175-The Shaolin Temple London Part 2 - Buddhism in daily life

The Shaolin Temple London Part 2

I am here again, my master is still training students now, his wife (Mrs. Fu) picked me up at Caledonian Road tube station, drove me to the temple, which is not far from Tufnell Park station.

On the way, her son Tian Tian, who is one of my godchildren, also lived with me for several years, joined me. When my master Shi Yan Zi met his wife he gave up the status of "monk" at that time, but a "master" he remains of course. His Kung Fu is still a dream, his wisdom comprehensive.

When Shi Yan Zi was finished we were able to embrace each other, a long time has passed since the last meeting, the worldwide hysteria also had its effects on the Buddhist community, the London temple was closed for more than six months, today it is running almost normally again.

We sat down at a table in the entrance area of the temple and started talking, as if we had not been apart for more than a week, we picked up more or less seamlessly where we had ended. My master's wife cooked a snack, we talked for a long time, and when we realized it was past one o'clock, we went to bed, somewhat melancholy but brisk.

I didn't really sleep well, my room is big and bright, but in the bed there is no mattress, but a kind of board (futon), which is supposed to be very healthy for the back, but just not what I am usually "used to".

I brought my own coffee (soluble), a kettle is always in a room in a Chinese household; first coffee, then into the shower. I also went through my usual yoga program, I don't leave without my mat, the daily stretching exercises have become incredibly important to me. My master was already training again, I waited until he was done, we greeted each other joyfully. Although there are about ten teachers in the Shaolin Temple London, but to Shi Yan Zi somehow still remains the main part.

He said we were going to a well-known furniture store, he wanted to buy a mattress for my bed. I hadn't said anything, I wouldn't complain under any circumstances, it was his idea, but I wasn't sad about it.

No sooner said than done, we drove around London, first had a coffee in the canteen of the Swedish company, then went through the obligatory tour, found a suitable pad for my bed, and drove back to the temple. The next night will certainly be more restful.

And as always, the journey is the destination!

Shi Yan Zi and me in Chinatown London May 2022

It is finished, life is lived, everything has been done that needed to be done, there is nothing more to do

- Buddha - honorary name of Siddharta Gautama - 560 to 480 before the year zero

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