My grandmother was a farmer who worked not only with the EARTH, but with many things which EARTH provides for our use. She was the weaver of our clothing, and she created many other wonderful objects. She revealed to us the meaning of life, and taught us how to live. Most of all, she nourished and healed our minds and our bodies, our hearts and our souls.

Toward the end of 1990 certain signs appeared to me in a dream which indicated that her days upon this earth were drawing swiftly to an end. She passed away on January 12th, 1991. In many cultures it is customary to hold an important ceremony one year following the death of a loved one. I helped my mother return to Korea to participate in that ceremony.

I decided to build a very special shrine to honor all grandmothers, and especially our Mother Earth who nourishes us always even though we may mistreat or ignore her. I dedicated the shrine on January 12th, 1992, the anniversary of my own grandmother's death, in honor of Mother Earth, in hope that we humans, together with all the other creatures of the marvelous Nature which surrounds us, who with us are all children of the Creator, may flourish in universal harmony and joy.

First Moon 1992

Youn Ja