From the prow of a Norwegian burial ship, this dragon figure epitomizes all dragons— mythical beasts that breathe fire. Fear sometimes feels like fire-breathing. But in some cultures, in China, for instance, the dragon’s gentle breath brings rain.
To be wise is to see differing viewpoints. What we fear can also brings us gifts. The Tao Te Ching tells us “There is no greater illusion than fear… whoever can see through all fear will always be safe.”
[Seeds for Reflection]:
... Holding that 'space' for the unknown and the unexpected is an essential condition for anything new to emerge and especially so for collective wisdom. The dragon is a powerful dual image of the fire we fear and the gentle breath we seek, the impulse to take us beyond our preconceptions.
... Collective wisdom comes out the realm of the unknown and the dispersion of illusion. In Buddhist traditions, respecting the dragon’s power means understanding its capacity to evoke terror and alarm, leading us to learn about our own inner trials and terrors. It also means grasping that the dragon is an inner image whose power comes from our own fears. What might it be like to learn to feed the dragon what it needs, rather than to simply fight it? How can we in groups recognize when the dragon has been evoked and learn what is needed rather than simply reacting to each other?
... What happens when you name your fears? What are you most afraid of? What needs confronting? How do you define “security”?
Please add your thoughts and comments via the 'comments' link below:
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The dragon ... as a magnificent adversary ... perhaps an overwhelming challenge that demands our complete attention and highest and best efforts ... something that absolutely refuses to be ignored. I'd say I love them ... I've always found depictions of dragons mesmerizing ... it's like I have to look at them. It's very strange when I think about it, they have nothing to do with anything "real" in my life and yet they are definitely very potent images for me ... in me, they inspire awe and wonder.
Posted by: Sharon Fields | June 02, 2008 at 06:53 PM
The dragon is my own power sign as I was born in the year of the dragon...I use these symbols and images in my spirit led art images to evoke a sense of power and to reach the hearts of others through the collective consciousness. www.suzannesart.com
Posted by: Suzanne Cheryl Gardner | August 31, 2007 at 11:57 AM
I think what we need to feed the dragon is truth. As far as working as a group, you have to agree to work from love not ego. A respect for where a person is at on their path because we are not all in the same place. I think when you name your fears, you face them and lessen their power over you. Then once you are aware you can release them. I often fear I am not good enough, smart enough to take on my journey. God keeps reminding me he wouldn't have brought me to it, if he wasn't going to see me through it. Security to me means safe. The only place that is safe is in the arms of divine love.I have been given the star of David to protect me on my journey and eternal friendships to encourage play and imagination. I have come to realize I need to heal as I heal. Intention needs to be pure and selfless.
Posted by: Franny | August 14, 2007 at 10:46 PM