For my birthday this year I took myself to Cambridge, MA and enjoyed the Harvard Museum of Art. Within this grand space were many artworks I never thought I would see in person. I gasped as I entered each room. Nearly cried at the sight of some. The details missing in textbooks or even well made replicas left me awestruck over and over again.

Just in time I stumbled into the room of Eastern Art. As I looked in wonder at the detailed works of utlities and yet artwork, I melted at the time I knew each multifaceted piece took. In the back corner a room of nothing but Buddha statues blessed by full sunlight. Benches there, where I fell into a seated position to meditate among the ages of stone that had seen things only Hollywood dreams of. As I came back to reality for the curator had entered, I began to take note. Most the statues, especially the closest to human sized, were missing their hands. I thought on it and while the most obvious reason is that they are fragile things sticking out from the sculpted body; the more philosophical viewpoint would speak to Buddha’s beliefs (simplified): We are humans BEing, not doings.

There each statue stood proudly BEing, unable to do anymore. Disabled by all human terms and yet someone perched them on display. Valued them anyway. To my deepest heart I took that truth. No matter what I can do for another, simply BEing is enough to be valued.

A link to the specific room I speak of: Harvard Art Museums

I encourage anyone that can to slip in this large building of beauty. To sit with the Buddhas that have witnessed war torn people but still preserved to illustrate BEing as enough a basic need.