Things I'm Keeping Behind My Teeth

Things I've Been Keeping Behind My Teeth

The temple windows are being replaced. Thank god. They were in such bad shape, the glass literally had slipped from the sashes, leaving big gaps.

I came to the temple the other day, and to my surprise found that the stained glass windows above the stairs had been removed and clear glass put in their place.

Uh.

I talked to one of the guys, who mentioned he preferred the clear glass.

Uh.

Other temple members commented: "Does the stained glass have to go back up? It's so open and airy" (and bland and dull and un-temple-like).

Others (who are allowed to in the future to decorate) chimed in that they liked the stained glass windows and if they're coming down, could they please purchase them?

What I didn't say: "Oh my god, you guys have no taste. The stained glass adds color and texture to the experience as one first walks through the door. That plain glass looks cheap (and dull and un-temple-like). Not to mention it draws the eye up the stairs and away from the temple itself. Plus, did you notice that the clear glass overlooks a not-particularly-nice tar-colored roof? The stained glass was here when we bought the place and has always been one of the temple's most attractive features. Aaagh!"

Instead, what I said was: "I would miss the stained glass. The idea of it being gone makes me whimper. But it's not my call."

Everyone said to ask Jetsunma (the head of the temple).

What Jetsunma said: "The stained glass is from a castle dating back to the 1700s. It CANNOT be replaced. Put it back, NOW."

Oh, thank god....

I'm making a list of people who are not allowed to decorate anything at the temple, ever.