Sometimes, when we begin meditating, we wonder, why is this so hard to be meditative when intense emotions surface. Why can't this be easier?
There is a famous story of a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. A man saw a cocoon that had a caterpillar inside. In its time, the caterpillar transformed into a butterfly and the butterfly tried to make its way out of the cocoon. But it was very difficult. It had to really struggle, pushing its wings against the walls of the cocoon.
So the man helped it out and cut the cocoon. The butterfly came out, but it could not fly, because when the butterfly pushed its wings against the walls of the cocoon, a liquid flowed into the wings that gave them strength. Without that strength, it could not fly.
So it is with spiritual effort. It is the highest effort, that begins, after a certain level of mastery in other areas such as our material life. And therefore, it requires the maximum effort. If it is your path, be patient, be compassionate and observe changes at many levels. They are subtle, but they are happening.
Each in this series by contributing artist Nitu Chhajer each butterfly signifies transformations that happen during meditation.
Meditate to become less disturbed by material changes
Meditate to channel your emotions into creativity rather than in strife
Meditate to channel your will power into worthy effort rather than unreasonable stubbornness
Meditate to transform your heart into compassion and generosity
Meditate to use your voice to uplift yourself and others rather than to break them down
Meditate to use your intuition for the good of everyone, rather than for one-sided gain
Meditate to experience oneness, and experience more oneness with the divine
More of Nitu Chhajer's meditation paintings can be seen at the Buddha Path series, and the Peace is Creative series. More of her paintings can be seen here.
Editorial Team
