Lucky Leaf

I mentioned in my last post that my daughter is in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This morning, I was awakened by a text message/photo from her, informing me that she had placed a "lucky leaf" with my name on it at the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Good timing, Jenna. I feel like I could use some good luck today. Or any day, really. We all could.

The White Temple is a dazzling sight. The white symbolizes purity, of course. But there are also mirrored glass mosaics that suggest reflection. You must cross a bridge to get to the White Temple, and there are thousands of hands rising up from the ground, eager to ensnare you. They represent worldly temptations, desires and greed. Inherent in this art is the age-old Buddhist wisdom of the Four Noble Truths. In crazy summation, (1) there is suffering, (2) the cause of suffering is desire, (3) the end of suffering involves ending craving, and (4) the Eightfold Path will lead to enlightenment. (The Eightfold Path includes eight "rights": views, intentions, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.) Complicated, but simplistic. Not that hard to master. Yay, Buddhism!

So when one goes to the White Temple, one can purchase a tin ornament for 30 baht ($1.99 USD) on which to write a name or a wish. This donation to Buddha guarantees you a place in heaven. So thank you, Jenna! She placed an ornament with my name on it outside the temple, and I am golden!

This afternoon, while sitting on my front porch, I observed not one, but two Great Blue Herons fly overhead. I am accustomed to seeing Great Blue Herons all the time in Florida, but not so much here in New Jersey. So when they appear, it is a startling and welcome sighting. The Great Blue is my bird, symbolic of something very dear to my heart. I could not help but attach this sighting to Jenna's wish for good luck for me.

And further contemplation assured me that my world is full of promise and hope and peace. It's been a crazy couple of weeks, involving a road trip, a wedding, houseguests, and a resident dog. Things have quieted down now, and I am searching for that peace that evolves from an uncluttered mind, a meaningful purpose, and an open heart.

Lucky leaf. Although I want the whole tree, I am grateful for the leaf. I want the whole world, but I am grateful for a couple of hearts. I hope your world has at least one lucky leaf to offer peace of mind. Namaste.