In Nepal Last Year, Grace and Humbleness
I put off going to Nepal for years. I wanted to see my teacher but he had also told me that when I missed him I could visualize the ocean as him, because I love the ocean, and it is the great expanse that could remind us of the great expanse of mind. And so I thought about the difficulties and I didn't go. Then finally I did and there were difficulties but I'm so glad I did, not only because it was good to see him but also because now the difficulties are insurmountable. We can't go anywhere. But I remember and will hold in my heart the grace and humbleness I experienced in Nepal, both at the nunnery where my teacher stays and in the monasteries I visited. Here a woman is doing prostrations to golden statues of Buddhas at the front of the hall. You can see the reflections on the floor. And I found it so touching. It is not slavish, because, truly, in the end we are bowing to our own mind, but there is an opening up, a giving up, an offering of the heart that you make when you prostrate, that is just so authentic, and you stand back up, actually, with more dignity than ever. So, just some thoughts on a windy May morning from a guy staying indoors and dwelling on basic goodness. Much love to you all.
21 May 2020
Texas Jim
Photo: Kathmandu, Nepal
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