YEAR OF ZEN: SUMMER: DAY 02

Jacques de Loutherbourg - The Great Fire of London

Q: Fire and light are represented on a Zen alter by a candle. Meditate on the mystery of fire.

A: The mystery of fire…it is the perfect metaphor for passion and emotions. They make life more than something that is cruel, boring, and short. But without checks they can quickly turn and begin burning out of control. Unchecked they can absorb all the oxygen in a room and leave us breathless. I try and tend to my inner fire and utilize it as a driver, but within established limits and reason. Often it seems like the world is on fire (literally and metaphorically) and is in need of calm, control, and balance.