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Stereograms

The pictures below give you a general overview of the main Buddhist symbols. These images were produced while I was developing a small booklet of stereographic images - you know those funny 3D things that you hold to your nose and go cross-eyed over - and, then, bingo - you see the hidden image. Magic stuff - all done with mirrors and arms hidden up sleeves. I had a lot of fun producing these magic-eye pictures and if you are at all computer inclined you may wish to experiment with these or with creating your own images. [see RESOURCES - to download the full kit]

As well as offering a pictorial overview of the main symbols I have included this item here because there are aspects of stereograms which can be considered in relation to the Buddhist path.

The first thing to consider is that the true picture (the truth) is hidden. When we look at the world we so often take the superficial, the packaging, to be the full picture; there is a need to look a little further. To see the hidden picture requires a particular type of investigation, a special way of looking.

This particular way of looking can be likened to the practice of meditation and the path of liberation which is very much based on clear seeing - of the truth of the way things are.

If you try too hard it won't work.

If you don't apply consistent attention and energy it won't happen.

You can't force the hidden picture to appear.

If you give too much time to the superficial image it fails to bring results.

If you are too confident about what you think you are looking for you may not see what is truely there.

When you glimpse the true picture is there a tendency to 'keep it' - to own it - to hold it fast?

The true picture remains present only when held lightly - with a relaxed mind - being with that.

Details are often sharper in relation to the background.

There is often more than one layer to the hidden picture.

The hidden picture is formed by combining left and right side information - yin/yang - Buddha/Mind.

The image will only stay true if it is given exclusive attention - the mind must be focussed.

The Candle

How it works:
The eyes have a focal point 'C' which is behind the surface of the image. Each eye gazes at a different area of the image - A + B in this case. The two 'parcels' of information (one from each eye) are put together in the brain as one. What the programme does is 'scatter' the surface information putting half on the left and half on the right. Try twisting the picture off horizontal - it won't work.
To view the images:
There are basically two ways - long gaze and cross-eyed - and one will invert the image as seen by the other (up will become down and v.v.). Cross-eyed is probably easier but I think long (relaxed) gazing is better. The image should be about 250 mm from the end of your nose. Imagine gazing at a point behind the surface of the image. Relax. Try to find the furthest surface 'inside' the image and allow 'edges' of the hidden image to appear. Relax.