We need to know the basis around that which we wish to improve. The foundation we build on is so important.
If we try and clean a lump of coal. Scrub it. Wash it. Rub it. Rinse it. Scrub it again. Rinse. Repeat. Rinse repeat. All that remains is a slightly smaller lump of coal. Still murky.
A lump of coal was only ever meant to burn up. To always be a lump of coal until it isn’t.
If we try and clean a dirty cup. We know it’s a cup. We know it had a purpose. It had a use. It’s just unusable at the moment. It’s value is obvious despite its current state.
We can carefully clean it. Respecting that it is fragile
ceramic. Tenderly wipe and wash. Underneath the dirty surface is gleaming white porcelain.
Don’t confuse lumps of coal for dirty cups.
The lumps of coal could be persistence in living out traumas and patterns from the past.
Expecting something other than more of the same when you haven’t changed anything. Scrubbing away for infinity but achieving nothing.
By carefully supporting and nurturing your cups clean you can refill them and drink again.
Choose cups over coal.
Inspired by: Rinpoche
