The stone is solid, immovable and strong. The world could come crashing down but the rock never falters. All conceivable craziness could be lurking above, but the rock remains as it is. Still, serene and solid. Water flows over everything, without judgement or precedence. It takes the shape of whatever it touches, moving freely and joyfully. The water has no concept of what shape it should be, or where it should go, it simply flows. When we are faced with difficulties, we must always remember both aspects, and try to maintain them. We must not let our feelings control us. If hurt, we must react only as water flows over a stone - and - as the stone that remains unmoved and undisturbed. We must always be both. Solid and courageous - but compassionate and subtle to the touch. We must always be kind. We must always do all things with love. And with time, as the patient water flows over the steady stone, even the stone will change its shape. Flowing becomes solid, solid begins to flow. We must be both the water and the stone.
Kagyu Monlam 2017
