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Nov. 19 | The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen

A celestial event, the orb of compassion shines behind the mountains

Snow leopard taste:
tea
Snow leopard sight:
the sun softens the sky behind the mountains; Asoka's wheel, the ceremonial conch, the orb of compassion, serpents, flowers, barley offerings, OM MANI PADME HUM - brightly painted prayer wheels
Snow leopard sound:
morning chanting; dashing lute; "a tinkle of small bells that dance from her sash"
Snow leopard touch: dancing
Snow leopard quote:
"...the Lotus-Born is celebrating some celestial event with a blue Lord of Death, who one day will hold up a bright mirror from which we cannot hide, and weigh the white pebbles and the black in final balance."
Snow leopard word of the day: obo-gravestones
Snow leopard notable:
treeless deserts of the Tibetan Plateau
Snow leopard extra:
starkness, severity, scarcity, religious fervor
Snow leopard gratitude:
"what good luck to have this Chiring Lamo in the party!"

Panthera progress:
Some newness, some momentum: rewards for getting up early.

What is this? Blogging The Snow Leopard project.

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