Symbols

As our practice unfolds, there are definitely going to be challenging times.

Unconscious material is becoming conscious, and we are gradually opening up to a larger mind and a larger world. Old strategies break apart and fall away, and new qualities emerge and go through various stages of growing pains. If we are truly committed to transforming old, challenging patterns, we will need support.

When the going gets tough, we tend to forget where we are and what we are trying to do. Especially then, the Three Refuges are a powerful foundation for staying on track. At the same time, we can also use our immediate surroundings as a support. We can create a sacred space to empower our life and practice—to give us a sense of orientation and grounding when we are lost and confused.

All the qualities that we are trying to cultivate already exist in seed form in our hearts and minds. We can connect with these qualities and begin to nurture and train them through the skillful use of symbols—a visual display of particular images that mirror our inner processes. Jung said, “The psychological mechanism for the transformation of energy is the symbol.” This is exactly what we are aiming for in order to better serve our journey on the path to freedom.

A symbol can be used as both an anchor and a means to go deeper.

A teddy bear is only some cloth and stuffing, but it represents much more than that to a child. It offers a sense of safety and support, and it helps the child to feel less alone and afraid. Even after children grow up, they might remain attached to teddy bears or blankets or such things. Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we no longer need this kind of comforting when we feel afraid or lonely or sad.

We all need symbols in one way or another. It’s not something we grow out of, but we can become more proficient in using them consciously. If we think that symbols are only crutches for the weak, we are not being really honest with ourselves, or perhaps we are living a rather safe life that doesn’t push us to our limits.

When we’re at the edge of change, that’s when we need the support of symbols the most.

This reflection by Ayya Santacittā is from the book, Leaving It All Behind, (pdf) pp. 17-18.