Blue Heron

One evening, I witnessed a blue heron standing completely still on a rock at dusk in the middle of the ocean.

Twilight’s magic light created a contrast of ethereal beauty equal to Blue Heron’s mysterious presence. I was struck by the profound moment which reminded me of the quote I have framed on my wall, from my teacher, Shōgaku Shunryū Roshi:

"The most important point.
Is to accept yourself.
And stand on your two feet.”

Suddenly an insight dropped in: I realized that meditation, was the highest form of “being.” That meditation is “what we are” not “what we do.” Suzuki Roshi's quote was describing the acceptance of “being” the “light of awareness.” Blessed with the presence of Blue Heron’s poise and undisturbed attention, I began to paint and draw the Blue Heron series to symbolize the awareness of being beauty, joy and peace.