I’ve been asked by a good Catholic whether he can have an image of Buddha on his table. I’ve answered him that I keep one. Should there be a need to ask such questions? Besides, the image I have in front of me is a very charming one. It is a sleeping Buddha. Sandal wood. Lying down as long as he is, his head leaning on his right hand, turned towards me, his eyes closed, his face serene, his lips curved in a smile, his feet parallel, his mantle folded over his horizontally relaxed body. About a palm long. He sleeps while I work. He inspires peace. I let him sleep. I do not pray to him, I do not recite his praises, I do not burn incense before him. I just let him sleep. I look at him from time to time. The image gives me peace. Do you think I can keep it?