When we are alone on a starlit night, when by chance we…
“When we are alone on a starlit night, when by chance we see the migrating birds in autumn descending on a grove of junipers to rest and eat; when we see children in a moment when they are really children, when we know love in our own hearts; or when, like the Japanese poet, Basho, we hear an old frog land in a quiet pond with a solitary splash - at such times the awakening, the turning inside out of all values, the "newness," the emptiness and the purity of vision that make themselves evident, all these provide a glimpse of the cosmic dance.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Experiencing simple, natural moments can dissolve ordinary values, revealing a pure, cosmic perspective.
In simple terms: Simple moments reveal deeper truth.
Notice and cherish quiet, natural experiences.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- watching birds
- children playing
- listening to nature
- quiet contemplation
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create space for these moments?
- What does “newness” mean to you?
Such moments may be fleeting and hard to sustain in daily life.