Neighborhood Views V

These guardian peacocks faithfully stand on the roof of the Chinese temple behind my apartment complex. Although the temple is usually quiet, I really enjoy my window's view on the slight chance there is some activity.

I have read that the peacock is sacred in China. It is a symbol of beauty, compassion, prosperity, love, mercy, royalty, the soul, and peace. Supposedly it is a symbol of such compassion and empathy that it is thought to die of grief at the passing of its mate.

Another source said that peacocks symbolize wisdom in Buddhism, and that they are able to eat poisonous plants without being affected. This thinking leads more towards the mysticism of peacocks. Following the idea that they are able to make delusions into a path of liberation to transform the "poisonous mind of ignorance, desire and hatred" into thoughts of enlightenment, which colorfully open like the peacock's tail.

From my perspective, they show God's creativity and imagination through his beautiful creation.

Whatever way you look at it, they make a pretty decoration! :)