Capacity to Reflect.
“Let’s take the example of a mirror. When we look into a mirror we see in it the reflected images of any objects that are in front of it; we don’t see the nature of the mirror. But what do we mean by this ‘nature of the mirror’? We mean its capacity to reflect - its clarity, purity and limpidity - which are indispensable conditions for the manifestation of reflections. This ‘nature of the mirror’ is not something visible, and the only way we can conceive of it is through the images reflected in the mirror.” - Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche
How can you know your nature if you haven’t gone deep? Your nature isn’t simply the overt behaviours you engage in - it’s the seeds planted within. Can you be said to be gentle if you’ve never held a blossom? Can you be said to be brave if you’ve never faced a crowd? The world will reflect back who you are, exactly as you are.
In many Buddhist Suttas, the reader is urged to translate overt behaviours into mind acts. Instead of thinking that external causes prompt a certain response - we should look within and notice the seeds, the habits, the internal patterns that sparked an action. You definitely can’t change external stimuli on a regular basis, so best deal with what seems to be more under your control.
“The line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?” -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The bad news is - it’s all within us. The good news is - it’s all within us. An infinite capacity to see good, do good, and be goodness itself.
Put yourself in a new situation today, gather insight into who you really are. Concrete experience is the best teacher. Allow the world to reveal you to yourself - and let the new information be the catalyst for your transformation.
It is as it is.
-Sasha