"Polonnaruwa with its vast area under trees.. I am able to approach the Buddhas barefoot and undisturbed, my feet in wet grass, wet sand. Then the silence of the extraordinary faces. The great smiles. Huge and yet subtle. Filled with every possibility, questioning nothing, knowing everything, rejecting nothing, the peace not of emotional resignation but of Madhyamika, of sunyata, that has seen through every question without trying to discredit anyone or anything - without refutation - without establishing some other argument. For the doctrinaire, the mind that needs well-established positions, such peace, such silence, can be frightening."
Thomas Merton,
The Asian Journals of Thomas Merton
Picture by: Heen Ekaa @ Flickr
2 comments:
I once read a book by Thomas Merton which was called 'Thomas Merton on Zen'. He was a wise Christian that was open to learning wisdom from all sources, especially Buddhist ones.
Your blog, with its eclectic range of quotations, is a great resource to encourage such spiritual openness in your readers, Solitaire. Thank you!
Be well in the Dharma,
G at 'Buddha Space'.
http://buddhaspace.blogspot.com
Thank you, Gary.
18 years ago, Merton was the person who initiated my journey on the contemplative path, opening my mind to wisdom from other faiths. I believe I must have read almost every book and journal that Merton has written. It is such a pity that he died so young, ironically on his first journey to the East after visiting various India's Buddhist sites (a malfunctioning fan in Bangkok caused his accidental electrocution).
Indeed, it was Merton who first opened my eyes..
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