When Fallen Leaves Drop, New Leaves of Wisdom Sprout
When we see leaves falling in autumn, we know the season is changing. Even after a tree lets go of all its leaves, it endures the cold winter wind and chill, then comes alive again.
Our mind is the same. The afflictions and wandering thoughts inside the mind cling like leaves on a tree, and when we let them go one by one through practice, the mind begins to empty.
The emptied place of the mind is not a place where there is nothing. Just as new leaves sprout from a tree after winter has passed, clear and beautiful wisdom appears in the place where afflictions have fallen away.
As we live, there are times when we meet situations like a cold wind. If we do not only waver then, but keep practicing steadily and care for the mind, difficulty becomes a time that grows wisdom.
Today, notice one thought that is clinging to the mind and try letting it go. Attend to the breath, and when you release afflictions and wandering thoughts, new leaves of wisdom grow even within a winter-like time.
Even after the leaves fall, a tree endures winter and brings forth new leaves again. Our mind also empties when we let go of afflictions and wandering thoughts one by one, and new wisdom arises from that place. Even in situations like a cold wind, if we practice steadily and care for the mind, difficulty becomes a time that grows wisdom.
