Wisdom

We can bring the element of prajna [wisdom] to any practice, such as bowing. The Buddhist tradition has this very beautiful gatha: “The one who bows and the one who is bowed to, both of us are perfectly empty.” How can we understand this? We know that the Buddha is made of non-Buddha elements, including ourselves. And you are made of non-you elements, including the element of the Buddha. This insight, into our nature of emptiness and the nature of emptiness of the Buddha, is prajna. With this understanding we can remove the boundary between the one who bows and the one who is bow to. When you bow to the one that is the image of perfection, the absolute, the Buddha, you see yourself reflected there, and you are able to recognize that ultimate perfection in yourself. There is no separation between you and the object of your reverence, and you experience a deep connection to the Buddha within. If you remain entirely yourself and Buddha remains entirely himself or herself, deep contact and perfect communication between you will not be possible. 

---Thich Nhat Hanh---