Hospitality and Hope

Last night we visited Boudhanath. Pilgrims walk three times around the stupa, touching the prayer wheels, burning incense, sometimes even prostrating themselves. We walked three times around, too.

As I prepare to leave this wonderful country, I'm remembering something my colleague and friend Chadani said to me last evening as we were leaving Boudhanath.

"In my culture, we treat our visitors like gods."

That's exactly right! I've been fed and gifted and given far more than I can ever return.

The culture of hospitality gives me hope. If we can treat the visitor, the stranger, with such loving care and concern, then can't we ultimately learn to live together in peace?