Have you ever reacted to a sound, thinking the cause was more dangerous than the reality? Have you ever jumped to conclusions, accidentally making a situation worse in the process? You're not alone! This week's Jataka Tale follows a young rabbit's panic after hearing what they believe to be an earthquake. One creature's flight through the forest quickly spirals into a stampede. Only when a lion stands their ground does the panic halt, providing the necessary pause for the rabbit to retrace his steps and discover precisely what they had run from.

Buy The Rabbit Who Overcame Fear Here

“Sometimes we are afraid for no good reason, but blind fear can make us run toward great danger” (The Rabbit Who Overcame Fear, p. 20).

“Always first consider the cause of your fear, then act wisely to help yourself and others” (The Rabbit Who Overcame Fear, p. 20).

Tools of Awareness

The stampede caused by the rabbit grew from the fear that the world was breaking apart. Only when prompted to investigate did they discover how misplaced their snap judgment had been; a judgment that could have led to dire consequences for all the animals of the forest.

“It is important to break down the idea that is our suffering, our fear” (Openness Mind, p. 52).

If the rabbit had taken the time to notice their surroundings before jumping to conclusions, much of the danger they caused could have been avoided. Awareness empowers us with the tools to prevent our thoughts and emotions from derailing or escalating matters into worst-case scenarios. By approaching our reactions with curiosity, we can unveil that the root of our unease may not be as daunting as it appears. The next time you catch yourself reacting hastily, focus on the sensations that emerge, not the accompanying thoughts. Embrace this as an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

For more on the subject, look to Tarthang Tulku’s Openness Mind.

Upcoming Retreats –

Day-Long Meditation Retreat

Join us for a full day of meditation and stillness. This retreat is designed for experienced meditators and includes breath practices, guided Metta sessions, and walking meditation. The program runs for approximately 6 hours with breaks and lunch. Weather permitting, it will be held outdoors in a beautiful meditation garden.

Cultivating an Inner Compass of Calm

Let nature, movement, and slowness help you reset and find balance on a special yoga retreat with Master Teacher Bex Urban at Ratna Ling Retreat Center. This weekend retreat is dedicated to helping you ground yourself and find inner peace. Whether you want to deepen your yoga practice or simply take time for self-reflection, this retreat is the perfect opportunity to find peace through yoga poses and intentional meditation.