Taoism

Yesterday was another eventful day. One of my former students invited us out for a vegetarian dinner to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the day he first met me. Hard to believe that much time has passed since that meeting. Simon (not his real name) whose life has been very challenging has managed to find some peace in his life with the help of a Taoist Monk (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taoism). It was an honour to be recognized as a significant part of his life. It was also interesting to meet a Taoist Monk whose temple is in Simcoe Ontario. He followed his master from China to Ontario and when the master left for the United States, he stayed behind and now is responsible for two temples in the Simcoe area.

We enjoyed our vegetarian dinner and meeting the monk who would not stand out in a crowd because he was not wearing special robes for this meal.

After the meal, the monk had to go and meet some people who needed his help. I think that he was asked either by social agencies or members of the Chinese community to help some of their community who need spiritual and social guidance. A good man who is doing good work. Simon is one of his minor successes. Simon still has a difficult road ahead of him but is making progress.

It is always interesting to learn what is happening to people we have been involved with. Simon is one student I maintained contact with the past 20 years. He has worked at it more than me since he has been on the move and not always easy to contact. I hope that life gets better for him in the future.