The
Sword of Truth
by Balarama
Ishaya
In ancient Japan, one
of the most honored yet intensely competitive craftsmen were the makers
of Samurai Swords. A fine craftsman was not just technically skilled,
but also had a deep spiritual background, as the sword served as an
extension of the warrior's honor and spirit. History tells of a great
competition to determine who was the master swordmaker in the land. The
competition came down to two famous smiths, Muramasa and Masamune. Each
maker's sword was able to perform all the required tests of sharpness
and cutting with ease; so equal were these swords in raw cutting power a
last test had to be devised.
Swords made by Muramasa
and Masamune were held upright in a running stream; every dead leaf
floating down the stream that drifted against Muramasa's sword was cut
in two. The leaves approaching the blade of Masamune passed by either
side uncut.
So who was deemed the
better craftsman? Based on pure cutting ability one might think a sword
able to cut leaves in two with just the slight power of the water's
current. The true winner, however, was the sword that allowed the leaves
to pass unharmed. It was said Masamunes's sword had spiritual
discernment.
True compassion cuts in
a similar fashion. It does not blindly cut simply because it can. True
compassion sees the Ascendant floating in all things and clearly
recognizes the perfect moment for action. The Ascendant is infinitely
patient. It recognizes no need to push the river. From the standpoint of
infinity there is infinite time. Only those who are truly ready and
willing receive the most deft cuts. With this cutting, the ego-based
self more quickly falls away, revealing the infinite, unbounded shining
from within.
As Ishayas, we are
dedicated to the mastery of compassion, the ability to weild the sword
of unconditional love with wisdom, first on ourselves, then on those
around us who are ready. If it is your desire to live this experience,
let nothing stand in your way.
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