The Green Buddha

 

It occurred to me during meditation this morning, that I have been interested in the Buddha figurine since I was a young child. I adored this green Buddha that my grandmother purchased from my step-father's store ever since I can remember. Was I eight years old? Ten? Or younger?

It was made in Czechoslovakia out of an expensive, heavy, green glass-type material. Today it is probably 50 or more years old. I had already emigrated from Africa to Israel when my grandmother died, and my aunt sent it over for me because my grandmother remembered how I had loved it. 

Since then, I have always collected Buddha statues, but I have never known why I am attracted to them. Recently, I decided to stop collecting them - again - for no reason that I can think of.

And then, suddenly, this morning, during breathing meditation, I remembered my green Buddha. I saw it in my mind as clear as the new day out there. Anxious to look at it more closely, I ran up to my study and took this photograph.

I wonder why I loved it when I was a child. I realize that my grandmother remembered me even after so many years we were apart, and that my aunt took the trouble to send it to me. I start to understand (perhaps for the first time) that it is one of my most cherished possessions.

I place it alone, in full view, apart from all the other Buddha figurines I have collected these past thirty years or so - right by the blooming geranium plant a colleague gave me recently to celebrate the publication of my new book.

A year ago at Mining Nuggets: A parting gift

Comments

[Sky]

so very beautiful. it must feel very comforting, too, to have something close by that has brought you such pleasure for many years.

[tamarika]

Dear Jean,
What kind words you say about me! Thanks so much. I know, it is strange, such a big house and having to acquire new things for it at this stage in my life. But I must say we are having fun with it! I hope that one day you might visit us in Philadelphia and stay in our guest room, which is right across from my lovely study and yoga room.
Thanks for always being there - reading my blog - still - after all these years!

[Jean]

Tamar, I'm reading with great interest all your posts about the new house and some of your favourite pieces. I kind of don't quite know what to say - actually living in such a large and beautiful house is so very far beyond anything I have ever known: a different world. But, on the one hand, I do know that material comfort is a lovely thing but doesn't make much difference to all the other difficulties life throws at us. And most of all, of course, I'm glad it's you, who work so hard and are so talented and lovely, who has this gorgeous place!!