The heart sutra sounds like when one experiences the truth of one’s nature. One moves from living in the identity of this person to a point of view outside but a part of this life. Break thru the five skandhas. This identity is brought to life thru thoughts and constant renewing of the present experience. What one believes what one is comes from all the thoughts one has had. This includes memories. When one breaks thru this identity and can experience life from another point, The mind opens and understanding of this world comes rushing in. And as one practices more and more, one begins to live from that point. The results from living at that place, comes wisdom and compassion. There really is nothing special. Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. The only thing that arises from enlightenment is the wisdom and compassion one receives from living from another point.

As a person who has looked at Dementia and some of its ramifications, memory is important to one’s identity. Losing memory, one loses where one comes from. Loses friends and family even while they stand next to them. Memories are great when they allow us the freedom to be who or what we want to be. But, they also hinder us if they are where we retreat to all the time.

A blank white canvas indeed. $10,000 dollars? Not just for a blank white canvas but for the art that the artist provided in his presentation. Art is not just an object. It is the beauty the artist presents to its viewers. It makes us think and experience things differently than we did before. Red canvas is no longer blank cause it is red. A different way to look at life.