I wonder how many people are aware that lichen are a symbiotic association of a fungus and cyanobacterium (an alga or bacteria producing energy by photosynthesis). This is not an area I’ve huge knowledge in but the idea of this symbiotic relationship stuck in my mind when I first heard it. I think because lichen look like one life form, say some kind of ‘moss’. In the wider scheme of life of course it’s ALL symbiotic. Just think of all those bacteria in the gut digesting dinner and the complex interactions of the biosphere! Clear ‘external seeing’ of interdependent arising for me that. And the faith and finding deeper roots? I don’t find it easy to separate out the attachments! And it’s not always clear what the next step is! Can’t help but take one of course!
Just wanted to say thanks for this ‘tree series’, which I am enjoying so much…
“Monk: What happens when the leaves are falling, and the tree is bare?
Unmon: The golden wind, revealed!”
(Hegikan Roku, The Blue Cliff Record)
Harvey, thanks so much for leaving the comment. As you know I ‘elevated’ part of it onto the front page. Glad you enjoy the series. It has been a bit of a change of pace for me, which I have enjoyed too.
I wonder how many people are aware that lichen are a symbiotic association of a fungus and cyanobacterium (an alga or bacteria producing energy by photosynthesis). This is not an area I’ve huge knowledge in but the idea of this symbiotic relationship stuck in my mind when I first heard it. I think because lichen look like one life form, say some kind of ‘moss’. In the wider scheme of life of course it’s ALL symbiotic. Just think of all those bacteria in the gut digesting dinner and the complex interactions of the biosphere! Clear ‘external seeing’ of interdependent arising for me that. And the faith and finding deeper roots? I don’t find it easy to separate out the attachments! And it’s not always clear what the next step is! Can’t help but take one of course!
Nice teaching from you as ever, thanks!
Just wanted to say thanks for this ‘tree series’, which I am enjoying so much…
“Monk: What happens when the leaves are falling, and the tree is bare?
Unmon: The golden wind, revealed!”
(Hegikan Roku, The Blue Cliff Record)
Hi and nice to hear you Rev Mugo.
In gassho, Kevin
Yes, I was glad to be able to do that short recording.
Harvey, thanks so much for leaving the comment. As you know I ‘elevated’ part of it onto the front page. Glad you enjoy the series. It has been a bit of a change of pace for me, which I have enjoyed too.
Dave, how lovely to see you here. And to hear about lichen too. No it is not always clear what the next step is…until one has taken it? Possibly….