Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28599 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 143(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
The drive to the monastery is only about an hour long, but I’m amazed at the wonders it does for my serenity. Just getting on the highway, knowing I’m headed to a meditative retreat, seems to be preparing me for a change in my mindset. I’m ready to let myself be opened up. I’m ready to transcend, reflect, manifest, and do whatever else is needed to achieve peace. I don’t listen to any music, but simply let my mind go blank as I stare at the road ahead of me.
When I pull up outside the monastery, I’m amazed by the size of the campus. It’s much larger than I expected, and honestly resembles a small, liberal arts college in some respects. Spread among green rolling hills are multiple temples dotted among the trees, the early morning sun gleaming off gold accents on the roofs. I smile involuntarily, knowing I made the right decision in coming here.
“Hello,” says a soft voice from behind me and I turn around to find myself looking down into the smiling, upturned face of a Buddhist nun. Her crimson robes are a welcome warmth compared to my drab appearance, which I now realize reflects how I’m feeling. Her bald pate gleams in the sunlight, and she peers at me from behind round, owlish glasses. I suddenly yearn to be infused by the warmth and nourishment that this monastery will surely offer.
“Hi,” I smile back at the nun.
“Are you here to worship with us?” she asks kindly.
“Yes,” I answer, “and actually, I was hoping to stay for a few days.”
“Absolutely,” she smiles. “We would be delighted to have you. Please follow me.”
The nun turns and starts walking towards the entrance, her robes swishing. I pick up my duffel bag and follow her, allowing her to take me on a brief tour of the City of Enlightenment. She starts with the temples, since we’re already outside, showing me each one and explaining what they’re for. The beautiful, ornate overhangs and the vibrant mosaics are captivating, and I look forward to worshiping here. Next, the nun leads me to the residence halls for the nuns, where serene sisters of all ages move quietly about their daily activities. There are lay people present as well, and they appear to be servers, staff, gardeners, and visitors too. Perhaps they’re on a similar journey as I am.
Finally, the nun welcomes me to a covered patio. As I pass two statues by the entrance, I stop, captivated by them. The statues are of two snakes in vibrant colors with gold accents. The nun stops when she notices me taking in the twisting figures, and smiles.
“I’ve seen these by the temples as well,” I say. “What do they mean?”
“They are our naga serpents,” explains the nun in a tranquil tone. “They accompany the Buddha during mediation, protecting him from harm while he attains enlightenment. The naga king used his coiled body as a cushion for the Buddha’s head while he rested. And he used his hood to shelter the Buddha from rain and storm.” I stare at a snake, wishing I had a protector like that. Once, not long ago, I fantasized about Hunter being that person for me. His strength, his wisdom, and his guidance … the thought of being with him made me feel safe. But the way I’d started feeling towards Alex has mixed everything up because there are things about Alex that I adore too: his vigor, his vitality, and his willpower. How can I love two men at once?
But the nun continues to talk, oblivious to my dilemma.
“Traditionally,” she continues, “naga snakes adorn our temples wherever the Buddha is depicted. But here in Somerville, we also like to place them at the entrance to our visitors’ quarters, to ensure protection over those who come to meditate. Those like you.”
“That’s lovely,” I smile, liking the idea of these snakes standing guard over me while I’m here, trying to find an answer to my problems. “Thank you for the explanation.”
“You’re very welcome,” the nun replies. “Would you like to see your room?”
“Yes, please,” I nod, leaving the naga snakes to join the nun by the entrance to the hall. “I’d like that very much.”
“This way,” she smiles while gliding through the door. I follow her into the silence of the hall and down a corridor lined with doors. She opens one and holds it open for me, revealing a small, spartan cell with nothing in it except a narrow twin bed and a wooden desk with a chair. The room is only dimly lit by daylight streaming in through one tiny window, and the walls are a bare white. It’s perfect. There will be no distractions here.
“I hope you will find peace with us,” says the nun quietly, preparing to leave.
“Wait,” I breathe quickly, and the nun turns back to me. “Do people ever ask for help or guidance in their meditations?”