“I am enjoying this time with my granddaughter. I learn from her as well,” said Ibuki.
On one occasion Kaori climbed to one of the higher places in the meadows over a few rocks and the hawk landed within twelve feet of her. At this time Kaori seemed to begin to meditate while watching the hawk. She became very quiet as her grandmother watched with interest. After a few minutes the hawk flew away. It was a little struggle for the hawk to get back up into the sky after coming to such a low level. Yet eventually this big bird was soaring high in the sky as usual.
“What happened between you and that bird?” said Ibuki.
“He is now one of my friends,” said Kaori.
This began to occur with regularity such that the grandmother got used to it occurring and simply said nothing more to Kaori about it.
“This morning we will begin a new set of practices that are important to your training my dear granddaughter,” Ibuki announced to Kaori as they walked one morning out into the meadows.
“I want to repeat after me: Nothing I see here means anything.”
“Nothing I see here means anything,” Kaori repeated.
Ibuki then let her mind focus on plants and other things that she looked at in the meadows.