Yesterday morning I went with a bush-walking group to do a circuit at Mt. Mee north of Brisbane. It was 13 kilometres - much of it in a steady uphill climb, and we completed it in 3 1/2 rather exhausting hours with two rest breaks for a drink. Many of the group used Poles to assist with the stepping uphill - I'm not sure whether to get any or not.
We went through some soggy areas infested with leeches. Many of the group found leeches on their boots, legs, and heads. I found one in my sock and before I realised another member sprayed it and killed it. When I got home and in the shower I found another one which had been feeding for about an hour and was as thick as my finger. It was still attached and warm water from the shower didn't shift it. I was hesitant to pull it off as I thought that might injure the l'il fella.
Eventually, when it finished its meal, it let go and I captured it in a small box, took it to the local park and released it in a marshy, muddy area a little protected from hunting birds by overhanging branches. The water was too shallow for fish - so perhaps the little being can live in safety.
Seems that if I accept the Buddha's teaching on re-becoming, then I have to live protecting beings that I come into contact with, if possible.
My family think this is a bit weird, but have learned to accept their resident buddhist with something approaching equanimity.
Mt.%20Mee%20-%20Queensland
How to Remove Leeches
http://www.ehow.com/how_4893778_remove-leeches.html
with metta
Chris
It always brings a smile to my lips when I think about the fact that nature still do many things better than us, despite all the advancements in medical technology 
