Thien Mu Pagoda

The Thien Mu Pagoda sits above the Perfume River. The river flows from northern blue-gray mountains. A pine forest shields a white stone cemetery beyond barbwire on the edge. The world needs more bard wire. This creates diversity, harmony, peace and love.

Forest pine needles waved to the rolling river and mountains. I met Mr. Brown Frog in the forest.

Laughing with bright green eyes he said, See how far you can jump.

Ok. I jumped.

Not bad, said Mr. Frog. Keep practicing.

I experienced a humble life lesson. Monks ate lunch. Older monks wear bright orange robes. Novice monks wear gray robes. They stood silent serving the older monks. Monks ate in silence.  Slowly. Contemplation. Silence. Enjoying their food in the community. Their gentle focused manner transformed me.

Eat in silence.

*

Travel long enough and far enough and you become a stranger to yourself.

I is someone else.

*

Book of Amnesia Unabridged