Thoughts on the way from Einsiedeln to Brunnen
Diary of the Pilgrim James
Einsiedeln is no longer the quiet, solitary pilgrimage site in the dark forest that the monk Meinrad once found. With its magnificent Baroque church, Einsiedeln has become a magnet for tourists. Today, pilgrims no longer have to go without running, hot water and comfortable beds – they travel in convenient modes of transport, and there are also plenty of hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. And yes, I honestly admit: I, too, have been "tempted" to visit the shops and cafés. Why not? Pilgrimage also means curiosity, not just renunciation.
Food for thought
"I experience the Marian pilgrimage site and hear of the old name: ' In the dark forest ' . That must have been where the hermitage was."
"Before the leisurely hike through the Alpthal valley and the steep climb to Haggenegg – with views of the Mythen mountains – a visit to the Black Madonna of Einsiedeln is a must. Like many other pilgrims, I light a candle so that its light will accompany me on my further journey."
The fountain
A man had heard of a hermit monk. He couldn't understand why someone would want to live such a secluded life. He went to the monk to ask about the hermit's experiences. The monk led him to his well. He took a stone, threw it into the water, and said to the stranger: "Look into the well, what do you see?" "Nothing," said the stranger, "just moving water!" The monk waited a while and then asked the stranger to look into the well again. "What do you see now?" "Now, I see myself. I see myself reflected in the water." "You see," replied the monk, "that is the experience of the hermit."
Unknown author
Pearls along the way:
Spring
