Froglessness

From the Shining Tribe Tarot, the High Priestess; from the Animal Tiles, Bear:

FROGLESSNESS

The first fruition of the practice

is the attainment of froglessness.

When a frog is put

on the center of a plate,

she will jump out of the plate

after just a few seconds.

If you put the frog back again

on the center of the plate,

she will again jump out.

You have so many plans.

There is something you want to become.

Therefore you always want to make a leap,

a leap forward.

It is difficult

to keep the frog still

on the center of the plate.

You and I

both have Buddha Nature in us.

This is encouraging,

but you and I

both have Frog Nature in us.

That is why

the first attainment

of the practice—

froglessness is its name.

~Thich Nhat Hanh

The stillness, receptivity, and curiosity cultivated by the High Priestess lead to insight, but Bear reminds us that this is not the end goal. Just as the Bear must end his torpor in the Spring, so we must act on the understanding and illumination we've received. With insight, we can make wise leaps.