As Sarasota Architectural Salvage closes for good I reflect on the seemingly random and obscure items I’ve picked through as well as the ironic art and cosmic detritus which had my name on it so to speak.

To wit: A plastic Pepsi carton containing multiple discarded Buddha statues that have broken and worn down over time, surrendering to their fate or expiration date and in so doing have paradoxically achieved Oneness. Enlightenment has occurred through the dissolution of their apparent earthly form and a succession of karmic cycles. The human delusion and illusionnof greed, ego and self-justified anger has been extinguished. By following core Buddhist principles these liberated beings of light have successfully detached themselves from their bodily desires and relentless ego-driven head trash. Very inspiring.

Note:  Buddhist enlightenment, or Bodhi is the ultimate spiritual goal: an “awakening” to the true nature of reality, leading to liberation from suffering (samsara) and the repeated cycle of rebirth, achieved by extinguishing greed, anger, and delusion, and realizing an interconnected, selfless existence through wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness. It’s not a divine gift per se but a potential within every conscious being attained by following the Buddha’s central teachings like the Noble Eightfold Path to finally see things as they really are.

Core Concepts

• Awakening (Bodhi): Literally means “to awaken,” seeing the world without delusion, understanding impermanence and recognizing interdependence.
• Nirvana: The state of liberation, the “blowing out” of destructive emotions and cravings, a natural state of inner peace that transcends the common notion and perception of annihilation.