Re: E.M. arrived in Kandy

Hello,

Bhante Nyanatusita (on this list) can write a full reply, as he is the
permanent resident at the forest hermitage (outside of Kandy) where I
am now a "temporary resident".  This is indeed the same hermitage
where formerly Bhante Bodhi and the famous succession of German
scholar-monks once were resident.

Although a beautiful and inspiring place, the forest hermitage is
surrounded by hostile monkeys, steep paths, and jungle leeches.  This
would be prohibitive for many, and it is a credit to Nyanatusita that
he manages to live at ease in such surroundings --having perfect
equanimity (e.g.) in peeling leeches off of his ankles, fighting off
marauding monkeys, etc.

Nyanatusita informs me that the island hermitage is no longer so
welcoming to foreigners as it once was.  I have not (yet) visited it.

E.M.