You know how it is? There you are in a drop-dead wonderful setting, fantastic views, stillness pervades. The question comes up, Could I live here? And I for one, in this instance, know that the answer is no! The temptation of wanting more of what is beautiful and inspiring extends to everything, including tops of mountains and remote island retreats such as Gabriola Island.
Once again I am reminded that circumstances do reveal the next step. And woe betides that this truth is overlooked in the rush and pull of life. My next step is to return to the UK. There to rest/renew/reflect and regroup.
First a seaplane ride from Victoria on the 27th, yes the kind that takes off and lands on the water…, and then the next day a long flight from Vancouver to Heathrow. Then the bus to Reading and the Priory there.
Sudden, violent death leaves no room for reflection. I don’t even remember the dog’s color. (The girl, however, was blonde. That I know.) I recall the sensations and sounds of that day, but I feel nothing for the dog other than a vague undercurrent of guilt and inevitability.
From a post Death Bound on The World as Best As I Remember It – blog.
Women’s washroom, Greyhound Bus Station. Nanaimo, Canada. Anon, today.
Your success
is not measured by
how popular you were
in high school or how
many people you put
down, but it is
measured by how much $ you make as
an adult, whom you
help in times of need
what grades you got
and where you’re headed.
many times you’ve
avoided stepping on a
bug, going to wal-mart,
and thinking that
you matter.
My daily affairs are quite ordinary;
but I’m in total harmony with them.
I don’t hold on to anything, don’t reject anything;
nowhere an obstacle or conflict.
Who cares about wealth and honour?
Even the poorest thing shines.
My miraculous power and spiritual activity:
drawing water and carrying wood.
Bold and thoughtful people, with wisdoms to share, come in every age. And in every place – if one looks and listens.
There was sea fog on the way from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. And sea fog on the way to Gabriola Island too. People are so polite in Canada. We are going to have to sound the fog horn folks, be prepared. Especially if you use a hearing aid! Really, where else in the world would one get this kind of consideration?
So I am here on Gabriola Island for just one night staying with long-time supporters of the Order. It is a delight to be welcomed into their lives once again. Their cabin is on the highest point of the island and the view over the water and islands as the light faded this evening was moving. To say the least. Video to follow in a day or so.
Onwards to Victoria tomorrow. Car ride, Greyhound bus ride, car ride and then into the company of a dear monk who already is an inspiration. Her temple and sangha are treasures, as is she.
Valdez Island is the next island south of Gabriola. In 1967 I was there. Flew in and out by sea plane. What an adventure for a youngster, I’m so glad to revisit the area and revisit that adventure too. Looks like the island has returned its old cars to nature. And nature is doing a stunning job.
Off to work in DTES (Down Town East Side) Vancouver
Yes, he is a full patch Buddhist!
If there is one quality that is the saving of those, Buddhist or no, who work in high stress/high exposure jobs it’s having a sense of humour. Which helps to maintain a sense of perspective in situations where one might want to cry all day. My hosts of the past few nights, both in high stress jobs, certainly have a great sense of humour – and a respectful one too.
And early this year a young man who immersed himself in the life of the DTES and made a series of videos, Streets of Plenty. He starts out sassy and ends up a lot lot wiser as he gets deeper into the life.
You will have to look up what full patch means, to bikers.
Practice Within The Order of Buddhist Contemplatives
