"Wood Vase"
Canon G7x Mark II
Lightroom
Canon G7x Mark II
Lightroom
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Decades ago, when I had lots more money and tons more naiveté about my own "perfectability", I constructed a meditation room in my house. I bought the turned-wooden vase above for my altar. The vase is made out of maple (maybe?) with beautiful grain showing. I loved it at first sight and paid over $200.00 for it at an art faire (such embarrassing pretense) - an extravagance and completely "extra" to the pursuit of the Dharma. Nobody needs a gorgeous wood vase to investigate the great matter of life and death. In fact, gorgeous wood vases (and their ilk) may well serve as roadblocks to realization.. as they increase our attachment to the "Beautiful" and "Serene." My Dog, Tie, saw through my pretensions. He saw I was heading down the wrong road and tried to save me.. The first time I left him alone in the house after purchasing "my precious" Tie made his way into my "dharma hall" and attacked the vase. When I got home, I found the dried floral arrangement that I had carefully constructed in the vase strewn around the floor. And then - the horror.. I saw "my precious" laying on its side with claw marks all over it and pieces missing from the top because Tie spent some time chewing on it.. Well - Instead of being grateful, I flew into a rage and punished Tie. I don't remember exactly what I did, but I probably yelled at him and gave him a prolonged time-out in another room.. Therein lies the lesson he so selflessly gave me.. I was a fraud practitioner. I was hopelessly mired in attachment to "my precious" and even more - to my thoughts about being a "serious student of The Way." He was trying to free me. And - for his efforts? Punishment.. Deep bows of gratitude to my beautiful canine Zen Master. I am so sorry. |
"My Teacher"
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