The picture of this large rattlesnake was taken in Kalamalka Park in Vernon, BC. Nestled along the Coldstream Valley bordering the District of Coldstream, this fine example of North Okanagan grassland is dotted with ponderosa pine and groves of Douglas fir. The spring wildflower show is truly spectacular. The largely undeveloped park has an all-season appeal to those interested in its natural setting. A variety of animals, birds and reptiles and plant life reside in a mosaic of grassland communities. To date, 432 varieties of vascular plants have been identified in the park, rare for such a small area. This peaceful park is ideal for the study and appreciation of natural history, all year-round. It is also a lovely place to contemplate the nature of reality. Try and guess the source of this philosophical quote: “Your eyes can deceive you, don’t trust them”. This is actually from Star Wars Jedi knight Obi Wan Kenobi, but it might as well have come from the Vedanta philosophy (the philosophy stemming from the Vedas, the Hindu scriptures). Is what we see real? How far can we trust our senses? To further illustrate the illusion of perception, here is a parable. This particular type of parable is a Nyaya – the didactic stories used in Vedantic philosophy to illustrate a point. This one is called Rajjusarpa Nyaya, The Rope and the Snake. A man walks at night along a path. He sees a poisonous snake barring his way and turns and runs in the opposite direction. As he returns along the same path in the morning, he finds a coiled rope on the ground. He realizes that in the darkness, he mistook the coiled rope as a snake and it dawns on him, in the dark it is hard to see reality as it truly is. In the light of day, we see more clearly. Our perception of reality can be confused by darkness, which is ignorance to reality. This ignorance sometimes manifests as quick judgment or fear, and we react solely based on senses or emotions. Put simply, expecting the worst is like seeing the snake. When you see the snake of life, practise mediation. Stop and take a breath. Practice contemplation, prayer and mediation. Build the wisdom to let go of the snake and tie yourself firmly to reality with the rope! Develop the wisdom that we are all one, and with that awareness, compassion and love for all living things will arise - even for the snake. May the force of wisdom be with you!! The Emily Dahl Foundation