Frank Ostaseski: The One Who Hears the Cries of the World

Beautifully said by Frank Ostaseski. Such sad and scary times. It is painful to be conscious and aware, and our consciousness is so deeply needed. May we humans heal ourselves, hear that cries of the world, and take precious care of one another and our Mother Earth. — Molly

 
My heart is full of gratefulness for the first responders and firefighters working tirelessly throughout California. More than 14,000 firefighters are currently battling flames across the state.

My heart is full of sadness for those who have suffered the devastating loss of loved ones, of homes, property, livelihood, animals and the beings of the natural world and the wilderness we so love.

The Mendocino Complex Fire alone is the second largest fire in California history, scorching 273,664 acres in Mendocino, Lake and Colusa counties,

So far, wildfires this year have burned 629,000 acres, almost five times the average amount of land burned in California to date. Five of the top 20 deadliest fires in recorded state history occurred in 2017 and 2018.

In the Jataka tales, the forthcoming “Buddha is born as a small parrot who tries to save the animals around him from a forest fire. Repeatedly dousing his wings with river water, he flies into the great flames to find and wet his frightened friends. His bravery touches the heart of the rain god, whose tears fall, quenching the flames and rescuing all the creatures from a fiery death.” (j.kornfield)

The Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is said to be the one "who hears the cries of the world" and has a 1000 arms to compassionately respond in order to relieve the suffering.

Avalokiteshvara has grown more arms and the parrot has taken form as 14,000 firefighters.

— Frank Ostaseski

Author of The Five Invitations

https://fiveinvitations.com/