Ronald L Barnett

July 28, 2024

A Buddhist Stupa Encounter

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A Enlightenment Stupa
KUNZANG PALYUL CHOLING
River Rd, Poolesville MD

As I sat with the Stupa at mid-day, open to whatever it might offer, a woman appeared and walked around it three times clockwise in silence. As the third time ended she bowed in its direction and started to leave. I asked, “are you free to talk”. She seemed to hesitate for a moment but then said “yes” and walked over.

We talked about her Buddhist community (sangha), where the Stupa stood, stupa history and symbology, interspirituality, miksang contemplative photography, and ourselves.

I told her jokingly that I was just a “book Buddhist” (no vows) and had a non-conceptual “Christian” meditation practice. She said her parents were Buddhists and they had raised her as Buddhist since birth.
 
I considered our conversation what the Stupa had to offer. As the I-Ching says, “there are forces in the world bringing people together who need to be together”. Our contact and conversation was special. Enlightenment? I suppose it awaits another day perhaps. I’ll try to stay open. Amen -

End

About Ronald L Barnett

I moved to Substack and renamed to Contemplation Across the Lifespan on 2/2025. Hope to see you there. - Ron

Welcome to Hey World - a home for my writings, much of it autobiographically-inspired. My hope is that they entertain, educate, and inspire. I’m simpatico with Enid Sinclair who told Wednesday Addams, ‘’I write in my voice. It’s my truth!” I hope you enjoy them. And if you subscribe and have comments, I’d love to hear from you.

I received the Doctorate in Psychology (concentration in human cognition and learning) and after 5 years working as a community-based mental health clinician, I worked in medical research with the National Institutes of Health for the remainder of my career.

I served Contemplative Outreach, Ltd. (CO) as a teacher, group facilitator, retreat leader, Chapter Coordinator, Board Member and Trustee and taught with The Miksang Institute for Contemplative Photography.

As of 2020 I retired, hosted the podcast All Things Contemplative, and still volunteer with CO. I also facilitate Charis Circles with the Charis Foundation for the New Monasticism and Interspirituality - and enjoy information technologies, photography, nature, swimming, biking, and kayaking.

All photos © 2025 Ronald Barnett. Use with permission.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ronald.barnett
Miksang Contemplative Photography https://ronaldbarnett.smugmug.com
All Things Contemplative Podcast https://allthingscontemplative.buzzsprout.com/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rbarnett7/
Lifespring - early blog 2009-2020 https://lifespring.posthaven.com/