The Buddha
by Alisa Joaquin
A personal account of the Tai Chi, Qi Gung, & Taoist Meditation Workshop held at the Omega Institute with David Carradine from October 6-8, 2000
We had a little bit of time so we decided to walk around and get a few more photos before our light faded. We might not have a second chance tomorrow since it was going to be a full day. We stopped briefly at the Buddha garden. There were a great many more offerings that had been placed there. This little garden may have been something new last year. It was wonderful to see. Now I wished I had brought a couple of incense sticks to place here. Perhaps next year.
The Buddha
I find it ironic that the eighth photo ends up being a Buddha. Since this trip, I participated in a worship service where I spoke about Bodhi Day, the day in which Siddhartha Guatama became enlightened and from then on was referred to as the Buddha. The 8th day in December is celebrated just for that. It is also David Carradine's birthday and the day John Lennon was assassinated. Very significant days in deed.
After the Buddha garden, we headed up the trail to the Sanctuary, one of my favorite places. I am so glad we had the opportunity last year to actually sit in that sacred space. This time we just stopped inside the entrance and gazed at the guestbook and remembered. I flipped through it hoping to find the poem that I had written last year, but could not find it. Instead I came across this wonderful script taking up the whole page. It would be nice to know what it translates into, but I think I may have some idea.
Asian Script
This time instead of going into the sanctuary, we walked around outside. We could not help but notice little stone pillars and markers all over the wall as if in offering. I was so struck by this pace that it awed me. No words can fully describe what I was feeling. Walking down the steps through the trees, we once again came upon the large stone fountain, now silent. The throne-like seating area drew me once more and I realized this was not a place to sit, but a place to stand and meditate.
The Silent Stone Fountain
Even though it looks throne-like, when one examines it more closely, down at its base are hexagonal bricks, some of them containing images carved in them.
A Closer Look
I realized that what I was looking at was an artist's sculpture of what might be an ancient pagan ritual site. It is beautiful and awe-inspiring. I turned around and something else catches my eye that I did not spy before. Another small sculpture with stones placed in front of it, this time looking like a small African mask, as if marking a sacred burial ground.
A Small Sculpture
Everywhere I look, I seem to see more images of the sacred in this place. Most of all, when I reach the bottom of the stairs and look back, wooden beams placed in stone walls made to look as if they are part of the landscape form a gateway that beckons us to enter, to come to the temple and find peace.
The Gateway
Not far, sits the herb garden, just waiting for a healer to take from its bounty and help those in need.
The Herb Garden
And behind us and down the hill, the main hall awaits us. As the evening fog forms, we head toward dinner and the evening session.
The Main Hall
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2000.
This personal account cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict
permission from the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
Omega II Contents / First
Session
David Carradine Home / Contact
Alisa