Beautiful, Peter, as ever. And, classic, if somewhat subtle, Spaw!

Peter, it reminds me of the time Tibetan monks were visiting here and I was fortunate enough to be able to help host them at teh local Episcopal church. I went ot help my friend serve them breakfast and tasted hot butter tea for the first time. How does one say politely, no thanks to seconds of that!

Anyway, they were invited into the large and stone built sanctuary for their morning prayer/chants. As we stood there, facing the east, sunlight streaming through the stined glass, they began their glorious multi-tone throat chanting, first the low register drone, then other's added in succession, until it felt a glorious upliftment was takign place, as though the very roof would be raised to the heavens and us with it. It felt so reverent and joyous, I thought my ehart would burst with emotion.

This was on the day after their concert, so they were leaving right after breakfast. We enjoyed each otehr as much as possible wiht little common spoken language, but plenty in the way of their gentle smiles, easy laughter and deep kindness.

As they prepared to leave they motioned to us to come into their sleeping room. There, one of them, opened up a backpack and began pulling out gifts. One by one they called us up front. I had tears streaming down my face for the gratitude and joy as he draped a kata(sp) (white scarf) around my neck, gave me a prayer pouch, and a postcard with their picture on it. In halting English he said, "Don't cry. It's okay We'll be back." As I am sure you know, Peter, that is what the scarf was a symbol of; that we really weren't parting, never to see each other again, but that we would greet one another again, someday. I floated on air for the rest of the day. Today, five years later, the kata hangs in my altar, along with the prayer pouch, and their picture, as well as the Dalai Lama's look back at me with beatific radiance.

Whenever I feel a deep need for restfulnes or depth of meditation, I always put on their tape. You have captured the best image of all for the trees, Peter, thanks for reminding me of this incredible experience. kat