me introduce you to my current favorite Book of Mormon hero: Pahoran.  Here’s why:  As a yogini, I look to my teachers for guidance and wisdom.  I have had some truly amazing teachers, and I really think Pahoran would be some kind of prophet yogi sage today.  The situation he was in when he received an epistle from Moroni was not great.  He had been unseated in his land, and fled with many people to the land of Gideon.  Moroni did not know any of this when he wrote is epistle.  Pahoran’s response is a well thought out RESPONSE.  Not a reaction.  Not more accusations.  He was not on the defensive, he validated all of Moroni’s concerns, and empathized with him before he said this in verse 9 of chapter 61

“And now, in your epistle you have censured me, BUT IT MATTERETH NOT; I am not angry, but REJOYCE in the greatness of your heart.”

I love this because in yoga, we talk a lot about Reaction versus Response.  Pahoran’s example was a perfect example of how to respond without taking offence.  He was wise enough to understand that Moroni was suffering, and that those words, even though true, were written under duress.  He was able to see that and take his pride out of it, and in doing so see the strength, passion, and love Moroni had for his men, and the God he served.  What an amazing example. A reactionary response is the opposite.  

One of my favorite talks by David A. Bednar is “And nothing shall offend them” form October 2006 general conference.  In it he talks about the example of Pahoran as a gauge of spiritual maturity. 

One of the greatest indicators of our own spiritual maturity is revealed in how we respond to the weaknesses, the inexperience, and the potentially offensive actions of others. A thing, an event, or an expression may be offensive, but you and I can choose not to be offended—and to say with Pahoran, “it mattereth not.”

We are in charge of ourselves.  We have no control over others.  We cannot be acted upon.  There is no way we can know for certain the intentions and thoughts of others.   There is such freedom and peace when we cultivate the ability to take nothing personally, like Pahoran did.