WEEK 14.1 (APRIL 5-APRIL 11) – LET IT BE…

The total solar eclipse serves as a profound metaphor for the transient nature of challenges in our lives. Just as the moon momentarily obscures the sun, casting a shadow upon the earth, it is important to remember that the sun is always present behind this temporary darkness. In Buddhist teachings, this reflects the concept of impermanence—everything that arises will also pass away. By observing this natural phenomenon mindfully, we can learn to embrace the ebb and flow of life’s difficulties, knowing that brightness and clarity will inevitably return after moments of darkness.

In ancient China, a solar eclipse was believed to be a dragon devouring the sun. The Chinese would bang pots and drums during an eclipse to scare the dragon away and save the sun.

The ancient Greeks believed that a solar eclipse was a sign of angry gods and that it was the beginning of disasters or destruction.

Korean Folklore: Eclipses were caused, according to Korean legend, by mythical dogs trying to steal the sun or moon. When people made loud noises to scare the dogs away, the sun or moon would be saved from being stolen.

The Eclipse of the Compassionate Sun

In a time long past, in a small village shadowed by the towering Himalayas, there lived a compassionate monk named Tenzin. He was known throughout the land for his deep understanding of the Dharma and his unwavering kindness to all beings. Tenzin taught that just as the sun shines upon everyone equally, compassion too should be extended to all without distinction.

One day, a prophecy spread across the village—a solar eclipse was to occur, and it was said to be a sign that the world was losing its warmth and compassion. The villagers were fearful, believing that darkness would envelop their hearts as it would the sky. They turned to Tenzin for guidance.

Tenzin meditated deeply on this matter and had a profound realization. He called the villagers to the ancient temple at the heart of the village and began to teach them as the sky slowly darkened with the approaching eclipse.

“Dear friends,” Tenzin spoke gently, “this eclipse is a powerful reminder from the universe. Just as the moon momentarily obscures the sun, our personal grievances and selfish desires can block the light of our compassion from shining forth.”

He pointed to the sky as the moon began its dance across the sun. “Watch carefully,” he instructed. “The sun is hidden but not extinguished. It remains bright and warm behind the shadow. Similarly, our inherent nature is to be compassionate and wise, though at times it may be obscured by our ignorance and confusion.”

As the moon fully covered the sun, darkness fell over the land. A cool wind whispered through the trees, and the villagers felt a stirring within themselves. Tenzin continued, “This darkness is not to be feared, nor is it permanent. It is a moment for us to pause, to reflect on what blocks our inner light, and to understand that these obstacles are impermanent.”

Slowly, the sun began to reappear, its radiant light spilling once more across the sky. The villagers looked around in awe as their world was bathed anew in sunlight.

“Like the sun, our compassion must be unyielding,” Tenzin said, his eyes sparkling with joy. “Let this eclipse be a lesson to us all that even in moments of darkness, the sun—our compassion—never truly leaves us. We must strive to let it shine forth ceaselessly, illuminating the darkness and warming all it touches.”

The villagers left the temple with a new understanding. The eclipse was no longer a sign of impending darkness but a symbol of the ever-present potential for renewal and enlightenment. Each year thereafter, they celebrated the Day of the Eclipse, a festival of light and compassion, remembering the teachings of Tenzin, the monk who showed them the true meaning of the solar eclipse.

“The dance between darkness and light will always remain— the stars and the moon will always need the darkness to be seen, the darkness will just not be worth having without the moon and the stars.” – C. JoyBell C

“What would be the significance of the candlelight, if there were no darkness? What would be the power of the stars over our minds, if there were no night?” – C. JoyBell C.

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” — C.S. Lewis

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” — Theodore Roosevelt

“Love expands, fear constricts” – David Scott

“When you project love out into the world it travels, and it can touch people and reach people in ways that we never even expected. or intended”

When you brighten the paths of others, you also brighten your way.

“No matter how far away from yourself you may have strayed, there is always a path back. You already know who you are and how to fulfill your destiny.” — Oprah Winfrey

Every experience is a lesson and every lesson holds an experience.

“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” — Alice Walker

“When you connect to the silence within you, that is when you can make sense of the disturbance going on around you.” ― Stephen Richards

“Being brave enough to be alone frees you up to invite people into your life because you want them and not because you need them.” ― Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass