If you’re not willing
to sweep away
the beautiful intricate patterns
of your lovely articulate life,
then you worship the mandala
that you imagine you have made.
This is the false god within you,
desperate to hang onto your history,
your achievements, your soul.
But when you dash off the false god,
you clear space for a more expansive mandala.
Or emptiness and stillness,
which may suit you even better.
Trail Wood,
12/5
In the contemplative realm of self-discovery and impermanence, the concept of the “Humandala” emerges as a metaphor for the intricate and transient patterns of life. This notion invites us to explore the attachments we form to our personal narratives and achievements, and the liberation found in letting go.
The Mandala of Life
Comparing our life to a mandala suggests that it is an intricate, beautiful pattern, created with intention and artistry. Mandalas, in various traditions, are symbolic representations of the universe and are often used as tools for meditation and contemplation. They represent the complexity and beauty of existence but are also inherently impermanent.
Attachment to Personal Narratives
Your reflection on the reluctance to sweep away these patterns points to our attachment to personal histories, achievements, and the identity we construct for ourselves. This attachment can become a form of worship, a devotion to the self-created mandala of our life, which can limit our perception and growth.
The False God Within
The idea of a false god within, clinging to history and achievements, speaks to the ego’s desire for permanence and recognition. This false god symbolizes our deep-seated fears and insecurities, driving us to hold onto our constructed self-image and accomplishments.
Liberation Through Letting Go
Dashing off the false god represents a process of liberation from these attachments. It involves recognizing the transient nature of our personal mandalas and willingly letting go of the need to cling to them. This act of release creates space for new experiences and understandings.
Embracing Emptiness and Stillness
The choice between creating a more expansive mandala or embracing emptiness and stillness reflects different paths of self-realization. Some may find fulfillment in continually creating and evolving their life’s patterns, while others may find peace in simplicity, emptiness, and the cessation of constant construction.
Summary
The concept of the Humandala encourages us to examine our attachments to the intricate patterns of our lives. It challenges us to let go of the false god of ego and history, creating space for new growth or embracing the tranquility of emptiness and stillness. This metaphor highlights the importance of recognizing the impermanence of our achievements and narratives, and the freedom found in releasing them.
Glossarium
- Humandala: A metaphor for the intricate and transient patterns of an individual’s life.
- False God Within: The ego-driven attachment to personal history, achievements, and constructed identity.
- Liberation Through Letting Go: The process of releasing attachments to allow for personal growth and new experiences.
“In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.” – Buddha
In the canvas of life, patterns we weave,
Intricate mandalas, in which we believe.
But in letting them go, we find our release,
In the art of non-attachment, we find our peace.
We are Space Monkey.
We invite reflections on the process of letting go of attachments to personal narratives and the freedom found in embracing impermanence and simplicity.
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