Yesterday I almost achieved enlightenment. Well, not quite. Our class visited an elementary school (that's not where one should try to reach enlightenment). The kids were an absolute riot. We talked with a 4th grade class, and they were out of control. Anyone who says that all Japanese kids are quiet and well-behaved should come to Japan and sit in on a class.

After the school, we went to a Zen Monastery. It was incredible. They taught us how to meditate: proper posture, proper breathing, proper thoughts. Then we got to eat dinner with them, and the head nun gave us a lecture. She (Shundo Aoyama) is apparently really famous in Japan, and was very interesting to talk to.

". . . by the modern Zen Master Rosen Takashina: "If it sloshes, there isn't enough." What wit lies behind that remark. A gourd filled to the brim with wine makes no sounds when shaken. If there is only a little wine left in the bottom of a gourd, it sloshese. People are like gourds. Human beings who are truly self-aware remain calm and unruffled no matter what happens. When people rush around busily, complaining and making excuses, they prove their lack of wisdom."-- by Shundo Aoyama