A Mystical Experience

"The Sense of Mystery in a Japanese Garden"

from the book, The Experience of Magic by Eugene Burger.

I was inspired by this years ago, to visit the Ryoanji Temple in Japan, 

and meditate while overlooking the ancient Rock Garden.

Could I too experience the sense of Mystery that all true magicians, 

like Eugene, search for?

 

In June, I travelled to Kyoto to pay homage to Eugene and seek my own experience of Magic.  Upon entering the temple and removing my shoes, 

I followed the crowd to the patio overlooking the rock garden.  

A few monks in their colored robes hurried the other way.  

I found a seat and started observing the scene.  Taking a deep breath, 

I smiled with deep joy & gratitude, finally arriving at this sacred place and realizing my dream come true.  

The Sun shone through the blue sky and a few clouds drifted slowly past.  

Another deep breath, I started to look for and count the volcanic stones.  

I had to move to the other end of the patio to find all 15 of them.  

The white gravel was immaculately raked around the stones.  

As I settled in, I wondered if the stones were artistically placed, just randomly set there, or if they were there all along and the white gravel was used to punctuate their presence?

I wondered if I should jump into the pit and make an angel in the white stones? 

The crowd came and went, chattering in low hushed tones, respectful of the atmosphere.  Another deep breath, I focused on the stillness of the rocks and white gravel.  My eyes blinked slowly, my body was calm, and my mind began to settle like a rock.  

The sounds of the scene faded to silence as my breathing became deeper.  

My eyes closed, my mind held the image of the stones.  

My mind and body, rested in the stillness.    

I felt calm and peaceful, more light with every breath.  

Lighter & lighter, I flew into a dream.