This just struck me as a very incongruous sight. These monks are sitting peacefully in Union Station, which is one of the most thoroughly modern places in the United States. As they sit there in their ancient, ascetic robes, they are surrounded by pricey retail shops, high-tech mass transit systems, and dozens and dozens of people talking on cell phones in pursuit of the power and influence which drive Washington.
The monks apparently do not eschew all modern conveniences. I got a close look at their sandles... velcro!
© April 20, 2001 by Patrick H. Martin, V