[scott snedeker]

when i am lucky and focussed I can awaken the feeling of a time when everyone around loved me. This I believe is my heart. The core of my desire to experience joy in living. Or very simply, my Buddha nature.

My heart was awakened during my first visit to Short Mountain, a spiritual retreat to a commune. I was six years old again. The smell of the old wood in the main house, the ambient love, and the humid cool air of the fading day rendered peace. Someone was playing the piano softly and gentle laughter drifted from the kitchen. I lay on the couch with my head in Agnes' (an elderly trans} lap. The spirit of my grandmother (to whom i was very close, and visited me in my dream again last night) shared her essence with Agnes, reuniting us for some brief moments.

It was as pure Buddha nature as I have experienced in my adult awareness. Conection to this awareness heals the body as well as the spirit. Wounds heal best when the body's energy is at rest. The same part of our inner energy that we feel as love, peace calm, hunger and lust is that which focuses our defense and repair of injuries.

These energies are the essence behind artistic muse. They give vigor to compassion and lovingkindness. Understanding these in others opens the heart to embrace forgiveness. Our hearts are strong, beautiful and passionate. We are the fortunate ones indeed who can appreciate with such awe the shining presence of ourselves and each other. And like a flame, only flicker for a brief moment

Love and appreciation,

Ash