JOY TO THOSE WHO STAY
BLESSED TO THOSE WHO LEAVE"
There is a Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh who has always offered anecdotes and practical exercise as a means of learning the skills and peace of mindfulness. This is always being awake and aware. This could be as simple as me writing this blog, you peeling an apple and spreading almond butter on it or sitting quiet with your dog. He reminds me every day in spirit and now within myself, that each moment holds within it the opportunity to work toward a greater SELF understanding and peacefulness. It is the beauty of the world. It is not where you live, what you do, and how much money you make. It is about each opportunity. There was one afternoon a long time ago, June 5, 1982 when my heart was filled with anguish, rage and sadness. It what was I thought then the last time i would squeeze my mother's hand. Today when I write these words, I am at peace and in silence. It is NOT the last time. I can close my eyes and be blessed that I had that opportunity in life. Some never get that opportunity. For those that do not get that opportunity, it is also alright.The sadness, anxiety and even hatred or whatever can be lifted, if you turn to meditation --using your own state of mind as the meditation subject. It works
We needed to reach another monastery called Pestera Ialomitei. We went through Sinaia to another city Busteni. From here by cable car to the Chalet of Babele.At the top there were many natural rock figures- the most well known- the Sphinx. Mircea, Rick and I then started to walk down the 2000 meters mountain towards Pestera. At 30 minutes into the walk down we met two older gentlemen who were climbing up. The monastery cave would not allow of two in, and there was no cable car so they have to venture back to the cable car to Babele. Rick and I panicked. Mircea did not he climbed up with these two older gentleman and said he would meet us at the bottom with the car. This is FAITH. Rick and I ventured down the mountain among the trees, the bear foot prints and the antelope dong. We did slip now and then. Rock then realized no one except Mircea knows where we are- we laughed, hugged and did something exhilarating. I am not embarrassed to say that I suggested we strip our clothes and experience the nature of the mountain. It was a beautiful memorable moment in our lives.
As we approached the bottom our clothes back on Mrcea met us The monastery was founded int he first half of the 16th century as a wooden skeet at a cave entrance, and in then the grotto called " Voivode Mihnea's grotto.
Again another experience involves water. The history of the monastery and the caves is interesting. The monastery and entrance has burned several times, and always rebuilt. The skete was ruined by fire again in 1961 and not rebuilt until 1993. We traveled into Pestera which is 500 meters deep. It is unspeakable of the beauty within the cave.There are more than seven grotto's within the cave at various points. At 40 meters was Saint Mary's grotto, and at 76 meters where bear skeletons can be seen is the Water Gallery where there is an altar and a holy cross. Many who have visited place prayers within the clefts and creveces. We were no exception.Work did start in 2001 by His eminence Dr Nifron and a new abbacy and the diocesan house exists at the entrance of the cave. There reads the sign
The abbacy house was designed to crown the spiritual enthusiasm of the present abbot of the Monastery of Pestera Ialomitei put in the service of God and of the faithful who come to pray at the Holy Monastery.
Rick, Mircea and I prayed at this Holy Monastery, drank its grotto's waters and climbed, knelt and crawled to its depths. ( nore than 700 meters into the earth- It was our Jounrey to the Center of the Earth ) The energy felt within this Holy Cave is beyond reproach. Words cannot describe what I felt. As I leaned over to Rick I said this, " This is the beginning of our journey in life together."
Photo credit: Rick Byrd, Mircea
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