"Master" VCD

My day began with a wake-up call from a man who is partially responsible for what little sanity I have left.

Venerable Chuan Dong (unceremoniously nicknamed "VCD" by yours truly) is a monk on the staff of the Buddhist academy where I taught last year. Unlike most of the people I met there, he was conscientious, fair, and open-minded. It was largely his influence that restrained me from mayhem.

He also has a sense of humor, identifying himself as "Master" Chuan Dong ("Master" spoken with dripping sarcasm) whenever he calls.

He has just finished a year of studies at a special Buddhist institute in Shanghai. As he wrote to me later in the day:

With the valuable experience I got when learning both English and Buddhism [at the institute], I found that interpreters who know both are urgently needed in China. So I am resolved to practice for this goal without indolence. I have to work harder.

Atta boy. I mean monk.

The rest of the day was just more hacking away at my writing tasks. Ho-hum.

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This is what was published today:

• 365 Secrets of Happiness: Give Someone Flowers (make a nose happy)
• At the Feet of Sri Ramakrishna: The Voice of God (from the top of an elephant)
• Meatless/Mooless Monday: "summer express :: 101 simple vegan meals ready in 10 minutes or less" (simply amazing)
• The Rest of Asia: Da Er Ge Ye (Older and Second Brother), Thian Hock Keng, Singapore (a smoking demon and his pal)