Jieshi Shan

Request for assistance in identifying the location of a historical photograph Dear friends in the Dharma, I would like to ask for your help with a small but meaningful request. My teacher passed away several years ago. He was a dedicated Dharma practitioner and a lifelong traveler, spending many years journeying throughout Asia, including China. During those travels, he took a small number of photographs—quietly, without notes or captions, never imagining they might one day need to be identified. Today, some of these photographs are being considered to accompany his written work. While most have been placed successfully, a few remain uncertain. One photograph in particular, taken somewhere in China, has proven especially difficult to identify. I am sharing this here because I trust the collective knowledge and lived experience of the Buddhist community. Someone may recognize the place, the architectural style, the landscape, or even sense a familiar context. Even a small hint—a direction, a region, a temple style—could be of great help. Any insight, no matter how modest, would be deeply appreciated. This is not only about accuracy, but about honoring the memory of a teacher whose life was devoted to the Dharma and preserving a trace of his journey. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for any help you may be able to offer. With gratitude and respect, Jieshi Shan

🎄 Reflexión sobre la Navidad y la Amistad 🎁 Si recordamos todas las Navidades de nuestra vida, podemos ver cómo las personas se reúnen para celebrar esta ocasión. Al menos en teoría, y de forma superficial, existe una cercanía con todos los que participan en la celebración. Esto parece muy hermoso, y ciertamente disfrutamos de la fiesta, la amistad, la comida, etc. Sin embargo, esta celebración no es un simple signo de exclamación; más bien, es un signo de interrogación. Es interrogativa porque nos obliga a plantearnos la pregunta: ¿Por qué esta unidad y cercanía no se mantienen durante el resto del año? La clara respuesta es: No lo sé, pero no es así. Entonces, esta celebración de Navidad es simplemente una señal de que no hay amistad y felicidad por el resto del año. 🎄 Reflection on Christmas and Friendship 🎁 If we remember all the Christmases of our lives, we can see how people gather to celebrate this occasion. At least in theory, and superficially, there is a closeness with everyone participating in the celebration. This seems very beautiful, and we certainly enjoy the celebration, the friendship, the food, etc. However, this celebration is not a simple exclamation mark; rather, it is a question mark. It is interrogative because it forces us to ask: Why doesn't this unity and closeness last for the rest of the year? The clear answer is: I don't know, but it doesn't. Therefore, this Christmas celebration is simply a sign that there is no friendship and happiness for the rest of the year.