2017-02-13

Raven 34: Very Special

No two grains of sand are exactly the same. No two maple leaves, or blades of grass, or stars in the sky are exactly the same. (Why do snowflakes get all the press?) "Every concept arises from the equation of unequal things" (Nietzsche). So tell me, isn't the uniqueness of everything your practice?

Case
In a group munching grubs one afternoon, Mole remarked, "The Buddha Macaw was very special, wasn't she! I'm sure there has never been anyone like her."
Raven said, "Like the madrone tree."
Mole asked, "How is the madrone tree unique?"
Raven said, "Every madrone leaf."
Mole fell silent.
Porcupine asked, "How does the uniqueness of every madrone leaf relate to the practice?"
Raven said, "Your practice."
Verse
There's never been anyone like anyone --
Each of us changing the world,
All day, every day.
I have known a million Red Oak leaves,
And still know nothing of the next one,
Fortunately.

Case by Robert Aitken; introduction and verse by Meredith Garmon
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