west meets east on the south bank

Last evening, thirteen friends met at a home in Newport, KY to listen to Buddhist monk Geshe Tandhar talk about the path to enlightenment through buddhist teachings.  As we awaited Geshe's arrival, we talked of remodeling, gardening, working, not working, colleagues and soon-to-come summer journeys.  We wandered through a lovely 19th century row house and browsed collections of copper pots, rose-colored glass.

When a painfully thin but beautifully-robed Geshe finally arrived we gathered together.  

Some wanted an education - to understand the structure of Buddhism in relation to other religions. "How are your organized?  Is it like Catholicism?" Others wanted guidance - help with shedding the material life.  Geshe answered our questions by telling illustrative stories that often included a childlike laugh - sweet yet startling.  

I was thankful for the opportunity to simply breathe deeply and observe the community that had formed around me.  Busy people, full of wants and words, seeking something more.  One person, the community connector in the group, decided to share teachings that widened her world.  And we came, from our own Cincinnati neighborhoods, to listen, learn and consider how we might grow.