I was standing at the upper parking lot on Mt. Shasta gazing out at the spectacular view. On a clear
day you can see the Trinity Alps in the adjacent county. But this day I was seeing something else. Looking towards
the south was Castle Crags. I looked deep into the landscape and there was another dragon in the ridges of the Crags. His
head slightly rose above the earth, facing north. He was hiding half of his head submerged into the ground below. But,
there was his eye and I knew I had found another great dragon being! His body followed the ridges heading south.
Castle Crag's dome appeared like a large scaley back and his tail wiped around past the dome and heading west. The entire
ridge of Castle Crags is a Dragon!
My dragon journey had me explore the rivers and streams around the Crags. There I found many small dragons
in the landscape. I consider them to be a part of the Castle Crags Dragon's retinue.
I have been gifted with Asian spiritual practices that honor the dragon beings. One spiritual text goes
on to explain that the Buddha, prior to his lifetime as Shakyamuni, he lived in the realm of the Naga
Dragons and was tutored in many sacred text. The Dragons, by the way, are keepers of time.
When I approach the dragons in nature I am very respectful. I always call upon the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
When I feel their presence with me I then call the Dragon King and his retinue and offer these great beings to the Buddhas
and Bodhisattvas. I ask any suffering they have endured by the unconsciouness of humans be alleviated. Bodhisattvas have vowed
to alleviate suffering. To pollute the water and the land, littering these sacred areas with garbage
and beer cans - that is dishonoring these great beings!
