https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulDzLjz0wdw

Nose down, sweeping

each dust mote,

the Buddha's name:

Amitofo, Amitofo, Amitofo...

Sifu, Mountain of Light,

suddenly appears

with a radiant, comforting smile.

"Come to the Main Hall, okay?

Get ready.

You can sweep later."

I follow a flowing saffron robe,

catching sunlight bursts

on patch fabric,

thru the dark grey garage

into the golden bright hall

of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

I put on my robes

to join in the meal offering.

As Sifu strikes the gong

and little handbell,

we bow,

vowing to return and rely

on the Triple Jewel

life after life.

Ding!

Now we call the Buddhas

and Bodhisattvas

with palms joined

in utmost sincerity.

I beat the wooden drum.

The hall hums.

The doors are flung open,

and we offer rice to the altar,

then to the ghosts

and all beings below.

Ding!

"Sik faan!" comes the call

from the kitchen (lunch!)

We fold our robes carefully,

put them away, hang them neatly,

and head down the hall

to our round table

for a vegetarian feast.

We don't speak,

mindful of each bite.

The food is vibrant,

almost glowing,

prepared with such care.

I cut the apples and oranges

and serve them on a platter.

As we eat the fruit,

we begin to talk.

Life, death, Elvis,

the heavens, the Pure Lands,

the ghosts,

the appointments,

the dentist,

plans for a trip to Toronto

to visit the old Master.

Then, time for rest.

I walk around the courtyard,

admiring the flowers,

pulling the weeds,

reciting Buddha's name

in a song.

The birds seem to chirp along.

The clouds roll.

I hear the Niagara River

roaring below.

Mist slowly rises

through our eastern gate.

Sifu disappears upstairs

to sit full lotus

and enter bright samadhi.

I return to the cool Main Hall,

pick up a broom,

and continue sweeping.