A donkey’s strength renders him trapped,
to be a beast of burden, fed and used.
(Two of his hooves bound together, semi-parking him like a vehicle)
A dog with no particular strengths keeps him free,
as a wandering stray who needs to fend for survival though.
(He is napping in a cosy corner on a busy street.)
A dog at Tushita Retreat Centre, respecting the silence needed for a meditation session, as he semi-escorts us around, perhaps guarding the centre? He stands at the handle of parasol chalked on the ground, which is one of the eight auspicious symbols. It represents the Dharma, which protects from the heat of defilements. Its top also represents the sky and the handle a mountain that ‘holds’ it up. Parasols are used for sheltering great Dharma practitioners like the Buddha, who (up)hold the Dharma in our world. The dome also represents wisdom, and the hanging part compassion. Together, the parasol is a fusion of compassion and wisdom.
The other picture is a sign in the library, on a door that leads to its balcony. A funny yet poignant reminder that the monkey mind will use a meditation cushion for anything other than sitting still on it for practising meditation?
Next India Adventure: https://moonpointer.com/new/2010/11/india-adventure-26-we-refugees-all
Previous India Adventure: https://moonpointer.com/new/2010/10/india-adventure-24-some-unwinking-admiration
I have a question. What is the Buddhist view on the full body scanners at airports around the world? Thank you an take care.
Hmmm… am not sure how they work. Seems like the scanned results are neither really nude nor retained. So it’s okay? Am concerned with the radiation though – if any.
(P)
Amituofo