Most recent expression created in reflecting on the nature of mind, the nature of reality that much deeper... The reference was inspired by Alex, one of my students in the art with elders program... He has lived a long life, and in natural weariness spends most of the time in and out of sleep. He looks still and peaceful, and I can't help but to tell a story in my mind how he is resting in an inner most sanctuary of stillness. The following is the text inscribed on the piece...
"look deep into the nature of your mind and perhaps you will see the true nature of reality itself. Look past all the thoughts, emotions, the learned knowledge, the conditioning, the neuroses and perhaps see the emptiness of it all. Open your mind in this way, and so too perhaps will your heart open to all things as well. And in this openness, perhaps experience a harmony thru the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. Though all things being empty, they hang in the black void of the universe like shining jewels… transparent, absorbing and reflecting light from the suns, the moons, and all the stars in the universe. Looking deeply, perhaps realize nothing in this way is truly independent of itself. And perhaps realize the desiring need to exist so, is the root of all our ignorance that causes all our suffering and is projected onto the world itself, and collectively is responsible for the continual destruction of the world. And in looking deeper into the nature of mind, perhaps begin to cultivate compassion. Firstly for one's self, then for all other beings for when one begins to see the interdependence of all things perhaps one begins to see that any negative action, or even thought towards all things not only brings harm to others, but also to one's self. And in looking deeply, let us not mistake any of these realizations for pure understanding, and so look deeper and deeper. And in this manner, perhaps discover who we truly are so as to no longer have confusion and arrive at peace, contentment within. Free from the ocean of suffering where we tend to live our lives in highs and lows, existing vulnerably to the impermanent nature of all that we manifest in our desires and attach to, unable to let go when they no longer cease to exist. Looking deeply into the nature of mind, finding this nature of reality, let us live unconditionally in its emptiness so as to deeply experience the potential of a human existence for all that it offers, second by second. And in this way perhaps, discover something that which is not impermanent, inherit to us all. Eternal, ineffable, deep at the center of the void of emptiness within the heart of humanity… And perhaps it is from this place that any true transformation will take place. Firstly from within, and then outwardly. And perhaps will we be saved, and so too the world."