In Made in Nirvana I wrote about this post, which was just outside Manali town, in the Himalayas. Now I found the actual photo taken 35 years ago. Does anyone know whether the post is still there?
....Walking downhill, she saw some huts. It was probably the Tibetan group, with the same orange marigolds hanging in the windows or placed in front of the doors, as in Mcleodganj. Continuing, the road was lined by big plants whose leaves were shaped like a five-point star and were much taller than she was. Maria stopped to touch them; they were beautiful, lush. She had already seen them somewhere but couldn't remember where. The tops of the large fir trees in the woods behind the tall plants were swaying lazily in the breeze. There was a large white sign with black lettering and she stopped to read it. "Forest Department: The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demand for its subsistence, extends generously the products of its life, and gives protection to all beings, offering shade even to the man with the axe who destroys it." Signed: Gautama Buddha.
What a surprise! The Buddha, as quoted by the forest department. She read the sign again, trying to memorize it. How solemn, and so much feeling in those words. She responded with folded hands, bowing. There wasn't anyone to see her, and even if there had been, they wouldn't have been surprised by that greeting of respect and oneness. She went into the woods, stroking the pine trees' rough trunks, treading lightly on the soft, fertile soil underfoot, making friends with the land that made her feel welcome and a part of it. She was completely alone. Crouching under a pine tree, she inhaled through her nostrils, smelling the scent of musk and resin...
....Walking downhill, she saw some huts. It was probably the Tibetan group, with the same orange marigolds hanging in the windows or placed in front of the doors, as in Mcleodganj. Continuing, the road was lined by big plants whose leaves were shaped like a five-point star and were much taller than she was. Maria stopped to touch them; they were beautiful, lush. She had already seen them somewhere but couldn't remember where. The tops of the large fir trees in the woods behind the tall plants were swaying lazily in the breeze. There was a large white sign with black lettering and she stopped to read it. "Forest Department: The forest is a peculiar organism of unlimited kindness and benevolence that makes no demand for its subsistence, extends generously the products of its life, and gives protection to all beings, offering shade even to the man with the axe who destroys it." Signed: Gautama Buddha.
What a surprise! The Buddha, as quoted by the forest department. She read the sign again, trying to memorize it. How solemn, and so much feeling in those words. She responded with folded hands, bowing. There wasn't anyone to see her, and even if there had been, they wouldn't have been surprised by that greeting of respect and oneness. She went into the woods, stroking the pine trees' rough trunks, treading lightly on the soft, fertile soil underfoot, making friends with the land that made her feel welcome and a part of it. She was completely alone. Crouching under a pine tree, she inhaled through her nostrils, smelling the scent of musk and resin...
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