From Thunder to Prayer

Last night, I heard a loud sound in my sleep.

For a long time, I believed sounds like this were roaring thunder existing to frighten human beings. Something violent above the world. Something meant to disturb the heart. But while dreaming, another understanding appeared.

The Buddha knows I am imperfect, yet there is neither perfection nor imperfection.

As I settled into the peace within my own heart, and into the compassion the Buddha shows all sentient beings, I began to understand that the roaring sound was not truly thunder.

It was the sound of countless beings praying and chanting together for enlightenment and the realization of perfect light.

The sound did not exist to mock or destroy. It existed to awaken the mind from sleep and free it from illusion.

And as I practiced detachment and impartiality toward the sensation of sound itself, I felt something begin to change within me.

Fear softened.

What once sounded terrifying became almost beautiful. Almost comforting. Like a song echoing across existence.

The sound itself had not changed. Only the mind listening had changed.

And from fear and dread came peace. Then ecstasy.

The sound became a lullaby, gently carrying me back to sleep.