Border Crossings: Setting the Theoretical Stage

Abstract

When the Third Princess (Cô Bo) incarnated into Mrs. Vân at a temple-opening ceremony, Karen and Hien realized that the spirit and the temple were fully incorporated into the California landscape. The temple is situated in rolling grass-covered hills that are dotted with California buckwheat and interior live oak and is home to bobcat, coyote, rattlesnake, ground squirrel, and mountain lion, many of which are creator beings of the first peoples in the area. At that time, in the late summer, the road to the temple was dotted with fruit stands advertising fresh cherries and apricots, and a campground announcing an upcoming Tractor Pull and Renaissance Faire. The temple is located near San Luis Reservoir, an essential part of California’s hydroelectric supply and a favorite spot for fishermen hoping to catch striped bass or the occasional sturgeon: Karen had once caught a “striper” there herself. Mrs. Vân’s daughter Tania explained that the reservoir was a factor in the decision to purchase the home that would be transformed into a temple. “You will see,” she said, “that you have to go over the hills and cross the water to get to the temple. That’s what the possession songs say!”