The reality is just not at all times lovely, nor lovely phrases the reality.
No mud, no lotus.~ Buddhist proverb
Coming into a brand new yr provides us the chance to replicate on our path. Whereas life gives many presents, we inevitably face challenges alongside the best way. Lao Tzu reminds us that “the reality is just not at all times lovely.” We may have to just accept truths about ourselves and the world that really feel painful or overwhelming for the thoughts. One of many highest non secular expertise is disciplining the thoughts to stay current and aware within the midst of discomfort.
However the rewards of that self-discipline are wealthy. Buddhism evokes the picture of the lotus flower, whose radiant magnificence is fed by the thick mud at its root. The mud represents our shadow, our struggling, and our challenges on the trail — the sure vitality of the ego thoughts. However dealing with our life consciously regularly transforms our inside world, and we more and more replicate the transcendent radiance of our true nature.
In the end, the non secular path leads us past duality itself: past good and unhealthy, past mud and lotus, and past ideas or phrases. As you enter into the brand new yr, ask for the braveness to maneuver by way of the mud and inhabit the blossom ready on the opposite aspect!