SOME LIFE stories are big. For example – the story of the northern Indian prince who swapped a hedonistic life for two saffron robes, a beggar’s bowl, and a life on the road.
Last month, I spent three weeks in the footsteps of this lapsed prince, the Buddha – admittedly being transported by tourist bus and staying at hotels instead of travelling barefoot and sleeping under Bodhi trees.
During the cooler months from October to March, the usually quiet, ancient sites where the Buddha lived and taught 2500 years ago, come alive with pilgrims from every walk of life, and from every corner of the globe.
Our Australian group, including two European monks, was just one of hundreds connecting with the Buddha’s life story. We were all awestruck by just how influential the Buddha’s humble life had proved to be.
Some life stories are indeed bigger than others, but all life journeys deserve attention.
Sometime between birth and death, I’m convinced that writing about life is worth doing.
Lesley Synge’s annual life story writing workshop returns on Sat 17 April at the Maleny Library. Lesley teaches life story writing throughout Queensland. She is the author or editor of six published books. Before visiting India, she finished her memoirs. Enquiries and bookings ph 3844 0335.
Or visit www.zingstories.com.au
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