THE TREE TRUNK 2

When it comes to life situations rather than a kitchen mishap, the tree trunk theory helps a lot. There are many instances in Buddhism where we are supposed to train our mind against favoritism, especially when it comes to people - the tree trunk idea works here too.

If I encounter a liked or unliked person, I can control myself mentally by using the tree trunk image - imagining the like or dislike to be winds blowing at my mental leaves, trying to dislodge me into an overreaction. With roots firmly secured in Dharma, the trunk can grow more and more stable and let these winds pass without bending along to every suggestion as a young sapling.

This helps me to practice equanimity, accepting everyone and thing rather than the wanted and liked only, and to control the rushing thought weaving that so many minds wish to waste time with.

I see the roots as buried in the Dharma, the stable trunk unswayed by what I term winds of Mara, and when the leaves are caught and whooshing about - I quickly center my focus on the trunk and go downwards… This seems to help!