I've got idols and icons, unspoken holy vows
Thoughts to keep well-hidden
Sacred and forbidden
Free to browse among the holy cows
I have recently returned from England where I participated in a week-long meditation retreat at a renowned meditation center in the northern UK. There were 3,500 people from countries all over the world in attendance. The name of the retreat was Eight Steps to Happiness, and was taught by a Tibetan monk who was ordained at the age of 8. In addition, two English meditation masters led the commentaries and meditation sessions.
The retreat took place in a modern Buddhist temple that was built only 7 years ago, on the grounds of an ancient castle where many of us slept at night. All food served at the retreat was vegetarian. The surrounding area was punctuated by wealthy estates where people kept their racehorses and cows.
After spending so much time in Ecuador, I was aghast at how tall people from Europe and North America are. The men towered over me as if I were a midget. And the women were like basketball players. I felt truly short (even though I´m around 5´ 10"). So when I returned to Ecuador, the land of diminutive indigenous peoples, it was good to be a giant again.
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