July 7

Tomorrow morning we will be leaving St. John’s for Arrow River. Our stay here has been very good. I’ve enjoyed spending time with Father William. They have worship services four times each day and we have attended all the services. Often after the prayers I question Father William about why they do things a certain way, or words things as they do.

Last night I was commenting on how often they say, “forever and ever” and words like “eternity.” I mentioned how as Buddhist we are always focusing on impermanence. So words like these strike me as being “wrong view.” These conversations are held respectfully and I think we both appreciate each other's perspective. Father William has had to explain the historical perspective of much of what we have heard in order for it to make sense for me.

Even the way things are worded can be amusing to me. When I point out things, it can shed new light on things for the monks here. The program heading last night read, “Fourteenth week in ordinary time.” I found this humorous for some reason and could easily see how it would seem ordinary if you lived here.

After the noon meal Austin and I had an interview with the abbot, Father John Klassen. I read a quote from Ajahn Chah’s reflections, No Ajahn Chah: “Sometimes teaching is hard work. A teacher is like a garbage can that people throw their frustrations and problems into. The more people you teach, the bigger the garbage disposal problems.” Father John really appreciated this reflection.

Tonight one of the rec. rooms has been reserved and Austin and I will make ourselves available to answer questions. Already we have had several nice conversations with community members. Being a fellow monastic, the monks here have some things in common with me and thus find it easy to approach me. I think many times they can get insights into their own faith and monastic discipline by hearing about how Buddhist monks live. I think the dialog is valuable and I’m happy we took the time to visit.