The Tree is itself. Never. Always. What Joy!

I had a dream this morning: In the dream I was newly arrived at an ashram and waiting, seated quietly, for my first meditation assignment. 

The Guru beside me said: Contemplate a tree.  As he turned to leave I stopped him with an upraised hand, “Wait,” I said.

A short pause followed after which I spoke: “The tree is itself.”  He raised his eyebrows, then turned to leave again.

 

“Wait…” I said once more.  “Never.”

 

More raised eyebrows and turning away.

 

“Wait…” my hand raised, still…. “Always.”

 

My hand remained up, he stayed. 

 

 Another pause. “What joy!” I said and fell quiet.

 

He repeated my brief contemplation of the tree: The tree is itself.  Never.  Always.  What joy!

 

And then we both burst into laughter as he – recognizing me – extended his hand to help me stand and we embraced in happiness at seeing one another after so long.

 

 

Playfully,