From Brahma to Buddha, Fall 2008

While material resources such as hand sanitizer or toilet paper or soap might seem like the most indispensable things we carry with us on this journey, the most treasured resources lay untapped within us. I realize that is a very weak lead-in, blame the public school system if you must. Today I've come to realize a message which may well prove invaluable in the days to come: The Frequency is Courage (a la Dan Rather). The courage which we will all need to tackle the hardships we will face lies within us, it is just waiting to be tapped. It provides us a means to do the simple and the extraordinary. From trying new foods to walking the 3.5 kilometers between the Sheh and Thiksey monasteries or taking the hundreds of stairs to the top of Thiksey monastery when a jeep could have taken you...the frequency is courage. Whether we are facing our innermost demons or our apprehensions about not using toilet paper...the frequency is courage. To Natalie's annoyance, when things have gotten really tough I've made a habit of saying 'death could not come quick enough.' No more! From now on I solemnly promise when I feel that 'death could not come quick enough' I shall instead declare that the frequency is courage. She will likely come to detest that as well, too bad for her, I like the way it sounds. The frequency is courage, put that on a bumper sticker god dammit! On an unrelated note, we are heading to Domkhar tomorrow to begin our home stays. There is no internet, also known as a series of tubes, in Domkhar so don't be worried Mom if there are no posts for a week or two. That's all for now, and remember, when hardships arise...the Frequency is Courage!

We'll meet again, don't know where don't know when.
-Doug B.