Buddhism Quote by Roland Merullo
““There was a small glass vase between us, three gladioli in a few ounces of water. One of the gladioli had dropped a petal- brushstroke of purple on fine white cloth. Rinpoche drank the last sip of his tea, then set the cup aside, took the petal with his thumb and second finger, placed it on the middle of the saucer in front of him, and turned the cup upside down to cover it. "I feel a lesson coming on," I said... "The flower is the good inside every person," he said. "The cup is like a wall, to protect. Many people have that wall." "Armor" I said. He nodded. "Why?" "Because to live without the cup means you must feel the world as the world really is.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Lesson” by Roland Merullo, 2005
A teacher uses a flower and cup metaphor to illustrate inner goodness and protective barriers we people build, suggesting true perception requires shedding defenses.
In simple terms: Inner goodness vs. protective walls; see beyond defenses.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and gently lower your own protective walls.
Themes
self-awareness
metaphor
inner goodness
defense mechanisms
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
- mindfulness
- relationship building
Key Concepts
psychology
spiritual teaching
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What walls are you holding up?
- How can you safely lower them?
A Different Perspective
Some may view vulnerability as weakness, hindering openness.
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