Reverence.
I saw this picture, and I knew that all I had to do was find the right words. The subject had already been decided for me.
According to the information I could find, the gentleman seated was an elderly Chinese man who was waiting for a train, and somehow passed on before his train arrived.
The gentleman standing over him is a monk, and acting as a person of faith, he is showing reverence for the passing of this man. I do not know if the monk knew this person, but the attitude of the monk shows a deep, sincere and profound reverence.
Reverence is a curious emotion, in that it can take us out of ourselves. We reverence things that are sacred, greater than ourselves, of inestimable worth.
This monk’s reverence for life touched me deeply. I think this reverence is somehow missing in our day to day interactions with each other.
This monk has probably lived a life of service, discipline, and sacrifice, and even though he has probably lived without some of the comforts that we take for granted, I can’t help but think that in some way, he may have a greater connection to humanity and to eternity than most of us.
Reverence for life crosses all cultures, creeds and countries.
As we reverence one human life in passing, so might we live to reverence each life in its living.
When everyone you meet is sacred, then your heart will find sanctity in the everyday.
For every day is a miracle, a blessing, an opportunity and a gift.
May we each find the sacred in our lives today, and show reverence for it.
-- Dr. Alan Barnes
@maddrbmusings
Photo by HU YUANJIA/Reuters/ Asian News Photo