Nirvana can be defined as the freedom of mind and soul and the release from suffering. A Buddhist understanding, one of its main features is the journey to achieve these states. In the case of Buddha himself, he famously sat beneath a ficus fig tree for 49 days in contemplation of, and a journey to, nirvana.
Beatrice Bowles passed away on October 19. She had a deep understanding of Buddhist practices and thoughts, although not a Buddhist herself. I believe that, since that day, her sensitivities have wandered in search of this elevated state, and have gotten there on this day, 49 days after her death.
Here is a photo I took of Bea in 2020, that shows her in one of her most-chosen places of bliss: Wave Hill in The Bronx, New York City.
Like everyone else, Bea had occasional difficulties and moments of stress and unhappiness. But she felt that dealing with these things with open eyes legitimizes life itself, and on every day of Bea’s life, she celebrated the kind of thoughtfulness shown in this image. On this 49th day of her journey, let us celebrate, with her, her arrival.
© Copyright 2021. Terence Clarke. All rights reserved.
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Beatrice Bowles
Welcome back Bea. I missed you. Thank you Terence for the beautiful tribute. In traditional Korean (Buddism) funeral procedure, there is the 49th Day Rite, which is held 49 days after death, as the deceased goes through trials in the netherworld for 48 days before the process of reincarnation. I know she is here with us again. Big hugs Terence.
How beautiful....thanks for sharing Terry.