In the next installment of our Jataka Tales series, we journey with three princes: Peace, Moon, and Sun. Banished from their father’s empire due to the envisioned fear of what the reigning Queen might do to them, the princes venture to the lofty mountains of India. There, they discover a lake teeming with lotus flowers, presided over by a monstrous being who devours all who cannot distinguish between right and wrong. Through the demonstration of wisdom and compassion, the eldest prince rescues his brothers and motivates the monster to reform its ways, allowing all three of them to live in harmony until the day of their rightful return to their kingdom.

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“The one whose heart can turn from anger, the one whose speech is fearless and true, the one who is free of mean and vengeful thoughts is wise and compassionate through and through,” (The Monster of Lotus Lake, p. 20).

“It is not right to act out of fear of what others might say. I do what appears right to me until someone convinces me I am wrong,” (The Monster of Lotus Lake, p. 21).

Transformation of Fear

The love and dedication of the three brothers were powerful enough to build a kingdom where everyone was welcome. Acting out of fear is always a dangerous path, as it can tie the traveler into knots over all the possible outcomes and harmful consequences. However, like the princes, the best we can do is stay true to our hearts and be open to new information that can help us distinguish right from wrong.

After all, fear itself is only an association and does not exist until this feeling is labeled and objectified. When the concepts and expectations behind this fear are released, the energy held captive by this feeling is also released. Here, we are given a new landscape of dynamic possibilities, one that grants tremendous power and strength for us to engage with the world and those in it differently.

For more on the subject, look to Openness Mind on pages 23-24.

For Further Study - Free Sunday Dharma Talk

Join Dr. Erika Rosenberg, a Nyingma instructor and psychological scientist, in her analysis of Tonglen as a profound meditation practice for transforming suffering into ease and fostering a commitment to helping oneself and others. Dr. Rosenberg’s talk will draw on perspectives from Nyingma psychology, Buddhist meditation, and current scientific thinking to provide insight into incorporating Tonglen into daily life.

Upcoming Retreat - Autumn Insight: A Therapeutic Yoga Retreat

Join instructor Jill Lindsay at the Ratna Ling Retreat Center for a rejuvenating fall yoga retreat tailored to help you feel rested, recharged, and more aware of how you move through the world. Learn about therapeutic yoga, practice mindfulness, and engage with body mechanics and anatomy lectures to help deepen your understanding of your yoga experience.