The floor and walls are wooden and polished to a shine. Golden meditating statues line the walls, the air is cool and many monks sit still with their eyes closed on mats on the ground. In the far center of the room there is a giant golden Buddha towering over everyone in its pedestal.
Meditation room, Inside Temple
monk
student
I am learning how to do things from elders. I spend all of my time studying. People look at me as the future of the community.
Yes master Yoda. Very funny. What brings you to the meditation chamber this morning? Ummmmmmmmmmmm.... I seek to learn from your knowledge as always, Master. Have a seat on a mat then. In what part of your life do you wish for guidance? I would like to follow the path to enlightenment. The path to enlightenment you say. You do know the old texts:  I can quote a few passages Master. "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate is the path to the unenlightened side." "True enlightenment cannot be captured by words. Naming it will only fail to reveal its true nature." Whoa, that's deep dude. I mean Master. Small enlightenments can be found if you are still and look for them. Some are found in a soothing cup of tea. Some in the satisfaction of completing a difficult task. Is that why we draw those circle thingies on the floor in colored sand Master? I am always afraid I'm going to sneeze partway through..... The mandalas are a reminder that although our work is important to us now, it may not last the test of time. It is important to not remain attached to something impermanent.