Thanks for the various responses, especially the little bit of information about James Audubon. It was just a name to me. His words were given as a quote on a chapter heading in Jack Kornfield's book " After the Ecstasy, the Laundry".
"When the bird and the book disagree, always believe the bird".
I remember reading some time ago in a book of literary criticism, a question being asked as to whether the meaning of any particular passage or verse or sentence was necessarily restricted to the intention of the author. Whatever our thoughts are concerning that particular question, the reality is that our own understanding does not necessarily have to be restricted to the authors intent, whether "deep" or "shallow", "simple" or "complex".
My own mind makes associations and connections that are perhaps never entirely logical, maybe even a little bit scrambled!! Two connections I make with the "bird" and "book" contrast is with the well known words of the Kalama Sutta............."Do not be satisifed with ........liking of a view after pondering over it...................but, when you know in yourselves these things are wholesome, blameless, commended by the wise, and being adopted and put into effect they lead to welfare and happiness, then you should practice and abide in them." What price "pondering" over a book and coming to conclusions that are to our liking?
The other connection are the words of Thoreau:- "With all your science, can you tell how light enters the soul?"
(Well, I did say my mind was a little bit scrambled!)
It seems to me that the "bird" is the answer to Thoreau's question, which is why I ask for its identity. It seems from my own experience that we can ponder many things - read many books - and come to conclusions after "liking" certain views. Yet how do we develope genuine discernment, how do we open ourselves to receive grace in all its varied forms, how do we develope deep empathy towards others, bring true compassion to our hearts, bring the capacity for mercy/forgiveness into our lives - both to give and to receive? It seems these things go beyond intellectual pondering, and often they seem gifts given to the "weak" rather than the "wise".
"Great things are seen from the valleys, only small things from the peaks" (G K Chesterton) That's another one to "ponder", like it or not! What you see is what you get. Just ask the bird!!
