ACT I

SCENE I – THE INTRODUCTION

ED: “Welcome. The I Ching says, “Marriage is an important matter for heaven and earth. If heaven and earth do not commune, nothing flourishes. Marriage is an end and a beginning for people.” We therefore mark the occasion of marriage with a wedding. You are about to witness a wedding ceremony unlike any you may have seen before. Since some of this may be unfamiliar to you, I will explain some of the meaning behind what you will see. The truths that are revealed to one group of people in one time and place are often the same truths that are revealed to a different group of people at a different time and place. Shane and Andrea have chosen to combine these truths, with their varied rituals, to consecrate their bond.

“You will see seven bowls of water offered in good will. The seven offering bowls, together with illumination in the form of a candle or lamp, represent the eight traditional Tibetan offerings. These derive from the Indian custom, still practiced today, of offering eight hospitalities to a guest at one's home: water for drinking, water for washing one's feet, flowers, incense, illumination, perfume, fruit, and music. You will then see representatives of the five traditional elements brought before you. These are fire, earth, water, air, and no thing. Four of these mean natural phenomena, while the fifth, no thing, means the original state before the universe began, and the state to which we will all return. Before these, you will see representatives of the five traditional sacred sounds. These are the singing bowl, the bell, the conch horn, the ting shaw, and the drum. Each of these elements and sounds is an expression for teaching. Individually and collectively, they mean the sound of the universe. In Eastern philosophy, sounds made by these items call upon us to receive the blessing of learning. Sound speaks to that part of us which exists in synchronicity with the universe. Sometimes pure sound moves us more than words or ideas. The Sound of the Universe is the language of the spirit. Consequently, it would be auspicious if you would express your approval and support not only in thought and word, but also in the making of your own sacred sound. If you wish to participate in this way, you should ring the bell you picked each time I ring one of these bells. Let’s try it now.”

ED: “Are we all ready? Good. It is not necessary for you to stand as the couple joins us.”

ED: “And so it begins.”

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