Painted wooden Buddha statues,Clipper Trading Company, Savannah, Georgia.
"In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true." - Buddha.
"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. Our only hope today lies in our ability to recapture the revolutionary spirit and go out into a sometimes hostile world declaring eternal hostility to poverty, racism and militarisms. We must move past indecision to action. We must find new ways to speak for peace and justice throughout the world. If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight. Now let us rededicate ourselves to the long and bitter -- but beautiful -- struggle for a new world..." - Martin Luther King, Jr.
Various bronze representations of Buddha heads, Savannah.
So true, Stephanie!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 09 January 2009 at 14:09
wonderful quotes...if each and everyone of us (bolded, exclamation marks) holds peace in our hearts...this is the only way to stop the ongoing madness.
Posted by: stephanie | 08 January 2009 at 23:31
Christina, thank you. They were both wise men and it's pretty obvious we all could use a little more wisdom these days.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 08 January 2009 at 18:30
What a beautiful reminder, of these words.
Posted by: Christina | 08 January 2009 at 05:38
Thank you, Gill. I do appreciate the encouragement. (As for M, I've voted for her twice already and will continue to do so, until voting closes. Although I don't get that voting more than once bit). :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 21:49
Amen, my friend. Amen.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 21:48
Dawn, I hope I get a chance to see that program. Thanks for the kind words. Hope 2009 is filled with blessings for you and yours!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 21:47
Aren't those pieces great? I linked to the store and you can purchase online. Yes, when you think about the trials and tribulations MLK endured, it's amazing he kept such a positive attitude. Very inspiring.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 21:46
Barbara, thanks so much. I looked up the name of the shop in Savannah and linked it above. Yes, they have some of those sacred texts - incredible, aren't they?
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 21:41
...........pleased to 'meet' you!..............we just shook hands!.....Anon the Elder.
Posted by: Anon the Elder | 07 January 2009 at 21:12
Tara,
I'm fond of both men. :)
Your images are enough to cause a widespread ripple of peace commencing from the heart of your glorious Parisienne apartment!!!
Keep up your good work. (Enlightening us all, and the world)
Go vote for Maryam, don't forget!!!
xo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 07 January 2009 at 20:55
Revolution used to be for bread and justice. Now it's for power and control [of material and minds]. MLK's words are more urgent than ever.
Posted by: Colette Copeland | 07 January 2009 at 20:45
Wow! I was blown away by this post. Yesterday I watched "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama" and my mind has been dwelling upon 'boddhisattvas' ever since. For all the horror rolling through the Mideast, and through our hearts when we hear the news, it is just amazing that there are blogs like yours, Tara, to turn to, and people all over the world turning to the words of the Buddha and peacemakers like Martin Luther King, Jr and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
(As an aside, I forgot the name but I wonder if the shop where you found the Buddhas is the same one where i found some pages with sacred Tibetan texts written on them???)
Posted by: Barbara | 07 January 2009 at 20:36
I love both these quotes.I am particularly struck by King's description of the long and bitter struggle as being beautiful. It is a great thing to keep in mind when the battle for justice becomes rocky.
Is there a volume discount on peace of mind? I would love to own each and every one of the Buddhas in the second photo. Stunning!
Posted by: dutchbaby | 07 January 2009 at 19:59
Very timely thoughts with wonderous photos of Buddha statues. I recently saw "10 Questions for the Dalai Lama" and was moved by both the story and philosophies. Thank you for reminding me today.
Happy New Year!
Dawn
Posted by: Dawn | 07 January 2009 at 19:49
Oh, aren't you kind? Colette is a dear friend and I'm glad our paths have now crossed. Thank you so much for the encouraging words.I think you're right about too many people with power lacking compassion. At least today the Israelis are considering a French-Egyptian-brokered ceasefire. Just a glimmer of hope, but perhaps it will lead to something positive.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 19:13
My sentiments, exactly.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 19:11
Ha ha, Leau - that's cute - if only we could pay a price and have peace of mind! What wouldn't we pay for such a treasure? Thanks for the kudos. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 January 2009 at 19:10
..........one day last year, by a complete fluke, I came across the amazing artwork of Colette. I was completely blown away! .....And now thanks to that same person,....I have stumbled across you....WOW! what have I been missing!What a pair you are....both certainly making a difference to this crazy world we are part of! I have read and reread what you have written this last week, but fail to find words to express my frustration....in the end it all comes down to POWER!And the Great Man hit the nail on the head....These are people who unfortunately possess power, but sadly lack compassion!.....I shall continue to read your blog and certainly appreciate and enjoy your artistic talent.....but might not always find the words to leave a comment....Keep up the good work!You make a difference! Anon the Elder.
Posted by: Anon the Elder | 07 January 2009 at 19:08
I wish the world leaders would revisit the writings of both these men.
Posted by: Yoli | 07 January 2009 at 19:08
Those are 2 mighty smart guys. I am writing down the quotes to keep them in my mind and heart today. Great photos too. Love the price tags on Buddha...how much do we pay for peace of mind? smooches
Posted by: Leau | 07 January 2009 at 18:22