A simple flower

A simple flower, Bebenhausen, Germany, October 2012, Nikon D600 with DX 18-55mm VR lens, 
30mm, 1/125 sec @ f3.8, ISO 100, 0 EV, no flash © Steven Crisp  [Click on the photo to enlarge]

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, 

our whole life would change.

-- The Buddha --

We can glance at a single flower like this and think nothing of it.  A dime a dozen.  They grow like weeds in the summer time.

But if we begin to consider the amazing nature of this flower, how its essence is held within a tiny seed, and with nothing but some dirt, a little water, and sunlight, we have this beautiful blossom, and a process for continued reproduction and evolution.

How incredibly complex the inner workings of a flower are, turning sunlight into plant energy, the interconnection between the plant's pollen, the fertilization of other flowers, and delicate dancing of butterflies and bees to carry that pollen.

It's really unfathomable.  We know there are botanists and biologists that study such matters, and certainly they can describe these complex processes in great detail. But does anyone really know how it works?  Could any of us create such a process?

No, and in that lies the miracle the Buddha refers to in the quote above.  Sit back and enjoy the show.  For every single part of the ballet and the orchestration are simply unbelievable and truly awesome.  Such gifts for each one of us.

We are truly blessed to be able to witness them.  May we open our eyes.