Startled Wonder

Roger Tory Petersen, originator of the popular Petersen Field Guides, tells a story about discovering a clump of feathers in a tree. He was only 11 years old, and his youthful curiosity compelled him to examine the plumage by poking his finger into the mass. He was startled to find it to be a sleeping northern flicker (Eastern variety), which, equally startled, immediately burst into flight, revealing its bright golden wing linings and a splash of crimson. Petersen says this experience ignited a desire to study ornithology, and referred to that northern flicker as his “spark” bird.

Petersen was the first person to author and illustrate a book about bird identification that was accessible to the masses. Now, the Petersen Field Guides series has over 50 books covering many different life forms: flora, fauna, fungi, trees, mammals, etc., and, of course, birds. All this began from a moment of started awareness that gave birth to an insatiable curiosity to study birds. Petersen also gained the skills necessary to convert what he saw into accurate artistic renderings.

This is the way of our natural, unfiltered mind. It is eternally youthful, full of curiosity, without the conditions placed by tightly held concepts. This openness allows for wonder to be ignited in every moment. Anything that’s happening has the potential to spark awareness of our spacious, unfiltered knowing—a recognition of unconditioned clarity. In that very instant, we are compelled to find a way to express gratitude for that insight by engaging in some form of compassionate activity that benefits others. It simply seems to work this way.

The idea of startled wonder is mirrored in some Dharma texts. In Patrul Rinpoche’s commentary on The Three Words that Strike the Essential Points by Grab Dorje, he observes, “Emaho!—not anything, astounding.”  When emaho is used to describe this startled awareness, it refers to the mind snapping out of conceptual thoughts. It is the realization that the ultimate truth is not a distant goal, but a vivid reality present right now. Petersen had an “emaho” experience. It transformed his mind and kindled a fire that continues to this day and supports the curiosity of others.

So, if you find yourself wondering about something, it is sparking a fire in your awareness. If you rest in that light, it might reveal unimagined realms, beyond the conditioned mind you’ve grown used to. Take a moment to pause and abide in the space created. See what happens. Emaho!