When opportunity knocks

This past Sunday I drove down to the Bhavana Society meditation Center with my future mother in law. Located in High View, West Virginia we went down for the Katina service where once a year in October a robe is offered to the Buddhist monks by the laity.

I thought I would take this rare opportunity of access to a quiet secluded forest and spend that time under at tree in meditation. So, I dropped my future mother-in law off in front of the main hall and drove along the gravel winding road to find parking. The only spot available was at the very end of the gravel road. I parked the car and opened the trunk, grabbed my cushion and back pack and headed off down a trail to find a suitable location.

I walked for about three minutes or so and found a spot I liked. I cleared a small area that was covered by the autumn foliage and retrieved my blanket from the bag. I laid out the blanket, put on my warm meditation robe and put my cushion down. I took out my singing bowl lit and incense stick and went to work.

The silence and seclusion was just what the proverbial doctor ordered. I sat and alternated with walking meditation for about an hour. I prefer sitting on the soft earth more than I do the floor. It is a support that is so comforting and natural. The time of year and the cool temperature was ideal because I didn't have to worry about my curious or hungry insect friends making me their next meal or temporary home.

After a little more than an hour I walked back down to the main hall and was just in time for lunch. After getting my lunch and reconnecting with my family and friends I slipped away again to go and sit for another hour while the Dhamma talk was given by Bhante G.

I have to say that I was drawn to the crushing silence that was only broken ever so often by wind rattled leaves and the occasional air plane passing overhead.

I was happy and certainly hope that I can find more opportunities in the near future to practice in the forest. While I was sitting I kept my motivation to concentrate by thinking, "This is an opportunity that does not come often. I should not waste it but take full advantage to gain insight into the nature of reality and how this psycho-physical organism I call myself actually works". This was opportunity knocking and I was more than happy to answer!

May you be well, happy and peaceful!