From the Wheel of Change Tarot, the Ace of Cups; from the Oracle of the Dreamtime, Koala:
The Ace of Cups represents the deep connection, empathy and tenderness humans can feel for themselves and other living beings. As the Dalai Lama reminds us, "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." Yet the reversed, fiery cup at the bottom of the card emphasizes what happens when love for self or others gets twisted by obsessive self-interest, greed and control. Such toxic love is what destroys humanity.
The story of Koala is one of greed; there was a drought and all the animals but Koala seemed to be thirsty. A bird followed him and found him secretly drinking from a water hole. The gum tree next to the water was set on fire, and Koala lost his tale. But how did such violence (other than punishing Koala) help the rest of the animals? The fire would surely dry up much of the water hole. As the
Dhammapada expresses, "For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love. This is an unalterable law."
strike back actions usually happen without much forethought I think. Probably just as well, think how much damage we could do if we put our minds to the job.
ReplyDeleteI hope that's true, considering who we have for our Tweeter in Chief. :)
DeleteIt's what makes the World go round.
ReplyDeleteIt sure makes it spin more compassionately and justly.
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