A Framework to See Through

From the Monstarot Tarot, the Illuminator; from the Oracle of Toy Classics, the Etch-A-Sketch:

Luminous indeed, is that mind, when it is safely released and freed from alien impurities. 

~ Buddha

          The Illuminator is the wild card of the Monstarot Tarot and refers to our inner light of truth. I immediately thought of the Buddhist concept of 'luminous mind' - a wide-open state of mind that isn't defiled by attachment, aversion or ignorance and is cultivated through meditation, reflection and study. When this brightly shining part of the mind is not obscured, it sees where our unnecessary suffering comes from and how we can put an end to it. Awakening comes when we are determined not to keep on suffering. The Etch A Sketch keyword is 'framework' and its adage reads:

Every canvas needs the support of a frame.

For years I chased after anything that I felt could relieve my suffering, including drugs, alcohol and religion. The problem was I wanted to feel good and avoid anything unpleasant, so I grasped and clung to anything I thought might accomplish this. I gradually became a classic example of spiritual materialism and spiritual bypass. Any path worth walking involves work, training and change within (using a framework). Like cleaning a dusty, grimy mirror, it is my effort that will bring clarity rather than chasing after my next pleasure.