2012-06-28

     Going to Jinshan for blue dye had been one of the highlight events I was greatly looking forward to. Though it was my second time doing the blue dye since our art teacher let us try the dye in elementary school for the first time, I could not really recall how my first piece of work came out with patterns. Kindly, the lady taught us how to make the star, flower and diamond. Honestly speaking, it made me feel down when I realized I could never do art as I wish as I was a kid anymore. The inspiration of art in my head decreases and is gradually confined and restricted while I grow older. I am no more a creative and innovative girl as I was in childhood. :(

     Dharma Drum Mountain was never a place that I would pay a visit to if it had not been because of BACT. I am neither a pantheist, nor atheist; I am more an unreligious person. However, after encountering Dharma Drum Mountain, I am strongly for the concept raised by Master Sheng Yen. Living harmoniously with the environment is crucial and that everyone should be aware of. The vegetarian meal they provided was very delicious and perhaps it is one of the best vegetarian foods I have ever had. The pond with stones on the bottom did bring peace and calmness to my mind. The ripples brought up by the wind were especially what I was fond of. Moreover, I was truly grateful to be given with the consecrated water, and the opportunity to ask questions of the Buddha for help. Surprisingly, after I told the Buddha my concerns, a number soon appeared in my head.

“A lack of self-understanding increases vexation.”

     Juming Museum was more like a park full of his masterpieces. It was also my first time having the chance to pay a visit to the museum. There were really a lot more installation artworks to be explored and introduced, but due to the time constraint...

     Tomorrow will be another exciting day: the experimental design and lecture given by Thomas Gavin, Yingge Ceramics Museum and night frog observation.