Buddha was sitting in the top row of the vending machine, waiting for the za-zing of coins to drop.

He sat there, all zen in his lotus position, acting as if being between nacho chips and cheese puffs was instant nirvana.

I put in my quarters and watched transfixed as the unpretentious spiritual master floated down into the metal receiving tray.

I chose serenity over empty calories on a dreary Monday.

Besides, who expected Buddha to arrive at snack time?

Copyright 2009