The Wrathful Mirror

We normally think that a wrathful situation is something in which we find ourselves. However, it may be that we are the wrathful mirror to others!

In general, wrathful situations are challenging, and can be painful: it’s a very shiny mirror! Even if we try to put things ‘right’ it seems that nothing works. This could mean that an association has run its course and it’s time to let go or move on.

For ordinary people, this type of situation can cause much suffering, as we don’t like change. Spiritually speaking, wrathful situations cut through dilemmas and have a releasing quality; they are part of our evolution. When this is experienced as a healing event, we can then empathise with others.

There is no point in talking to people who barricade themselves in a mud castle of a ‘peaceful’ docile life. They wouldn’t know what on earth we were talking about! For such people, WE are the wrathful situation! Many spiritual people fall into that trap, claiming to have compassion but quickly moving away when a seemingly wrathful situation is standing right next to them.

The more we look within ourselves, the more we see, the faster we catch our own reactions, and the clearer the mirror becomes. This is just too uncomfortable for some, who want to cover up their fear of change. People quickly panic to ‘fit in’ so as to be seen to have acquired ‘the answers’, preventing any refinement from taking place as ‘the answer’ has become a barrier. Whatever we say or do seems a threat to them and their way of life – in such a case, we are the seemingly wrathful mirror, and all we want to do is love…but it’s too much. This could be one of the reasons for old friends turning away as we develop and change.

When looking closely at others (and this is very important), we are not condemning them, but understanding them. We don’t over analyse them, as they have to do this for themselves. A mirror merely reflects.

The four enlightened activities of compassion deal with ego’s games through pacifying, enriching, magnetising and destroying*. There is nothing that we do. Merely listening reflects something of the four activities. If the mirror is clear and bright, others may see their own reflection…or not. The reflection may be too much and they turn away: that is their path.

Skilful compassion is conduct – the continuity of meditation.

* Put four enlightened activities into search for details.