Turkey Vulture - Photo by Arthur Morris
Turkey vultures are often spotted making wobbly circles
in the sky, as they take advantage of rising thermals. These large birds lack a
vocal organ and thus produce only grunts and hissing sounds. What they lack in
vocalization however, they make up for in olfaction. Turkey vultures are
scavengers, feeding almost exclusively on carrion. They forage by smell and are
able to use their unusual ability even above a tree canopy. The scent of ethyl
mercaptan, a gas produced by animals in the first stage of decay, alerts them
to a possible food source. Humans also have a way of sniffing out what is foul
and unfortunate – not to be helpful but for the sake of indulgence. Those who
have caused us suffering (real or perceived) are the people in whom we’re most
interested. Our self-righteous, indignant side would like them to drown in
misery, preferably slowly and painfully. But the happiness we seek in their
unhappiness won’t bring genuine joy. This fake form of happiness is based in
deluded thinking and fueled by our attachment to a memory of hurt. Such a desire
only results in dissatisfaction and frustration. Authentic happiness, on the other hand, is
self-generating and comes from an open, awakened heart.
Has your heart been kind? ~ Atisha
For more information on the thirty-eighth slogan, go here.
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