Once you've had your initial insights, go deeper.
The Buddha's Ear
When we traveled to Sichuan Province in China, we visited the Grand Buddha in Leshan. It is easy to feel dwarfed by this colossal figure and a feeling of peace and reverence prevails here. After making many exposures of the overall sculpture, I began to explore parts of the Buddha's head. As I stood on a terrace at his right-hand side, about level with his cheek, I noticed some tree branches reaching out toward his ear. With a little dexterity I placed my tripod on top of the stone retaining wall so as to line up the branches as though they were speaking to him.
What a great world it would be if we, like the Buddha, could spend more time listening to nature, to a wisdom that guides and directs if we take the time to listen to our silent voice.
Is this a message to listen with the ear of the Buddha, with conviction, purpose, and assurance?
Take a moment now to return to the photograph of the Buddha's ear. Do any new thoughts or insights come to you?
Are you living your outward life in harmony with your inner nature?
How close does your actual self match the ideal you that you are meant to be?
What can you be doing to live more in keeping with the promptings of your inner voice?
