We have had a couple of wet days. A good time for writing and we have all three been doing it, some of which has appeared on the site. I particularly enjoyed delving into the story of the Pureland sage, Ippen, once again - so many important spiritual struggles and journeys and also reminiscence of my times in Japan during which I have visited many of the holy sites that he frequented. This also led me to chance upon the delightful film about the Yamabushi - do watch it if you have time. Ippen's sensitivity to sacred space and his multi-dimensional spirituality, a Pureland faith that quite naturally encompassed Zen, tantra and the Way of the Shinto Gods, seems very much in tune with the spirit of La Ville au Roi (Eleusis).
Buying & Selling Well
Tuesday it was wet all day and I hardly ventured outside at all. Elja went shopping with Annette and bought enough groceries for us to withstand a seige. It was, as always, good to see Annette and she brought news that the French edition of The Feeling Buddha is selling quite well.
The Woe of Being Weak
Being unwell gives rise to many emotions. In my case, I sometimes find it very frustrating. Mostly I accept this and take life as it comes but now and again it seems to tap into a well of sadness that pushes up bringing tears to my eyes. I am so used to being active and physically able. It all requires great patience and attentiveness to the evidence of what must be going on inside my body.
Wednesday morning Elja chivvied us into going for a walk which was a good idea even though there was drizzle. We went over to the nexus of woods where there is the Artemis shrine and, close by, a patch that we have come to call the sunshine field, because it is one of the best sun traps on the site. There is a job to do there keeping back the blackthorn with the eventual aim of creating an area of lawn. We paused for a bit and cut back some of the undergrowth. This is when I become particularly conscious of my weakness and inability. Elja and Adam marvel at how much I CAN do, but I am just conscious of how little it is.
Nature's Art & Invisible Spirits
After a short time we went on. We went down the hill and across to the dance circle. This is another patch of rough lawn cut out of a more wild area down at the bottom edge of our land. We talked about Dionysus. We found there a fine piece of natural sculpture, an old dead matrix of ivy stems all matted together into a shield about as long as a person and half as wide. We propped it against one of the great oaks to dry.
Then we went on, up hill now. Here again I encountered my limitation. Going up hill is much harder work on the lungs. Eventually we got to the top coming to the far end of the Enchanted Wood. This part got its name in part from the gnarled forms of the trees, but more especially from the fact that some years back we had a cat living here. He was a big tom cat and he liked to go for walks with us, but was always reluctant to enter this area. When we did so he would finally follow, but all the while it was apparent that he was seeing and growling at presences that we could not see. At the very far end we now have a figure of Quan Yin and we all pause there to bow and pay respects before crossing the medieval road and entering different territory. Close by there is the hollow tree where Selina played and we remember her cheerful presence.
Into the May Field
Finally we arrived at the enclosed field sacred to Aphrodite. Here there is an even bigger thorn cutting job to be done and each time we visit we do a little bit. By now the rain had eased and we had a pleasant short interlude thinking about the goddess and doing a small amount of clearing. In such work, I am struggling and in dilemma how much is good for me and how much is too much. After a bit I know that I am at my limit and go and sit on a rock. This field has a wonderful atmosphere and as we gradually work with it is becoming even more magical. Gradual elimination of blackthorn reveals the hawthorn and makes the oaks accessible. Gradually the sacred grove comes to light. We made our way back to the house for Elja's famous cappuccino coffee and a snack.
Replies
Dear Sumaya - it is lovely to find you here and to read your good wishes. Namo Amida Bu. Much love.
Dear Dharmavidya, I’m glad that you are recovering well, in this beautiful place and with care people around you. And wish you that you will be facing your limitations in the company of many buddhas and bodhisattvas. Namo Amida Bu Lots of love Sumaya