I once again took refuge vowing to walk the Path of the Buddha. L iving simply in tents drawing water from a spring, and subsisting on one meal a day has been a powerful way to reconnect with the earth that sustains us. Having little or no formal schedule and so much time and space for solitude affects the mind in very positive ways. It is easy to relax in such surroundings and for awe and wonder to be a common disposition. Quite naturally the senses open up and you become more alert and aware of what is happening both internally and externally.
Peace is never very far away.
A t night, the silence and brilliance of the stars made palpable a stillness and presence beyond all words. Gazing up at the stars and learning my way around the various constellations helped expand and broaden the mind to a sense of vastness and marvel. In that space it is possible to drop our worries and fears and preoccupation with self and to feel unabashedly connected and involved with the process of life and all its mysteries. Now we're all wondering where we can sign up for the next one. T he first impression was one of the struggle of the mind to adjust to a new environment and conditions.