The Rawness of Reality

From the Nigel Jackson Tarot, Judgment; from the Viking Lenormand, the 'Letter:'

          Jackson describes the Judgment card as "awakening into a new way of life." It parallels the Buddha, a title which means "one who is awake" in the sense of having woken up to reality. Part of this waking up is realizing the self we think so highly of is simply a mental construct; we are not separate or independent from others. We come to understand that pain and impermanence is a natural part of life, but suffering/dissatisfaction (craving for things to be a certain way) is optional. Awakening in Buddhism does not mean a blissful state but being able to be with the rawness of reality without freaking out or taking anything personally. When we awaken, we find what is hidden - our basic goodness (the natural wisdom and compassion of our mind). The Letter in Lenormand decks generally means some sort of communication or message. In speaking of awakening, it seems to fit with a quote from Ven. Master Hsing Yun: "Total and complete enlightenment is not attained easily. One must develop small moments of insight and understanding each day."