A cliff - a precipice - a high place. The monastery at HighRock sits near the edge of the cliff, within sight of civilization but removed from it and largely invisible to the outside world. Surrounded by woodlands, the site was a holy place for the Pequots and perhaps migrations of earlier peoples as well. According to rumor, prior to the monastery a number of the local inhabitants were conceived up here - it's just that kind of place...

Except for sounds of Nature, silence and tranquility surrounds one and causes the mind to contemplate deeper questions. This is the beginning of a series of essays on those things that choose to enter my mind. For those with comments, complaints or other cosmic questions, you may contact Daruma, who may or may not pass them along to me. The lack of a reply may be a reply in and of itself - or it may not be...