Today I learnt about Scholar or Spirit rocks. Meant to represent the microcosm/macrocosm dynamic of the universe, scholars could reflect about the meaning/purpose of life by meditating upon them. By doing so you would also be tapping into the vital energy or "Qi" that is said to guide your physical and mental processes. Called "Gongshi" in Chinese these naturally occurring or shaped rocks were traditionally viewed, appreciated, and popularised by the poet Bai Juyi; If you ever get to read his works, they are a raw and insightful glance into what life was like during the Tang Dynasty. His lament for his infant son (poem below) was felt deeply in my heart, as a mother who has also lost an infant daughter (born sleeping in 2012). Living through a period of upheaval that resulted in the succession of eight Emperors, this would have been and extra blow for the poet when life was already feeling so uncertain.
Even now the conflicts throughout humanity's history feel never ending and without direction, however in the words of the philosopher Albert Camus, I agree that "Peace is the only battle worth waging"; So, I remain optimistic for us, while also
recognising and understanding that as much as there has been progress/growth amongst us, the realities of life can at times be incredibly harsh and overwhelming. I have had to stop looking at the potential of things, and instead refocus my view to the reality of them, thus "My home... It is my retreat and resting place from wars, I try to keep this corner as a haven against the tempest outside, as I do another corner in my soul." (Camus' muse, Michel de Montaigne); these are what books, music, even my art mean to me, where I find my sanctuary, and why I share them. They are a piece of my heartsease... given without expectation, or ego in hope of brightening someone's day, or inspiring them to dream big or without fear, and I love that about myself. It is a light that can never be taken away, just redirected if needed after much reflection. For as much as love is unconditional, tolerance definitely is not...we claim to love our fellow man, yet at the same time tolerate (by choosing ignorance) the suffering he endures, and I will not stand by that.
