Parable of the Bowls

 

This morning’s dishwashing had much to teach.

The usual compliment of cups and bowls were joined by some items that had been outside, and too long at that. Nature had pungently begun to reclaim the few carbohydrates clinging to the glass.

As I washed the least soiled first, working my way to the worst, I created a process of de-soiling that involved a baking soda soak; then a boiling water silicone scrub and spatula chisel; and finally, it was at a level I could manually scrub it in the washtub, confident in its utter purity.

The storage dish seemed to represent me, at once trying to be useful, but neglected in maintenance. I asked the Tao, Is this necessary with me too, as I have neglected my spirit? Only to come to you as stinking puke? How is it I did not simply get thrown out? How much easier to find another, and clean. It said, You had lots of extra dirt clinging on. It takes what it takes.

And so it was, that eventually all were scrubbed to perfection, awaiting a rinse and placement on the dishrack. In order to save the washwater in the pot for next meal’s presoak, and upcycle the rinsewater in the tub, a medium-sized container was needed to shuffle the liquids where they could be used. The closest and best option was, as it turned out, one of these previously grotesque dishes, now sparkling.

That such a dirty dish, at one time, had the duty, nay — honor, to rinse the hard-working pot, the superhero in this washing lineup, in the end. The right tool for the right job can come from anywhere at any time, and so no single tool can claim higher importance than any other.

To the Tao, each creation is equal already, with no need — or power, even — to compete. If we are to be the right tool at the right time, we must understand this. To understand the way is to see the greatness in yourself. Once you realize your own connection, not even death can sever it.

Still, it is better, though, to be useless and left to pursue our own silence.

🙔