This is a photo of a quote taped on a friend’s favorite spot, her desk.
We read it so many times, make up meanings and meanings change depending in our moods. For most time we make fun out of it.
An ant goes round and round without
rest
Like all beings in the six realms of
existence,
Born here and dying there without
release,
Now becoming a hungry ghost, then
an animal.
If you are searching for freedom from
this suffering
You must hear the sound of one hand.
These are still resonant words.
Take a break from the clamorous rat
race of modern life.
Just listen.
She was searching for freedom from suffering is the focal point of this quote. Freedom means death. And we both just listened for it to come. And it did come for her and I did not hear it coming.
What is the sound of one hand clapping? Well, it’s actually a sign for the deaf. You raise your hand or hands and start shaking them up in the air. This is how the deaf clap their hands. No sound.
This is one of the best existential explanation I have ever heard. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
My pleasure. I will let my friend know that. Also, David, left a link in one of the comments.
lol. Here is a teaching on this from Buddhist perspective for inquiring minds: http://www.tibetanbuddhistaltar.org/life-in-the-six-realms/ …
Whoa… Fleen. That commment is a post in itself. I will save it for latter to post. Thank you.
Interesting quote and interpretation. From a Zen perspective I see it differently. And, from an ego thinking place again different. Wishing you a great day, p. ❤
Love this…do you know who the author is?
Thank you, Dave. I tried looking for it in Google, can’t find it. It was taken from Globe and Mail.
Found it Perpetua. Here’s the link:
http://books.google.com/books?id=5xQ4thtuSjQC&lpg=PA149&ots=oegXrTzjjd&dq=An%20ant%20goes%20round%20and%20round%20without%20rest&pg=PA149#v=onepage&q=An%20ant%20goes%20round%20and%20round%20without%20rest&f=false
Gosh you are such a good researcher. Must learn your trades. Thank you.
Thought provoking as always Miss P!
Mum, it is? I suppose it is that’s why me and my friend made fun out of it.
I like the quote, but life isn’t all suffering…
Thank you.