Great Beauty

The gift of a great smile and a “rosy disposition”, open street markets of South India, Karnataka State.

“May beings destitute of splendor become magnificent and bright.

And those worn down by toil and drudgery acquire great beauty and perfection.”

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References ‘Way of the Bodhisattva’, Shambhala Dragon Editions: 10th Chapter on Meditation, Stanza 29

Photograph by C. J. Schake – © Copyright 2010 – all rights reserved, quality prints available on request.

We are not Alone.

Beauty found in the open street markets of Karnataka State, India.

So many others… so many situations in our world… Two Iranian women facing potential execution, the oil continues to surge from the ocean floor in the Gulf of Mexico putting people and nature at sustained and increasing danger, and even those who seem to have so much, but still suffer from their own confused actions not knowing how to move forward without fear.

What is our commonality?

“Like those who journey on the road, who halt and make a pause along the way, beings on the pathways of the world, all halt, and pause, and take their birth.”

What state of mind can we adopt? In what way can we find sense, solace or solution?

“Strive at first to meditate upon the sameness of yourself and others. In joy and sorrow all are equal. Thus be guardian of all, as of yourself.

The hand and other limbs are many and distinct, but all are one – one body to be kept and guarded. Likewise, different beings in their joys and sorrows are, like me, all one in wanting happiness.”

Connected through technology, more aware through communication, we are able to reach out and do something positive. By being informed we have an opportunity to care through our connectivity.

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References ‘Way of the Bodhisattva’, Shambhala Dragon Editions: “Like those who journey…” 8th Chapter on Meditation, Stanza 33; “Strive at first to meditate…” Stanzas 90 and 91

Photograph by C. J. Schake – © Copyright 2010 – all rights reserved, quality prints available on request.