Buddha and Reflection

Here is this month's Profound Photo by Vinji. You can learn more about Vinji on our Profound Pictures Contributor's tab. He is a regular contributor to this series, where the artist/photographer selects a photo or work of art they have created and consider to be profound. Then the contributor describes why, or simply lets the image speak for itself, as he has done here.

Buddha and Reflection

by

Vincent J “Vinji” Shuryu Fortunato

I normally do not provide commentary on the photos selected for Profound Living. As I had discussed previously, for something to be considered profound, there must be a some one who is having an experience of profundity. From a non-dual perspective, there is no separation between Consciousness and Experience: between the observer and the observed. Between subject and object. Thus, I typically let the selected photographs speak for themselves. Each photograph will speak to each viewer differently; yet hopefully, viscerally. No words needed.

However, for this week’s entry, some explanation is necessary.

This photograph is irreverently profound because not only does it depicts a statue of a Buddha wearing sunglasses and a baseball cap, it also shows, in the window behind the statue and in the sunglasses, reflections of the world.

The word Buddha means ‘awakened one’ or ‘awakened being’. The irony here is that an awakened being is one who has realized that there is no one to awaken! Rather, what awakens is Awareness itself.

Note: what I am calling Awareness is merely a word for something that cannot be described or labeled. It has been called by many other names, including Consciousness, Awakeness, Brahman, Witness, Tau, Emptiness, Nothingness, and God. Call it what you will. It is the timeless, boundless, formless, ever-present pure Presence that is the source of all experience. Indeed, it IS experience itself. It is both subject and object.

Simultaneously.

There is an ancient Hindu saying:

The world is an illusion

Only Brahman [Awareness] is real

Brahman [Awareness] is the world.

So, back to the photograph: what an awakened being realizes is that all that is experienced, including the idea of a self or ‘me,’ is an illusion. It is a reflection of the truth; not the truth itself; but not separate from the truth. The truth being that ever-present pure Presence that is Awareness itself.

So, what is there for an Awakened Being to do? Just put on a pair of sunglasses and a baseball cap, chill, and enjoy the ride!

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