Covered PotOutrigger Hotel, Guam
2005
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One of my favorite contemporary spiritual authors is Lama Surya Das. In his book Awakening the Buddhist Heart, he discusses a Tibetan teaching called "The Five Defects of a Vessel" . This teaching illustrates conditions to avoid if we are to be suitable vessels for truth and wisdom.
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I have collected pottery for many years, so I found the symbol of the vessel particulary meaningful. I know that as an imperfect person, my vessel definitely has its defects, but this teaching provides a goal toward which I strive. I thought I'd share it here:
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The Five Defects of a Vessel:
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1. A pot which is turned over.
When we are facing in the wrong direction, we are essentially unavailable to even the most nourishing substances. This is a reminder that we get to choose the direction we face. We need to make wholesome choices and be available to hear wisdom teachings.
When we are facing in the wrong direction, we are essentially unavailable to even the most nourishing substances. This is a reminder that we get to choose the direction we face. We need to make wholesome choices and be available to hear wisdom teachings.
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2. A pot which is covered.
Have you ever tried to talk to someone wearing earphones? In the same way, how can anything be poured into a vessel that is shut down? This reminds us to be receptive and open.
2. A pot which is covered.
Have you ever tried to talk to someone wearing earphones? In the same way, how can anything be poured into a vessel that is shut down? This reminds us to be receptive and open.
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3. A pot that already contains something poisonous.
If we were to pour the purest water into a vessel that contained a toxic substance, although the toxin would be diluted, the water would still be corrupted. This reminds us to purify ourselves so that we are ready to receive.
3. A pot that already contains something poisonous.
If we were to pour the purest water into a vessel that contained a toxic substance, although the toxin would be diluted, the water would still be corrupted. This reminds us to purify ourselves so that we are ready to receive.
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4. A pot which is already filled to the brim.
This symbol tells us not be so full of ourselves and our opinions and ideas that there is no room for anything else.
4. A pot which is already filled to the brim.
This symbol tells us not be so full of ourselves and our opinions and ideas that there is no room for anything else.
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5. A pot that leaks.
We all know the expression, "In one ear and out the other." It is not enough to hear and be filled with wisdom; we need to learn how to retain it.
5. A pot that leaks.
We all know the expression, "In one ear and out the other." It is not enough to hear and be filled with wisdom; we need to learn how to retain it.
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(PS: Did you notice the little gecko at the base of the pot in the photo?)
3 comments:
Hi Amber, Love the pot analogy!
Missy
Actually, today, I feel a little like that "gecko" at the base of that pot. Yep, I'm him/her..looking up into this gigantic pot thinking if I don't wise up it could tumble all over me.
Timely insight for me. Thank you for sharing this :>
The Lady Prism
Such a delightful way to teach about being a vessel! I think I most identify with emptying myself so that I can be filled. Great photo! Missed the gecko until you pointed it out.
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