Long before the altar, before the vows, before the silent years in practice, devotion, and service, there came a dream whose fragrance has never left my heart.

To my right, steps ahead, a friend on a horse, while on a houdah of a magnificent white elephant, all adorned with gold, I sat high above the procession.

Its noble body shimmered beneath the light. He was draped of yellow and gold silk, velvet tassels and flowers, moving with each slow and dignified step.

Ahead, the tall city gates stood wide open at midday.

Slowly approaching, everything seem to shimmer in gold, ocre and vibrant colors. Lanterns flickered like jewels.

Incense rose in soft spirals, mingling with the rich perfume of foods and festivity.

While music, joy and laughter floated in space.

I entered the city gates, smiling and acknowledging the crowd; one couldn’t miss the smiling radiant faces, turned upward, waving flowers in hand, lifted in welcome: a jubilant ovation at the sight of the regal white elephant approaching.

Today, the people in the city had gathered in one great celebration.

Garlands of flowers and high banners danced in the balmy air, the sun felt even more intense now.

The crowd parted ways to let the white elephant walk down the main street.

High above the moving sea of people, multitude fragrance, bright colors, human delight, and elevated excitement,

I was watching myself observe, the unfolding play of my own life ahead.

I remember being calm, as if this wasn’t intended for me. What was the cause of all this happiness? From the preparation and anticipation for this day to finally happen: what was it all about?

Centered. Observing. Senses open.

Not overtaken by the acclamation.

Not swept away by the jubilation of sights and sounds…

The dream has stayed with me ever since and its meaning revealed itself, for it was never merely a dream of splendor, but a dream of sacred passage.

Later on…

Souls began to arrive- from many countries, cultures, ages and paths, carrying longing, sorrow and pain, questions, devotion, and the silent thirst for the search of something true.

Something real.

Among them are the sincere seekers; those tender beings whose hearts recognize peace the moment they feel it, whose eyes soften, whose whole presence bows inwardly before compassion.

With such souls, words are hardly needed. There is a quiet communion, a mind touching mind, a blessing moving invisibly from heart to heart.

There are others, still restless in their becoming, hurrying beneath the weight of the ego, their ambition, their fear, with the desire to be recognized and validated, with the ache of not yet knowing themselves.

They, too, are met with compassion, for the flowering of consciousness will unfold in its own sacred season.

And through them all,

The regal white elephant quietly marches on.

Peacefully. Joyfully.

Untroubled by distance, or the noise of the crowd,

With the Eyes of compassion,

And the Lamp of transmission,

Offering the taste of great joy,

The flowering of your true nature,

You reach the Buddha within!

Your life will be a blessed pilgrimage.

With unconditional love,

~ Ven. Bao Co