Becoming

By Richard Rudis //

Let’s imagine it’s approximately 2,600 years ago and you’re sitting by the bank of the slow moving river Nairanjana somewhere in ancient India. The sunrise is dazzling and the early morning rays warm your face. The only sound is that of a light wind in the tree-tops and the Earth awakening to a new day. As the morning fog lifts a huge tree, previously unnoticed, materializes high above you on the river bank. Among its large surrounding roots a thin, a stately man is seated in peaceful mediation; his eyes half closed, his expression serene, his energy mountain still.

Fascinated you doggedly vow to remain near by, refusing the desire to wander off to participate in life beyond this moment. Unhurriedly time passes. Eventually the man stands and with a half smile he acknowledges you before walking into the surrounding jungle. Unwilling to release the subject of your vigil you follow. Several weeks pass softly wandering while going about life’s chores. You sense that superficial space and time appear to warp around him, notice wild animals approach without fear and each night the trees bend their branches to provide shelter. After some time you awake to find him moving with purposeful strides in the direction of a near-by town.

The whole experience, when seen through ordinary vision is as interesting as watching grass grow, centimeter by centimeter.

Spiritual transformation, in others or ourselves, is hard to see through temporal eyes.

It is the responsibility of each of us, each sentient being to see better;
to experience the world of phenomenon beyond it’s hardships and elations;
to find the ever-present brilliant light, sound, feel, taste and color of unveiled truth;
to continuously experience reality as the Buddha does without fear and express it in actions of wisdom and compassion.

Only then will we discover our ever-present diamond-self and stand as our Buddha-being.

About the Author

Richard Rudis is a pioneer and teacher in the field of sacred sound healing, an author, and a long-time student of Vajrayana Buddhism. A pilgrim of Himalayan sacred sites, he has received teachings in sacred sound instruments for ritual and healing. His unique playing craftsmanship is a fusion of sacred sound techniques, tantric education, engineering background and Buddhist principle.