Are the Istanbul skyscrapers themselves historic and old? … no, I think you must mean that they are nestled into the surrounding history.

I imagine kind and generous tango…

'The Awakened Eye' is my favorite of Franck's books. I used to have more of a collection of them. But now I just have that one, and 'Zen Seeing, Zen Drawing' — and one whose name escapes me which is not about drawing, but about being a human being. That last one reminds me of Bernie Glassman's 'Bearing Witness'–have you run across Glassman?

By the way, I was recently in Istanbul…what a city…I have never been in America or in Europe …in such a marvelous city. Giant skyscapers like in New York and at at the same time historic and old. The people were amazingly kind and generous and this is a testimonial to Islam which permeates their society. The level of tango was very high.

Istanbul, like Rome, is built on 7 hills. It was called “new rome” by Emperor Constantine when he decided to move his capital there. One of the high lights for me was praying in a mosque during ceremonies. God has so many aspects doesn't he. The more time goes on the more I focus on that distant white light which is God. To find he, it helps alot to experience him in his various manifestations.

By the way, I read a little bit of Fredrick Franck; very interesting. I woul love to read his Zen book. I really look forward to meeting you some day. Either here or there. Why don't you write me at oswright@gmail.com

I just uploaded a new video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX1CnDygTWM. Would you please rate it and comment on it.