Zen Pencils by Gavin Aung Than for May 23, 2016

’Tis the set of the sails AND the winds (gales) that determine both the course and the safety of the ship.

Despite its nautical idiocy, I do like this one - it reminds me of my foolish youth, where I was saved by the whimsey (and maybe beneficence) of merciful gods. Tis the set of the Soul. I interpret that as having good Karma vis doing good. I’ve had extraordinary good “luck” in my life, I think by doing good, and not doing bad….. So this reminds me of myself as a younger man - I roll my eyes w affection and amazement that I’m still alive. Others my have a different take, but I like this….. Gavin, your pieces are like an I Ching or book of short Sufi tales…. Thank you.

ps - I meant “having good Karma VIA doing good…”

She’s not going anywhere now that she tore out the center of her sail.

Nobody would have the guts to say such things in our century. Her words do ring true though so have lasted over a century as gentle reminders to us. Laugh and the world laughs with you; weep and you weep alone.

Great, you may need that sail to get you off that island, now your trapped!

Storms come and go…..the sailor who stays the course will always find home.

Would love to see Gavin try “Sea Fever” by John Masefield. Should be an interesting treatment.

ships don’t drive… they sail.

It’s not what you get, it’s how you use it.