The offering

Surrounded by peace and the lushness of nature, a young, innocent woman gathers water from the river. She plucks a lotus blossom and tucks it behind her ear. As she passes through the jungle her grace, beauty and purity is evident but the sway of her hips hints at her budding maturity. Irresistibly drawn to the abandoned temple, she hesitates but finally, tentatively enters the darkness and the transformation from girl to woman begins. Standing in front of the temple god, she senses the universal power that women possess. The dance begins naïve and stylized. Her attempt fails to elicit a response. She turns, discouraged but then decides to redouble her efforts. Power, seduction and confidence in her appeal drive this second attempt. A bead of sweat trickles down the statue's forehead. At the end, however, she failed to gain his approval. Gently, sadly, she places her gift, the lotus flower, in the statues outstretched palm as an offering and walks away. But wait, the palm closes around the flower - gift accepted. As she exits the temple the goddess evaporates but the new, mature woman remains who now understands the power of a giving spirit.