This modest Quan Yin has adorned our yard for years. Sitting in an overgrown flower garden amidst prayer flags, last Fall she caught the eye of our 13-year-old granddaughter, Myra, who has always had a heart for Quan Yin. Looking out our window at this view, she said to me, “I love looking out there, Granny, it’s so peaceful.” I treasured those words.
In December our precious Myra died by suicide. Standing at the same window with my shattered heart, I noticed that Quan Yin’s head was now bowed, gazing at the earth. I walked out to her, lifted her up and put her back on the ground, level gaze. And then it happened - again and again and again. Now I let her be.
This month the Dakini Journey has turned me towards Ratna Earth Dakini and my Quan Yin, gazing at the Earth, I think, is her messenger to me. We are now transforming the overgrown flower garden into “Myra’s Garden.” My husband is passionately preparing the ground – pulling, digging, cutting with every fiber of his being…. sprinkling this Earth with his grief. I stand at the same window and watch. Quan Yin bows to the Earth, patiently, witnessing Earth turning into flowers for Myra.
Anything is possible in this heart when Earth comes to meet it. RI. RI. RI.
This picture I've taken is Japanese JIZO BOSATSU KANNON, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva in Skt. Kushiti means 'earth' and Garba means 'womb.' It is said that the name comes from the fact that it embraces and saves people in distress with its infinite compassion, just as the earth holds the power to nurture all life. Especially she/he became a protector of deceased children. This is another picture of Kannon. Both are from the temple where I go for a walk almost every day. I hope you will visit some day.