Water changes its form according to the shape of the receptacle it is in. When water is put into a round bowl, it becomes round. Water is not stubborn, as some people are; water adapts itself according to the conditions. Yet, at the same time, it remains water and never changes its essential nature. We too can be flexible and yet not lose our essential nature. To be yeilding is not necessarily a sign of weakness. Water is soft and meek and yet it has the power to turn great dynamos. At the same time, water is humble. It always seeks the lowest level. It never tries to be on top or show off, but instead goes to the bottom.  The lowest level is a safe, natural and peaceful place.

The mind of the Buddha is often said to be a great ocean-mind. Buddha’s mind is large enough to receive and accept all things just as the ocean receives the dirty waters of the rivers and purifies them. If we have a great ocean-mind, we can take in all things and not be upset by them. There are no tensions or complexes of any kind in the great ocean-mind.—Gyomay Kubose, The Center Within.

~ ~ ~