fruits of India, 2006

Thanks for all the response concerning my papayas, glad to know there are so many interested readers.  Unfortunately the opinions were nearly divided about whether a papaya would ripen off the vine or not.   I am eager for the birds not to get them so I am experimenting with one right now.  It was ever so slightly yellow in one spot.  It is in my room out of the sunlight (one person suggested that they would need light to ripen but they were from Finland and I assume they hadn't actually tried ripening a papaya but rather just saw some show on the discovery channel about them).  I will keep you posted as I am sure you are all eager to find out if that thing ripens properly or not.  

On the topic of fruit, the other banana tree outside my room has developed a bud (I don't know what you would call this thing exactly, it's about a foot long, purple and the bananas are going to pop out of it in about a week or so).  I am really excited to observe it.  The other tree now has a handsome bunch of bananas growing on it.  They should be ready for picking in a few weeks I'd say.  

Language studies continue.  As long as I don't freak out and go mad or something I should be able to go home in April satisfied with my work here.   I have learned a few funny expressions-of course.  Like how to say don't be a pain in the neck in Tibetan would be-don't give me a sinus infection.  One monk in the house whenever he passes me, quietly calls me a nervous wreck, I respond by calling him a spaz-like that, it's becoming playful and a little fun also. 

I want to describe the study and debate system here.  It would help me to put it into writing, maybe be informative for a couple people and I undoubtedly misunderstand some points and some readers may be able to help clarify them.  I will try to do it over the next couple of updates.   This will also include info about how the monastery functions generally, a glance at a young/studying monks life here at Sera.

There is no age limit, a person can start the studies at any age down to say about 10 years old.  Most start at say, 16-20 years of age though.  They  will over the course of almost twenty years work through five topics not including a two year intro course in logic and fundemental debate.  

I don't have much time tonight so I will break it off there for now and continue next time.  

As always, wishing you all well from Sera, the fried food capital of the world,
Andy