The Story of Turtle Rock
or
How Hickory Oaks Got Its Name
The Story of Turtle Rock is a fascinating tale that delves into the realms of Buddhist philosophy. This story revolves around a One Eyed Turtle on a quest to find a Floating Sandalwood Log, a symbolic journey that represents the pursuit of enlightenment and inner peace. The imagery of the one-eyed turtle encountering a floating sandalwood log with a hollow in it serves as a powerful metaphor for the rare and challenging nature of attaining spiritual wisdom. According to the Buddhist teachings, the one-eyed turtle resides deep in the ocean, with a scorching hot belly and an icy cold shell. His eternal struggle is to find balance and harmony between these contrasting elements, symbolizing the eternal quest for harmony and balance in life.
The yearning of the turtle to cool his belly and warm his shell reflects the universal human desire for inner harmony and spiritual fulfillment. Through this allegorical tale, the Buddha conveys the profound message of the importance of perseverance, mindfulness, and the pursuit of spiritual truth. The journey of the One Eyed Turtle in search of the Floating Sandalwood Log encapsulates the essence of Buddhist teachings on the path to enlightenment, urging individuals to overcome obstacles and strive for inner transformation.
The Turquoise Wolf Shaman [5], known for his deep connection to the spiritual realm and his ability to communicate with animals, stumbled upon the Turtle by chance as it washed ashore at the mystical Turtle Rock in the serene landscapes of Northern California. Intrigued by the rare encounter, he immediately sought the help of his sister, a skilled swimmer and healer in her own right. Together, they carefully rescued the Turtle and embarked on a profound journey across the vast oceans to The Windy Circle, a sacred sanctuary nestled off the coast of Alexandria, Egypt.
During their voyage, the Turquoise Wolf Shaman and his sister nurtured the Turtle back to health, forming a unique bond with the ancient creature. The tranquil waters and the whispers of the wind carried them through turbulent seas and tranquil moments, strengthening their connection with nature and each other. As they reached The Windy Circle, a place steeped in mysticism and ancient wisdom, they felt a sense of reverence and awe at the profound significance of their journey.
The One-Eyed Turtle is a fascinating character with a rich backstory that traces back to a distant planet where the Buddha, in his true identity, achieved enlightenment countless eons ago. This planet, called the Hickory Oaks planet, unlike many others in tales of enlightenment, did not face destruction or chaos following this significant event. Instead, it thrived and continued to exist in harmony and peace, embodying the profound teachings and wisdom that emanated from the Buddha's original moment of enlightenment.
On our planet Earth, the presence of the One-Eyed Turtle symbolizes resilience, wisdom, and a connection to the ancient roots of enlightenment. The turtle's single eye serves as a metaphor for focused vision and clarity of purpose, reflecting the deep understanding and insight gained from the Buddha's enlightenment.
As the One-Eyed Turtle travels through the cosmos, it carries with it the essence of that peaceful planet and the transformative power of enlightenment. Its journey serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of attaining true wisdom and the potential for growth and harmony that lies within each being.
Turtle Rock ~ Los Gatos, California
Hickory Oaks Ridge Trail Loop
Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
The Hickory Oaks Trailhead is at Skyline Blvd, near Turtle Rock and the Jikoji Zen Center at 12100 Skyline Blvd in Los Gatos, California. The Hickory Oaks Trail starts at the trailhead on Skyline Blvd and ends at Ward Trail about 1.3 miles to the west. This is a 2.6-mile loop trail. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 17 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
1 Turtle Rock
2 The One-Eyed Turtle and the Floating Log
3 Wallace Stegner Bench Loop Trail
4 Long Ridge Open Space Preserve
5 Gil Birmingham
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