I love Simon, and I dedicate this memory to him. My encounter with Simon in Montréal’s Chinatown about twelve years ago was one of the strangest and most exalted moments in my life. I had noticed an announce online for a Group Meditation for World Peace at the unique and beautiful Palais des Congrès de Montréal (Montréal Convention Centre) and decided that I had to attend. From what I recall, it was organised by a group from an ashram somewhere outside of the city. It was a beautiful and sunny Saturday morning, and to my surprise, there were over a thousand attendees at this event that lasted well over two hours. Since I have attended similar meditations before with other groups, I mostly knew what to expect, and quickly felt very comfortable in the crowd. There were music, chants, and even some dance in the ceremonies leading up to the guided meditation. With the crowd, we flowed with the ambiance and joyous mood of the moment. The group meditation was very powerful, profound and moving, and by the end of it, I was totally relaxed and light-spirited, a somewhat familiar experience as I meditate daily. But that day, something else occurred, and I was spiritually transported and transformed. I felt as if I was outside of my normal self: there was me, and then, there was my body. We were distinct, and yet complete, in an acute and crystalline spacial awareness. I felt illuminated and filled with joyous loving energy.
At the end of the assembly, I decided not to take the metro access from within the convention centre, but to take advantage of the beautiful weather outside, and walk around the area radiating the euphoria I was feeling. As I stepped out unto the cobblestoned streets of Chinatown, I was so focused on my feeling of etherealness that I was hardly noticing the other people on the street. Suddenly, from the corner of my eye, I glimpsed a shabby old beggar sitting on the side of the street, but I continued on my way. Then it hit me—Wait, I have never seen a Chinese beggar before. My mind edged on before me—perhaps he is my Chinese grandfather. Note that my grandfather was a businessman and grocer, and that he died before I was born, so the thought startled me. After a couple hundred feet or so, I suddenly made an about turn and headed back to the beggar; to offer him some of the light and love with which I felt imbued.
I crouched down next to him and smiled. I said—Hello, how are you? He looked at me curiously and smiled back, flashing a lonely pair of brown rotted teeth. Offering my hand, I continued—I am Andrew… what’s your name? He responded—Simon. I asked him from where he came, and he told me that he was from an indigenous tribe in Ontario. I regret that I did not pay more attention, and sadly have forgotten the details. We spoke for a while before I reached into my pocket, and offered him all the small change I had, which was probably not much more than a dollar. There I was, feeling so special and important, offering my light, love and some money to this beggar, when he flashed me another of his toothless smiles as his eyes lit up like moonbeams. They locked directly unto mine for a few seconds, drawing out any pretensions I may have had before then. I was immediately overwhelmed by a luminous energy of love, by far more powerful than anything I had ever experienced, or that I could have ever offered him. It is possible that what transpired at that moment was simply a reflection of my own energy, but I doubt it. I knew at that moment that this man, who was only a stranger to me some moments before, was now forever engraved in my soul. Yet, I felt somewhat abashed, perhaps a bit panicked, and I quickly thanked him and moved on.
I returned to Chinatown a few times soon after that, hoping to see Simon again. Alas, I was never to lay eyes on him again, and I have no idea what became of him. However, my memory of him is indelible, and he comes back faithfully to my mind at moments when I flirt with doubt, or with the thought that somehow love is lacking in my life. I understood from my encounter with Simon that love is unconditional, infinite and absolute, and that it is the guiding principle of everything in the universe. Also, this encounter was a milestone in my life as a lesson on humility that I dare never forget.
Nonetheless, I did see my Chinese grandfather in the corner of my eye that day, and it was he who guided me to Simon. I have since made granddad a living presence in my life through my meditation practice, along with a chorus of my other ancestors, and my deceased friends and benefactors. I know I met an angel in Simon, and wish him well if he is still alive, and au revoir, if he is now among my deceased benefactors. I love you, Simon, we are friends for eternity.
To all the Simons out there
who go everyday unnoticed,
may your angel light shine
through cracks in the walls of ignorance,
and awaken from slumber, the wings of compassion.
Andrew Lue-Shue, July 2023
Pax Lux et Amor 