From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2008

I’m trying to write a blog post but these obnoxious people keep talking! Justin (one of our Program Directors) is telling us where babies come from. He said that babies come from snow leopard eggs that are distributed across the five continents by the great garuda, a pregnant tiger, and a yeti.

You can’t get bedtime stories like this at home.

Anyways, India rocks, blah blah blah, I’m sure others have addressed that. Other people probably mentioned how awesome the terrible movie we watched last night was. What I don’t think others have told you about is an ancient game that me and a few others have rediscovered. I’m talking, of course, about backgammon.

Backgammon is the most ancient game known to man. It’s a game of conquering that which lies within. All you need to play is courage, dexterous fingers, and a trusty bar of soap. Backgammon can be played alone, or with a friend. I’ve played twice, and Wade-Ji (pronounced Wad-ee-gee) has played twice, but we have yet to play together.

Now, I know that many of you will not understand the kind of backgammon I’m talking about. You won’t read about it in any paper. But, backgammon cannot be explained in mere words or with a motion of your left hand. It’s a game that can only be played by the brave, the humble, and the desperate.

But, backgammon is a great, great game. And when a man is up to his wrist in glorious victory, having flushed out all opposition, he discovers a freedom that he never knew before. A freedom that can only be obtained in the murky, yet mysterious depths of India.

Sincerely,
Tim (missing his dogs but definitely not his parents)