A second amber two-story mansion of The Yunnan Uprising Memorial recently opened not far from the first one mentioned above. Situated in a corner courtyard immediately next to Green Lake Starbucks to the south. The renovation for this 云南解放纪念馆 annex was delayed earlier this year due to lockdown.

A re-creation of China's First Premier Zhou Enlai's corner master bedroom on the second floor surrounded by a spacious balcony overlooking SE Green Lake. A privileged view. Down the hall, an out-of-place military sidecar parked inside another room. Historians may enjoy the various military artifacts, preserved documents, and furniture of the 1940's on display. Liken to the Military Museum of Western Green Lake, but much smaller.

Free admission to public. Opens everyday from 9:00 16:30 except Tuesdays. No entrances after 16:00. Visitors will require scanning of colored health code. Wrist temperature will be scanned upon entrance.

Great piece by good man Jim. He is like the fabled garuda that soars back into time. The wind horse lungta that strides into town to greet villagers with blessings of goodwill.

Although Shangri-la old town burned down five years ago, replaced by less traditional, tourist-friendly infrastructures... at least one disillusioned townsfolk who survived the carnage, but lost everything, returned to reopen shop in the newly renovated building. He does so out of love of sharing ancestral handicrafts to the world. To preserve their cultural heritage from the burned ashes. Authenticity remains in spirit... in the people, and in their stories.

Inside the belly of the tiger god, the Buddha calmly speaks.

Restraint is not a sign of weakness. Compassion is true strength. By showing compassion to your perceived enemies, they may become your friends. Lacking compassion, your friends may turn into your enemies.

On that note, the Tiger lies down to unclench its jaws, whereupon releasing the Buddha.

Buddha slowly walks out. He turns to the beast and speaks the following:

When you subdue an opponent, a thousand more are still to be overcome. Instead, crush your negative emotions, or samsara, which are enemies dwelling in your mind.

The prostrating tiger nods in understanding. The Buddha bows back.

The Buddha and Yunnan Tiger God walk their separate paths.

The tiger turns for final glimpse of the enlightened one, only to find an empty road ahead. The tiger realizes that echoing conversation manifested in own awakened mind. Buddhahood permeates the tiger, and to all living beings it encounters henceforth.

[Buddha nods in silence]

dolphin, connecting the Dharma teachings of the Buddha to pastries is apropos.

Lets do a thought experiment where Siddhartha Gautama sits down at Igor's.

The awakened one is served a croissant. At the moment of immersing in this pastry, like sitting beside the death bed of a dying elder or a woman giving birth to a child, the Buddha is only focused on what is in front. Be it bitter, sweet, or bittersweet.

The sound of his teeth breaking the layers of crispy, lamented crust is what his mind would be completely focused on. Not the thought of comparing this croissant with those of Just Hot, but tasting the buttery, crisp texture in his mouth without dwelling in the past.

Nor the thoughts of which monasteries to visit afterwards, but the smell of the sweet aroma permeating the cafe., or the rich scent of coffee brewing behind the counter.

That is original teachings of the Buddha. Not just chanting mantras or burning incense. But to embrace suffering as you would the pastries of life in the present moment.

All of us can be enlightened to this state of mind. Awaken the Buddha nature within ourselves while simply eating pastries.