Greetings of peace, everyone. While studying the Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment, and listening to Thursday morning's teachings about Atisha, the Path, and the Seven Branch Prayer, I am left with several questions which I am hoping can be answered. They concern the acts of making offerings at a shrine, prostration, and prayer. I sincerely wonder: to what or whom does a Buddhist make an offering? To what or whom does a Buddhist prostrate, and to what or whom does a Buddhist pray? Why is an exterior shrine necessary when the path to enlightenment is an inward journey? Why prostrate to another, even if they are a Teacher or Supreme Practitioner, when all human beings are equal, and according to Buddhism, there is no deity? And prayer? To what entity or energy? I would be most grateful for guidance on the Path. Thank you!

Thank you so much! I like to add how much I feel at home with you and this community. The way you so quickly gasp what I mean and the nuanced thinking is consoling to me. Interconnectedness as joy, as the most sacred feeling I know, as a thing I marvel at, that makes my mind blow and yes also the feeling of a deep ultimate responsibily are the themes of my life. Lately I have also been remembering the work of Donna Haraway - which I read over 20 yrs ago during my PhD. She is a biologist, feminist thinker who wrote marvelous yet difficult books about interconnectedness (e.g. the suffering of Oncomouse) which I think remain very relevant to what we discussed today. But the most joyful text is her companion species manifesto about how dogs and humans have evolved together over millenia and how that matters in our relationships with them today. It was actually your/Alistairs ill cat that reminded me of Donna. Highly recommended!

Much love, Alistair. My thoughts are with you guys and your lovely Kitling. xx

Dear Mechteld, this is beautiful. You have been through so much pain and anguish, of late. I'm not sure I could have come through it as well as you have. For different reasons, (age related) I also feel resentment towards my seemingly inept body that doesn't seem to have the energy and oomph that I still require. Thank heaven for the simple pleasures in life. My little garden is my haven. All the while I can tend it and nurture it, plus meeting up with this lovely gang, I know I can be happy with my lot. sending love to you and family. XX