Being a seeker of wholistic and simplistic understanding, symbolism has become my primary medium
of realisation and expression. Indeed, my entire life is rooted in symbolism.
My friendship pebbles are made of Limestone, a common type of sedimentary rock composed principally
of calcite (calcium carbonate, CaCO3). Next to quartz, calcite is the most abundant of the earth's
minerals and crystallises in the hexagonal system. Pure calcite is white, but mineral impurities add
colour in variegated patterns. Sometimes the pebbles have quite a high dolomite (double carbonate of
calcium and magnesium) content (magnesian limestone). Dolomite is usually colourless, white, or pink.
Many varieties of limestone are formed by the consolidation of seashells. Please note that because of its
sedimentary nature, the surface of limestone may begin to crumble if immersed in an acidic liquid.
My Friendship Pebbles carry the kanji (ideographs) rendered as Shin-zen. The first two characters,
Shin, mean 'to take kindly to - to make friends with'. The last character, Zen means 'Goodness and
Virtue'. Together these characters mean 'Friendship'. Using a different ideograph, 'Shin' also means
'Truth and Reality', being part of my given name 'Shin-sei', (Born of Truth and Reality).
For me, pure unity or oneness is the supreme principle of all existence. Whatever we do to others we do
to ourselves because there is really only one Self in all. This is the basis of Vedantic ethics that
emphasise non-violence and compassion, treating others not like our self but as our Self. Symbolically
(or not), the mind is part of a labyrinth that is connected not only to every other mind that exists or has
existed, but to every atom, organism, and region in the vastness of space and time itself.
Every living thing is unique and unlike any other. Therefore, whoever harms a single living thing
harms all humankind. He, who loves and cares for a single life, saves the entire world.
The bond of universal friendship is the state of our spiritual interconnectedness and attachment to each
other and our ability to understand, empathise with, support and care for every other human being.
My Friendship Pebbles symbolically carry the spirit of unconditional love. I inscribe each pebble
personally to act as a reminder that we are part of one another. When I meet someone with whom I feel a
connection, who needs reminding that someone cares, or who enriches my life in some way I give a
Friendship Pebble to that person. For me, the most enriching acts are a spontaneous smile or thoughtful
word.
You can carry your Friendship Pebble with you in your pocket, or keep it at home. It will act as a
talisman in generating the spirit of friendship, and in engendering my wish that you have much
happiness and good fortune in your life.
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