I have spent a lot of time around monks and nuns in temples, retreat centers and conferences. There is a whole set of protocols to become more conscious of and I learn something every time I am with the monks and nuns. I found that being very observant and careful have helped me to not only stay out of trouble, but gain the respect and trust of monks and nuns all over the world.
After the tsunami of 2005 in Sri Lanka I had the great opportunity to go there and observe and participate in some of the recovery efforts. I was there with a group called Bosath Educational Foundation where we sponsored schools and supplies for children in areas undeserved and in need. The tsunami was a special time to be there and not only see the efforts to recover and rebuild but also participate in the planning for future events and the Buddhist response. I was there for the conference as a lay person, an atache for my teacher Bhante Chao Chu. It was pretty early on in my experience with monks, nuns, temples and all the protocols, so I stayed in the background most of the time, observing and just absorbing the atmosphere and amazing experience.
The conference center was set in three main sections, the center and front for the 'maha' sangha (the heavy hitters of monks and nuns, more senior and special guests, behind them was the sangha, the monks old and young. Each chair covered in a white sheet, with ear-piece translation devices that were not offered to the laity and general attendees. I, for example sat in the far back stage right, so I could possibly take photos. Since I had a couple cameras no one really bothered me as I walked around and took photos from as many angles and distances as I could think of. I am no photographer. I took over 800 photos on that trip and probably only got two worth keeping.
At one point in the day's events, Bhante motioned down to me to come to him in the front row. At the time there was some presentation going on at the stage which he wanted me to take some photos of the presenter, my friend and Dharma brother Dhammaruchi. He ran a Vipassana Buddhist Church in Missouri and had prepared a paper and presentation for the conference.
As I knelt in front of my teacher, he instructed me on what he wanted and I completed the photos as he wanted them. I returned to him and he motioned to have me sit next to him. I did and showed him the photos on the digital camera. I sat with him for a few minutes and became more comfortable. Too comfortable. I had sat with my legs crossed, in a figure four position, with the sole of my shoe facing the stage. Soon a break was called and tea time was offered. I was ecstatic to have some good masala tea and rushed out to meet with others and get some tea and cookies. Enjoying the tea in a wonderful environment, looking out over the city of Colombo I could see fruit bats in a large tree, looking like giant leaves from so far away, they all took flight and I was amazed to see the spectacle of so many leathery wings leave this giant banyan tree. Soon, I found a seat to sit and enjoy another cup and a small group of older women came to sit with me. They asked who I was, how I had come to be here and etc. I chatted with them and one, standing infront of me admonished me for sitting and showing my foot to the Lord Buddha! They explained the foible to me and told me they would be like my aunties and watch out for me for the rest of the day. I felt terrible that I had done something that may have looked badly on my teacher and myself. I was VERY self conscious of myself for the next session and when Bhante motioned me to come down to him again, I could feel those 'aunties' watching every move. I told Bhante what had happened and apologized, he told me not to worry about it and take more photos. Bhante wanted me to hear more of the presentations in French and Sinhalese and instructed me to sit in the center where the monks had the translator ear-pieces. I was super hesitant, but he told me it was fine. I found a seat and put the ear-piece in and began to take notes and photos. Many seats were open around me, but in front of me was a very old monk and a very young novice who began to chat with me. I could still feel the aunties watching me and felt very self conscious, so much that I tried to make myself look small, to no avail. I am six feet tall, every monk around me was no more than 5'7". Not only that I was in cargo shorts, and a blue tshirt. They all were in maroon or orange robes. Oh, yea, I had hair too, and am white....
A tea break was called and all the laity were instructed to leave the hall and tea in special cups with ginger cookes was handed out on China to the monks. I started to get up and leave, but cups and saucers with tea and cookies kept coming my way. I tried to pass them on, but soon everyone but me had one... Sitting there with a cup and saucer of tea in a group of monks was a bit much. I told the elder monk in front of me that I must leave, but he had me stay... It was the most conscious I had ever been or have ever been drinking a cup of tea.
Later in the day we had groups to discuss what things the buddhist community could do in light of the tsunami disaster and recovery efforts. I sat in attendance with about 10 other people discussing an alternative to the Red Cross, as the Red Cross had not performed to the liking of the local governments. We suggested something like a 'Red Lotus' or something to take the place of the Red Cross so Sri Lanka (and other Buddhist countries) could offer their own help. I once had worked with an advertising agency called the Russ Reid Company that did advertising for World Vision International, among oher charities. I told the group of this and my experiences helping with fundraising and list acquisition. Within minutes a group of men showed up and asked me to follow them away from the group. Once I did, they began to accuse me of being a spy for Christian groups and a saboture. I hastily explained that I used to work for those companies and was not Christian, but a Buddhist. Luckily Bhante came over and rescued me from the onslaught. They demanded that I denounce World Vision and Christianity publicly infront of the conference. Luckily nothing else came of it.
This trip was an adventure of a lifetime for me. We toured Galle and saw so much, met so many survivors and heard their stories. I even got to meet Sir Arthur C. Clarke (He wrote 2001 A Space Odyssey) as well as The Patch Adams. But that is a story for another time.
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