Towards infinite potential


The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics postulates that "atoms form a world of potentials and possibilities, rather than of things and facts". Following a parallel path Ajahn Sumedho, a teacher from the Thai Forest Buddhist tradition, has proposed that:

We do not know the future. But we do not need to know. We can let the future be the mysterious unknown, the infinite potential - the possibility for pleasure, the possibility for pain, the possibility for peace. As we let go of the fear of the unknown, we find peace.

My photo of a stormy sky over Colombo in Sri Lanka hints at that infinite potential. There are many ways to experience it, and music is one of them. For me two examples particularly relevant to this post are Claude Vivier's Siddhartha and Jonathan Harvey's Body Mandala. It is now time for me to defy my advancing years and travel into the mysterious unknown of the future. Which means On An Overgrown Path will fall silent, When, or indeed if, it will emerge from that recess is uncertain. Because as Ajahn Sumdho tells us, we do not know the future and we do not need to know.

Comments

Mark said…
Well, I'm sorry that the blog will fall silent, having gained much from it over the years, but, if the blogger's purposes are served thereby, then so be it. Thank you and go well.
Unknown said…
Wishing you safe travels ahead. Thank you.
Philip Amos said…
I shall miss your blog greatly, Bob, but I cannot say that this news surprises me overly. And,though I can hardly rejoice at the thought of no Overgrown Path, I am happy to know that you have much else in your life that you very much want to explore, for there is no end to things we may experience, things we may learn. You and I are the same age, so I am also mightily aware of time being limited. Best wishes, Bob.
JMW said…
Be well. Thank you for the amazing richness you brought to the internet. It will sustain many and entice many more for a long time to come.
I'm a late-comer to your blog but I wanted to say thanks for the blogging you've done. It's helped me discover some music I wouldn't have discovered otherwise and recordings of Haydn I wouldn't have known about had I not read your blogging. :) Best wishes for the next stage.
Jerome Langguth said…
Thank you for the many enlightening posts and recommendations over the years. On An Overgrown Path is the richest and most life-enhancing music blog I have read, and its presence will be missed.
Unknown said…
namaste!
Jeirwin said…
Good wishes to you on your path from here on. I will miss your writings and insights.
David said…
Bob, the comments to this post are a testament to the high value your readers placed on your posts and contribution to the dialogue among the amici music. That dialogue will miss your voice. Thank you for sharing so generously with those of us also On An Overgrown Path. Best wishes to you in the infinite potential.
Unknown said…
Coming late to these tributes, I simply want to thank you for introducing me to music I would not otherwise have heard and for helping me to listen with more appreciative ears.

A N Other said…
You are much missed. Best wishes to you for smooth and interesting travels.

P
Philip Amos said…
I endorse the previous comment, but wish you would COME BACK!!
Unknown said…
We'll miss your insightful comments and massive knowledge of the classical music scene!

Charles Phillips

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