The Earth has been there for along time. She is Mother to all of us. She knows everything. The Buddha asked the Earth to be his witness by touching her with his hand when he had some doubt and fear before his awakening. The Earth appeared to him as a beautiful mother. In her arms she carried flowers and fruit, birds and butterflies, and many different animals, and offered them to the Buddha. The Buddha’s doubts and fears instantly disappeared. Whenever you feel unhappy, come to the Earth and ask for her help. Touch her deeply, the way the Buddha did. Suddenly, you too will see the Earth with all her flowers and fruit trees and birds, animals, and all the living beings that she has produced. All these things she offers to you.

– Thich Nhat Hanh

Image : Leshan giant Buddha, the tallest pre-modern statue in the world built during Tang dynasty era, Sichuan, China.