Question
I just found your answer to a question Mr Chris Bird (interestingly) asked about the monkey mind. I am also intrigued by the whole monkey mind thing. I read somewhere a kind of story about how after applying oneself to years of meditation one's mind might become so still that birds will come to rest on one's head. I imagine it may have Buddhist origins. Have you come across this little story/image before? If so, do you have any sources for it? And is it a specific kind of bird?
I look forward to your response.
Answer
Kylie, interesting question! I do vaguely remember the reference you're alluding to. And I think it must be Asian... Hindu or Buddhist, possibly Jain. But since I've been more interested in studying other areas for a while now, it's gone the way of most memories... a bit receded. I do, however, know of Christian legends such as St. Francis of Assisi who talked to birds and really had a kind of spiritual kinship with them.
And in today's world, when you think of good photographers who, even for just a moment, are very psychologically still and centered, they too seem to almost 'connect' with some of the animals they photograph. The same could be said for animal handlers (e.g. lion-tamers, etc.). I think many people reach single-mindedness for a few moments without really thinking about it. IMHO anyone can be centered, focussed and internally quiet. Not just the highly visible spiritual figures.
