As
we drove northward I began to notice the dark clouds coming in from
the west. The wind came up as we approached the canyon and the temperature
began to fall. A storm rolled across the Colorado Plateau, and the
weatherman predicted snow for tomorrow. Fifteen of us had gathered
here at sunset on the south rim of the Grand Canyon to celebrate
the spring equinox. As our leader began to speak the cold wind blew
the last of the tourists back toward the parking lot and we found
ourselves alone in a spot frequented by millions of tourists a year.
It seemed as though eternity had decided to give us this opportunity
to meditate in solitude and peace at this place of power.
So
we each picked a spot and began to meditate. But tourists who travel
for thousands of miles to see the Grand Canyon are not easily thwarted
by a little cold weather. Like pilgrims to a holy shrine, a little
physical discomfort would not quickly deter them. Soon a busload
of Asian tourists descended upon us. They circulated amongst our
still forms quietly taking pictures and talking amongst themselves.
They did not speak to me but I could feel their surprise. Americans
were meditating on the rim of the Canyon. Such a thing they might
see in their homeland but here in America?
Soon
they moved on and the American tourists came back. For a time a
couple of young men sat next to me and chatted about the beauty
of the place. One of them lost a candy wrapper and it caught on
my bag. I picked it up and carefully handed it back. He was sincerely
apologetic for having disturbed me. They moved on and another couple
came with their small daughter. I could feel the girl's questioning
glances. The couple was clearly going to have to explain what I
was doing but they didn't seem to mind. I reached out to the young
girl with my heart and for a few minutes we shared beauty, love
and stillness. They moved on and two young adults arrived and began
amusing themselves right on the edge. They were within my field
of vision but they did not distract me.
I
sat there for nearly an hour. During that time many people touched
my aura and walked across my field of vision. But it was okay. We
had all become part of the play of life on the canyons' rim. Somehow
the tourists, the Buddhists and the canyon had all become one. We
had become a part of the natural course of events and an opportunity
for all to learn from each other. We touched each other and each,
to his own measure, learned from the others. It was a beautiful
moment.