Some days ago I posted an image of two birds on my Twitter account happily announcing that I had two new remixes out in the world. Strangely in the days since this post I have sadly had to bury two dead birds which were killed by a black and white local cat, giving them a simple garden burial with the chanting of hopefully appropriate mantras (or as they say in Thailand katas). My neutral rational mind stated that this event was not synchronous or fateful. However, I do still see many threads leading from this and can sincerely concur that all things are connected and are interdependent on each other. My feelings have been tenderized and my emotions raised. Since my father’s passing last year I have thought more deeply upon death and the time we spend on this planet. The first bird burial was on the day of the ill-advised anti-environmental third Heathrow runway judgement.
The second bird burial was on the 27th June, after I had watched the final episode from the remarkable and very talented Anthony Bourdain and his superb CNN show Parts Unknown where he travels to Bhutan. It is on this show that death is discussed and the view that this nation has in regards to such things.
On the 23rd June myself and many other good folks took part in #ADayForDil a day to celebrate and remember our good friend David Ian Law (known on Twitter as DIL23) who passed away just before Christmas 2017. His Twitter handle reflected his interest in esoteric subjects and the 23 enigma. Our efforts have been fruitful and the charity his family requested to be supported during this day have benefited from our combined efforts. For me late June it seems has been about endings and about how we as human beings react to and view death. I understand the world is not black and white like the cat that killed the birds or indeed like my beloved medium of drawing images in ink. The image of Lou Reed’s last living tweet of a door springs to mind for some reason.
The circumstances of our passing can range widely and are as varied as there are stars in the sky. Some realized masters know the place, time and date of their own death and can meditate through this into their own passing. I am not saying we should all think about death all of the time. That would make life somewhat unbearable. However, I have since these numerous instances have entered into my consciousness put aside time daily to meditate upon my own death and the impermanence of all things.
I have included in this blog the two pieces of music that were issued by myself for my friend David for #ADayForDil. One is a free download on SoundCloud, the other is available on an audio cassette tape, the first physical product my music has been available on since my first and only CD from 2002.
The two pieces of music, like two birds, hopefully will offer the listener two small vistas dedicated to the beauty of life for a friend that is no longer physically present but is most definitely alive in the memories and hearts of his many loving caring friends.
Sheer Zed • Writer • Buddhist Shaman • Musician • Artist • 