Being compassionate and accepting does not eliminate our vulnerability.
Vulnerability can of course be physical or emotional. But in this post, I will be referring to the emotional kind.
Accepting and being compassionate to the self and to others, is a way to minimize this thought of vulnerability. I think that vulnerability is also an openness to the self and others. As long as one can see this, then compassion and acceptance can bring loving kindness to these emotions.
But do most of us have an Achilles heel, a weak spot in our practice that would take us away from mindfulness and set off rage, anger and a host of other disturbing emotions?
I think that for most of us who are not yet a Buddha, the answer is yes.
And if we do have an Achilles heel, how do we protect this weak spot in our armor?
What if we removed our armor, so that we are left completely exposed? Sounds terrifying doesn’t it?
For me, I am thinking this is the only way to eliminate this weak spot in our minds.
If we can truly accept ourselves, and forgive ourselves, we open up limitless love and compassion. There is no longer a tender area that can open an old wound. The wounds are healed, and our entire being becomes one of tenderness.
The Buddha described a mind filled with equanimity as “abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility and without ill-will.”
This is the absence of an Achilles heel. This is just a purity of love and acceptance.
May my heart and mind always be that of a Buddha, and may I see you as a Buddha too.
May you be well, happy and peaceful.
