My sister who is a Buddhist, is part of a monastery in upstate New
York housed in an old 1920's-era lodge originally built to be a
Young Christian Males retreat. During my first retreat there, we
gathered for a communal meal, taking out plates to sit outside on
the steps carved into the hill. People gathered in groups of three,
four, and five, quietly talking. The sun was warm but it was cooler
in the shadows, and a few dogs moved from group to group, politely
begging handouts. In the garden just behind us, I noted a statue of
Buddha, looking up. I followed his gaze and looked up as well. Cut
into the side of the building over the door we had come out from
was a more-than-life-size carving of Jesus -- the gentle teacher,
not the tortured martyr, his gaze looking out and down at Buddha as
though the two figures were old friends having a thoughtful
conversation.
The most recent 20 comments posted to Making Light by Laura Anne Gilman:
Show all comments by Laura Anne Gilman.