Apart from some short stays for Amida Order events it is nine years since I lived here in Eleusis for any length of time. Nearly a week has gone of my month here and I am “at home”. Everything changes and nothing much changes. My heart is happy amongst the grasses and woods and vegetable patches and the old stonework of La Ville au Roi.
My body is sore from stacking the newly chopped wood along with Adam and from digging amongst the leeks ready for Elja to do her planting. My mind is full of the teachings and Dharma discussions with Dharmavidya. My voice is a little hoarse from chanting to Amida thankful for his love.
I have so many memories of my times here over the last twenty years. The first time I came with my daughter and fell in love with the Buddha’s teachings and this corner of France. Since then this retreat centre has been the place where I trained with our sangha and learnt about the Dharma life. And it has been the place where I recovered from my travels to Zambia, Sarajevo, India etc. Memories surface yet it is in the present that I am enjoying the natural beauty of Eleusis. And the company of Dharmavidya, Elja and Adam. I sit here in the kitchen writing while Elja works miracles with our newly harvested beetroot and leeks and Adam is baking an awesome looking loaf of bread. Meanwhile Dharmavidya continues to write and work the land as he slowly and steadily recovers.
Namo Amida Bu and love to all
modgala
Replies
Hi Josephine, good to hear from you. I have heard how much Dharmavidya, Elja and Adam enjoyed your company.
Lovely to hear from you Ananda I have some lovely memories of you here.
Love to all modgala
Lovely to hear from you, Josephine. Do write and tell us how you are getting on in your place. I hope all is going well there. Love from all of us.
Hello Modgala. Lovely to read your daily. I also fell in love with Buddhist teachings while at eleusis. it is a shame i couldn't stay to meet you , i would of liked that very much. Eluesis is a truly magical place. i can imagine you in kitchen and can almost smell the delicious aromas happening in there. i hope you enjoy the rest of your stay, very special people there indeed, Thank you for your lovely daily.
Much love Dharmavidya, Elja Adam and you Modgala Write soon Adam
Namo amida bu x