(Master Zhing Ru has now moved on, taking the temple furniture with her. We miss her presence and gathering at this marvelous place.)

"No Talking is Talking?" Master Ru had me at her opening statement.

All year she was not giving her teachings during the services at Yitung Temple. She is wonderful to listen to - her wisdom and beauty shines through her speaking dialect. I missed her  simply wise teachings.

My aha! came clearly at the opening celebration of the Chinese New Year Jan 20.

Last year she spoke of silence. I didn't expect a year of it! But now I realize that was her intention!

"No Teaching is Teaching"

She wanted us to learn to empty ourselves. She explained how Buddha sat under the Bodhi Tree for six years in silence. At the end he realized we are all enlightened - the divine nature is in us all. He was not, is not, god any more than the rest of us - or any less. The golden statues in the temple are reminders of the golden inner life, not idols of worship.

I find much value in the practices and teachings. Bowing is an expression of honoring the light and life of the divine in humanity, connectedly and collectively.

Even though the lesson went right over my head for the year, it did impact me. I have been learning to become more aware of the sacred inner nature where life truly lives, while emptying out the temporal daily trappings.

My discovery - Being full is being empty - and empty, full.   Then after this disovery, as puzzling as it may sound, is this - there is no emptiness and likewise, no fullness! Life is.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! Apparently in Chinese Buddhist tradition there are 3 New Year ceremonies, each 2 weeks apart.

Deborah Pearce of Kelowna BC has over 20 years diversity in Business, Administration, Sales, Retail and Property Styling experiences with locals and internationals.

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Photo courtesy of Catherine Kennedy 

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