National Nothing Day finally arrived at the Shamballa Retreat Center. Monks and practicioners had gathered from near and far in anticipation of this public holiday that showed up on the calendar, so appropriately, with no effort on their part.
They brought beautifully wrapped presents to share randomly. With gentle smiles they offered up their gifts to anyone that caught their fancy, and one by one the packages were unwrapped to reveal the emptiness within. “Just what I wanted,” was the general exclamation, “Nothing!”
The table was set for the feast, complete with delightful platters and goblets, shining bright, full of nothing. As they sat around the table, their faces reflected the light from the bare windows, and they chanted empty syllables until the meal was over.
The culminating activity took place in the center’s large unfurnished meditation room. Beaming with the supreme joy of the day, a day dedicated to Nothing, they sat on their cushions and were transported to the ultimate destination, the Great Void where hearts rested and minds went blank.
Pleased with the success of the festival, they promised to celebrate National Nothing Day every year, as their highest celebration.
Greta Browne, from Bethlehem, PA, is an aspiring writer, a lover of languages and travel, a semi-retired professional, and an activist for justice, peace and the environment.
© 2008 Greta Browne. Original for CCF (Browne grants CCF first electronic rights for one month; CCF may archive the material indefinitely and include it in an eBook anthology).
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