February 22, 2005
doorways
buddhist temple, 21st and Capp St., Canon Digital Rebel
These are the doors of the new Buddhist Temple in the neighborhood. My friend Kim, her 2 year old son Liam, and I wandered in one day to take a peek. There were monks in orange robes all seated in meditation in front of the most enormous Buddha we had ever seen {outside of Bangkok that is}. There were offerings placed at the foot of the statue: orchids, cakes, oranges, brilliantly colored flowers. It was a beautiful sight.
Liam surprised the woman who showed us the room by saying with enormous eyes, "Big buddha!"
......
"The nature of the mind of beings is like a big pearl that falls into the water. The water is muddy so the pearl becomes hidden. When the water is pure, the pearl is revealed."
-The Nirvana Sutra
Andrea, I just got back from Green Gulch Zen Center in Marin county....oh, it was so wonderful. I think you would enjoy it. They have a guest retreat program that lets you do a mix of meditation and personal time. It's really, really lovely.
Kate
Posted by: Kate at February 23, 2005 01:01 PMAndrea,
I'm working in Australia now, but I'm from San Fran as well. It's great to check your postings from here and feel close to home. I am enjoying the Mission pics! And i loved the "pearl quote".
Thank you for the daily inspiration.
Alex
isn't this place neat? i took a pic of the "big buddha" at nite a bit ago, but i don't have a rockin' camera like you, OR the eyes!
What did the Buddhist say to the guy at the hot dog stand?
"Make me one with everything."