We Have Forgotten The Pleasure Of Sky Gazing
There is an ancient Tibetan practice, Sky Gazing. Only initiates and advanced yogis are allowed to study it
I read a press release about glasses for campers that allow everyone inside to watch the eclipse without eye problems and that also allow you to see all the details of the crown etc. I thought many people have wanted to observe celestial events in recent years, so much so that the industry has even begun to offer special gadgets to satisfy the desire to participate in these events.
A few years ago we had fun with a neighbor and friend of mine looking for constellations in the sky. Luckily, our road which is a little out of town and on the top of the hill allows us to do this. Those who live in the city must go and look for places that are not very bright and where no one will think that you are crazy by running after the stars with your head up (especially of our venerable age).
The people in the few cars that passed were perhaps a little surprised to see us almost throwing ourselves into the middle of the road in the hope of finding a better observation position.
It's not that we understood or understand anything about astronomy, but we were caught up in the thought of finding the constellations. We have also downloaded some apps to our phones that explain what we see in front of us, and we tried to compare the sky with the map on our mobile phones (without much success, I have to confess).
There is also the news, and groups that announce what kind of event and when to wait.
One day, there was even a comet visible from our city. Unfortunately, the sky in our part of town was covered in clouds every day when it was possible to see it. Only in the high mountains, there were no clouds, but we didn't feel like driving for an hour in the night to get there. In short, we lost it.
I remember it with a smile and pleasure.
Today I know exactly where the moon rises and in which direction it goes. What do I need it for? No, there are no benefits to it. It’s only a pleasure to raise my head and see the moon shining in the black-black sky adorned with stars.
Interestingly, even some people on our street who take their dogs for a walk in the evening and who have seen me moon hunting have become adept at this entertainment. The problem with our lives is that we are all so busy with daily problems that we have forgotten the pleasure of simple things.
Maybe I'm a little contemplative today. It's because it's been raining for weeks here now. We hope that the weather will improve soon, and we will be able to go out and explore the surroundings again.
As regards the Tibetan practice that I mentioned in the first lines, it is all true. On your road to Enlightenment, after years dedicated to studies and exercises, your teacher allows you to move on to this advanced practice: observing the sky...