Dharma Message from Rev. Lee Rosenthal

Gratefully reprinted from Vista View , November 2007
The official newsletter of Vista Buddhist Temple

“ One Heart Touching Another ”

 

Several years ago, a 3,000-year-old Egyptian tomb was uncovered on an archeological dig sponsored by the University of Cairo. During the excavation, an ancient reed flute was discovered in the ruins. Although pictures of such musical instruments were depicted on the walls of other previously excavated tombs, this was the first incidence in history of actually uncovering the real object.

An Egyptian professor of music was well known for his ability to reproduce replicas of the ancient Egyptian flutes using similar materials as found around the Nile River Delta today. However, he had never before actually seen an authentic reed flute from ancient Egypt—until now.

And so, one evening, this professor was entrusted with the actual artifact and invited for the first time in 3,000 years to give a recital using the ancient musical instrument. As he began to play, the packed auditorium became still. It was then filled with beautiful, melodious music.

As I was watching the television documentary on this momentous event and listening to the miraculous music myself, I came to wonder, “Where has the sound been all these years?” Was it contained within the flute, locked away in the hidden tomb? Or was it always within the potential of human beings to hear and appreciate the beauty of the sound? These questions also caused me to think of Amida Buddha and the Eighteenth Vow, which has been enveloping humankind since the eternal past. Where do we meet the Buddha’s Vow?

During a previous National Buddhist Women’s Convention in Chicago, the ladies and I had the opportunity to visit some of the city’s famous museums. It was a wonderful occasion to be able to view the actual paintings by such famous artists as Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin and Van Gough—whose works, for the most part, I had previously only seen in books. What a thrilling experience to now have been able to see them in person—to be filled with their power, beauty and inspiration.

Although these artists had lived and died hundreds of years ago, here I was in downtown Chicago being moved by the beauty on the canvas which they had touched with their own hand so many years ago. I was being drawn to communicate with them in the eternal present through the human heart and mind.

In a similar fashion, the Perpetual Memorial Service we will conduct this month affords us the opportunity to reflect and repay our indebtedness to those loved one s who have preceded us to the Pure Land, yet help to guide our way, within the compassionate embrace of Buddha’s Light, to also spiritually return home. Although we may be separated, we can never truly ever be parted, for all of us continue to live together amidst the compassionate Vow of Amida Buddha.

Amida Buddha’s Vow extends to all sentient beings and is contained within our human potential to hear its beckoning voice and respond. How wondrous to be moved by Amida’s Heart and Mind throughout these many years.

 

Rev. Rosenthal is the Head Minister at Vista Buddhist Temple

 

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