Even blind squirrels find nuts once in awhile (and we are all blind squirrels). According to an old fable, the Fisher King is ill, lies dying in his castle. His kingdom is no better off; dread and hopelessness fills the land like a poisonous fog. One knight can save the king and his kingdom. His name is Parsifal. Parsifal is the youngest and purest of knights at the kings round table. He and a companion is sent off to wander and search for the Hoy Grail. If and when he finds it and he asks the magical grail question, the Fisher King will be healed and all the land with him. Of course, Parsifal, often interpreted to mean fool, doesnt know this. Its as if he is blind, blind to these hidden realities. Parsifal does bump into the Holy Grail, is dumbfounded and keeps silent. He has been taught as a child to be seen, not heard. He uses rules for children to guide him as an adult and the magical question is not voiced. The Fisher King goes on dying, Pasifal goes on living and searching until he matures to the point that when he again stumbles upon the Grail, he is able to speak and ask the right question. We all have moments in our lives that have the potential to be luminous, magical and healing. Two things are required to reap the benefits of finding the nut despite our blindness. First, keep on going. In the going on living, we can learn and grow and that keeps the option open that we will again find a nut. Keep taking risks. Stay curious about yourself and others. Search, explore, and ask questions. Life is an experiment for all of us, whether we recognize that fact or not. Second thing: stay awake. Be as mindful as your level of growth and maturity allows. This will enable you to recognize the nut when you find it and know what to do with it. Life is a series of long and boring stretches interrupted in unpredictable intervals by magical moments. If you fall asleep during the long stretches, you lose that opportunity to get the healing when it suddenly appears. Other opportunities will come along, but we dont know when. Nuts and Holy Grails are where you find them. Oh, what was the magical grail question? Whom does the Grail serve? Healing answer: Those who ask of it. |
