My annual celebration is usually a movie. This year I saw The Patriot . It was absolutely NOT Braveheart 2. It was a powerful statement on the horrors of war, the brutality and innocent blood that is inevitably shed, and the emotional toll that is paid when we choose, even reluctantly, to fight. Back to the Dalai Lama's suggestion that we try something else.
Life is indeed good.
I enjoyed the chanting on July 2, and when I learned that the monks would be at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia the next Saturday, I jumped at the opportunity to hear them again. This time they performed a Medicine Buddha Ritual , a deer dance , and another chant for peace . Though the ceremony was fascinating, it was an evening spent spent in reflection following the sad news that my Uncle Wendell had died that morning. Return to Kelta's Kavern .