The Meaning of My Orange Rain Jacket

When my maroon rain jacket stopped shedding rain and started absorbing it instead, it was clear I needed a new one. Here in Seattle, I wear a jacket almost every day - for the wind if not the water. I decided I wanted a very visible color for safety. In the winter the sun goes down as early as 4:30 in the afternoon, so I often end up walking our dog in the dark. I want to be visible for her sake too.
Bicyclists and some runners are very good about lights and reflective vests; pedestrians not so much, particularly not the students at Ballard High, which I pass by every time I drive from my house to the Temple. They favor all black clothes, of course; much hipper than the geeky orange. They cross in the middle of the block, often without looking up from their smartphone. (There's a reason those devices aren't called wisdom-phones.) I want to yell wrathfully at them but instead make prayers that Dorje Shugden will protect them.

There was a jacket that was said to be the best at water-repellency, was reasonably priced, and came in bright orange. Then I realized that what I was thinking about was my precious human life. Also the wisdom of Manjushri and Je Tsongkhapa.

I've built a pretty solid habit where I say Dorje Shugden's mantra when I'm driving, that he will protect others, as one of my worst fears is hitting a pedestrian or another car. Help me out here, people. Thankfully I've seen on community boards around town that the city has a "Drive With Care and Walk Aware" campaign.

And I saw those posters yesterday when I was putting out publicity for the Center. Exiting a Starbucks as an older guy entered, he commented that he liked the orange and said - get this -  that it was a Buddhist color! We stepped inside and had a short conversation about Buddhism, with him talking about his Guru. True story.