Two years ago, after my grandmother died, my grandpa gave me her
old Bible to burn in the temple.
Last year, when I performed the official ceremony for Kip
and Renee’s wedding (At the Temple), Grandpa gave me his old “marrying
Bible.” It wasn’t a Christian service, but the object itself held
the power of blessing 1000+ couples.
This year, after turning 92, Grandpa Caleb gave me his
old bible to burn at the temple.
It was worn and filled with notes. He used it for 30 years of sermons and
took it around the world. Many people asked me, “Why would he want that
burned!?” I knew why. But his preparations for his next transition didn’t
really hit me until the day the Temple burned. I spent hours there. I cried
harder than I have in years. I spoke with the artist, David Best, and he picked
out the perfect place to put Caleb’s bible.
We left it
open to the first page. The page that read, “Please Return to….”
If anyone doubts
the power of art...If anyone misunderstands the “rave” that is Burning
Man… they should go straight to David Best’s temple next year. The
structure itself is awe inspiring. A towering monument made of recycled wood
trash. Then, as people fill it with heartfelt messages, it gathers an indescribable
power. Thousands of people empty their hearts into this communal expression.
The sound of wailing fills the place. It is so powerful, it simply must be experienced
to understand. Then…after being completed less than a week…it burns.
And all of our hearts’ contributions ride the flames to heaven.
Temple/Grandpa
- Burning Man
'04 
by Halcyon @ Camp
Lustmonkey
