Mekong River - location unpredictable 10/26/2550

For years unknown
under the FullMoon
of the last night
of Buddhist lent

The Thai and Lao
living along the banks
of the Mekong River
have been reporting
a most unusual event:

Mekong Fireballs.

Glowing orbs of pink (or green) light
rising silently into the night
from the mysterious depths of the river

A gift from the Great Naga (dragon serpent)

On the October Full Moon
The last night of Buddhist Lent
I was privileged to join
about 500,000 people
in festival like no other
I have ever participated in

We started arriving in the morning
Walking up and down the Thai river banks
Scouting for the perfect location to witness
the mysterious phenomena

As the Sun made it's way across the sky
the crowds grew and settled...

That's right.

Settled.

A half a million people
quietly sat
just looking

500,000 people sat in near silence...

We sat for hours and hours
Deep into the night

The Thai joyfully lit up
Hot air balloons
that rise into the sky
Paper tinker bells

Thousands and thousands of candles
were lit and released with ceremony
their half coconut shells gently floating
atop the milk chocolatey Mekong

The stars seemed to rise and fall
drifting in the air and the water
as colorfully lit boats paraded up and down the water
blaring Thai pop
of all things...
and still,
no yells, screams, brawls or loudness
500,000 people...

I got into deep discussion
about the use of entheogens
as tools to explore the mind
to probe consciousness
to reveal hidden truths
with 2 western friends

A middle aged Thai man sitting nearby
cocked his head and listened quietly
nodding, smiling for an hour.
"Like yoga "he stated simply when was finished
"Yes, yoga for the mind, for the spirit" I replied
"using sacred medicines, and intention"
more nods and smiles,
this humble fisherman understood
the workings of the human mind
like few I have ever met.

Occasional fireworks in the sky
as bright as the flower boat offerings
gently cast upon the 3000 mile long waters
that feed countless millions thru
China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia

The magical Naga Lights where not spotted that night.

The only people in any way bothered or annoyed
were the disbelieving foreigners....

It was so peaceful
no expectations
no need for cause and effect
I was moved to tears
grateful for the gentle lesson
of quiet example.

These people can live
in such lightness of now
that the dark of expectation
serves only to create contrast.

I think that if I had scene a few the Fire Balls
They would have distracted me from witnessing
500,000 inner flames.