Slowly

Weeks ago, I was in some town. Who can remember which town? I was standing in a line to purchase something or other, probably coffee or ice cream. At the register, I was fumbling around with coins, trying to find the right combination of yen to pay. I don’t like making others wait due to my difficulties, large or small. My anxiety was obviously evident. I heard a voice behind me. “Slowly,” said the gentleman. I paid, turned, and thanked him, offering my best bow.

Wisdom from behind. A word I always need to hear. Slowly.

I had a slow day yesterday. I found a nice coffee joint in the morning. Then, there were a couple of things I wished to purchase to bring home. I wandered around in the shopping area where I am staying.

I’ve been on the lookout for a small Buddha statue for my home meditation area. I thought there could be nothing easier to find in Japan, especially Kyoto. Hah! They proved to be rare sightings!

Up and down the long covered shopping lanes around Teremachi arcade I walked, slowly, not wanting to miss the ever elusive Buddha and the enlightened path. Finally, I spotted him in a little shop I’d probably passed several times before and, at a good price!

Now, I must search for this one’s dharma brother, the enlightened Christ. I see little difference between the two, both having the ultimate goal of saving all beings. At least, that is how I see things.

Next, having given some thought to obtaining a Japanese flute to exercise my neglected musical talents, I went in search. I found some beautiful shakuhachi bamboo flutes, classical Japanese instruments, but at dear prices. Disappointed, I slowly wandered off to the Gion district, across the river. The alleyways of Gion are a wild mix of eateries, galleries, bars, and shops of all sorts. I happened on a dark and somewhat dusty looking antique shop. With some hesitation, I stepped inside. I was met with a fascinating assortment of old and intriguing this-and-that stuff. I spotted, down low, flutes all a-jumble. Could it be?

The shop owner, a little old woman, came out from the back. We went through these flutes. Most were small, four hole instruments. I believe these are “beginner” instruments. Well, what would I be but a beginner? Plus, I had no idea whether I would be able to get a sound out of one. Nevertheless, one of them looked in good shape to my untrained eye. The price was a bit steep. She took it from me, gave it and me the eye, and then lowered the price significantly. I agreed.

So far, I’ve not been able to get anything resembling a note – high, low, or in-between – out of the thing. I will practice and, slowly, a meditative lovely note will emerge, even if just one.

I vow to keep “Slowly ” in mind as I enter my last week in Japan. Later this week, I’ll be off to Tokyo. My guess is that Tokyo is not a slowly kind of place. Even if it is not, I am determined that I will be a slowly kind of person.