Pressure and Diamonds

There is something to the interplay of pain and liberation, pressure and diamonds, mud and lotuses 

—the dancing of polarities, in eternal union, for the purpose of awakening. 

While I do not believe pain is a necessary precursor for pleasure, nor suffering for Samadhi,

but for those who chose it for their life path in loving consent, as karmic agreements before birth, it is a powerful and generous teacher. 

Contrast is not the only way to come to know Oneness, 

but it is a way to steadily and firmly arrive at that remembering.

There is a way in which Life can cradle existence- be it plant, animal or human, providing the perfect conditions for which to thrive.

This growth is an upwards, outwards direction.

This is a gift. 

There is another way in which Life appears to temporarily withdraw Her unlimited stream of provision to foster resilience, solidify foundations, and fortify internal structures.

This growth is a downward and inward direction.

This too, is a gift. 

The tender green shoot of a plant in perfect conditions of sunlight and soil rises endlessly towards the sun- independent, blissful, fragile. 

While the plant who has endured harsh stormy dark winters has thick stems and deep interconnected roots,

gathering nourishment from the earth, from other plants.

It is is deeply connected, strong, and eventually, gradually,  also blissful. 

One path is not better than the other, just different. 

Both leading to the same destination-

Sat Chit Ananda-

the fruit of all awakening, and the river of love running through all things. 

I honor the Great Mystery within and without, that has lead me to know both paths as teachers in this life,

and river of bliss that permeates right through. 

Jai Ma,

Shanti,

Hari Om~