This pair of ‘soul jars’ with birds on the tops is made tall to symbolically reach heaven.
Hey bro, catch this — soul jars with funny birds on top. My soul needs a good jar now and then…heh-heh.
Listen class. At that time, people believed that they had souls, and that these jars would help them get to heaven when they died. We now know, of course, that all this is just symbolism.
Relax, Listen. Breathe. Now study these jars. Notice all the details, and let them resonate throughout your body. No need to think at all — just let your thoughts go away when they arise…
Yes, children, your revered father has left our shores and started his journey to the great Islands. We asked our temple warden to create these simple jars to prepare us for our journey — yes, my lovely children, I too will soon be joining him. Please take care of these jars in the years to come as our journey will be long and arduous. And yes, little one, those birdies are just like our dear cuckaroos, and all of their friends will help to speed us along.
Mommy, look at those funny birds! Mommy! Where are you mommy???
O dear, where am I?… Birch poles, scent of burning cedars… A great bird staring at me…or is it a bird?
O, so you see me at last! I have passed many vigils at your bedside, waiting, wanting to help you find the hidden doors and open them. How funny it is that this tusk — in the white man’s museum of all places — finally got your attention. And it’s not even ours — it was made by a distant descendant! But now I can tell you the stories you have been longing to hear, about the times you are just beginning to remember. Come through the grass curtain and you will…
Excuse me Ma’am. Is this your daughter? Please be more careful — you never know what might happen around here!
Thank you sir! O sweetie, I’m so sorry…Here, let’s see what this one says:
Images carved into the tusk show both physical and spiritual worlds.
Mommy, let’s just look at this one for a while. I think it likes you!
Mommy?
Don’t worry, little blossom. Your mommy is taking a nap. Come with me, and I’ll take you into the quiet garden.
O yeah! This must be where all of mommy’s stories come from! But here they’re real — just like I always hoped. Mommy always tells me these stories, and then says they’re not real. But where is the Peacock? She’s the real story teller. O look — here she is. I want to…
Well dear, look at this beautiful picture. Let me read what it says:
The popular peacock! In different cultures it symbolizes
resurrection, Paradise and holds mystical lore.
But mommy! The Peaco…
Now dear…Maybe we’ve seen enough for today.
Well, I’m so glad the patrons are enjoying the exhibits, each in their own way. I’m very happy that my extensive curatorial training has made it possible to provide a context for them to…
Wait a minute. What’s happening here? It’s foggy, and very still. O, and those bells! I hate the wind chimes on my neighbour’s house, but this is different. Listen… they’re calling me!
Yes, we are calling you to forget all your so-called knowledge and listen — listen to the bells. Are you now remembering?
The scented air, the calm procession, and these fine robes — yes, I feel them on my skin. I left my home and family and found myself here. Soon the lady with the scissors, creams and razor will appear. My pate will be smooth, and radiant with the moon’s light. And then I will enter the…
O, I see. Here I am back in the Gallery:
This wall mural depicts Maitreya, and symbolizes the hope for enlightenment.
But it’s not a symbol — it’s the real deal! Who wrote this stuff? Uh-Oh…that would be me. They’ll make me pay for this…Yikes. I think I know where they’re taking me:
Yanluo is the King of all the hells who commands an army of demons.
O please sir. I do have glimpses of the true spirit but I have been trained not to speak of this. If you spare me the punishments, I will make amends!
Well, I guess this is where they want me to start:
On this stele, flying immortals hold the horse’s hooves
so the galloping won’t disturb the palace guards.
Hmmm. Now I just need to figure out how to tell real stories — and keep my salary!
Note: This post was inspired by the (wonderful!) Eternal Life Hike at the Royal Ontario Museum. (Link to Trail Guide – If this link doesn’t work for you, you can download the Guide from the ROM website: www.rom.on.ca)
Type legend:
Normal: Spoken in the present at the ROM.
Italic: Spoken in a spiritual realm.
Text Box: Quotes from the ROM Trail Guide.