Quote of the Day

My religion has nothing to do with either “self-power” or “other-power.” It’s beyond them both. My proof is this: While you face me and listen to me say this, if somewhere a sparrow chirps, or a crow caws, or a man or woman says something, or the wind rustles the leaves, though you sit there without any intent to listen, you will hear and distinguish each sound. Because it isn’t your self that’s doing the listening, it isn’t self-power.

On the other hand, it wouldn’t do you any good if you had someone else hear and distinguish the sounds for you. So it isn’t other-power.

~Bankei

If there are sounds, and there are ears to hear them, the sound will be heard by the ears. You don't do anything, except pay attention. And even if you don't pay attention, the ears still hear the sound. Incidentally, this was found whilst wandering around Daily Zen.