The snail was now almost completely unrecognizable.
It's hard to articulate the emotions sifting within me as I leaned forward, taking in the shattered gastropod. Squinting, I tried to reconstruct fragments left behind by the snail's spiral shell with my mind. What had been a living creature seconds ago, was now disassembled, chunks floating in a greyish goo.
Unfortunately the snail had become a teacher. - "Dharma gates are numberless, I vow to enter them."
Opening the Door
One second of carelessness had brought a tragic end to this small creature. We have the ability to use our consciousness to become custodians of the earth, but when we act carelessly we often do more harm than good for ourselves and others.
I can't help but wonder if all "accidents" are preventable, caused only by our lack of mindfulness. Deep down I feel this is likely true, but my suspicions will require a more thorough investigation.
"Links in the chain," each action and thought we release begins a new chain of events. We create limbs on the tree of Karma. Our activities reach much further than we often realize. This is why the Buddha put an emphasis on perfect speech and perfect actions.
Rushing out the door this morning, overly excited about the prospect of breakfast, I was careless and killed an animal.
Giving attention to situations around me, it's hard to not notice certain parallels between the way we treat the earth and the way I treated the snail.
Careful well thought out words and actions, coming from a place of pure intention, are priceless creations. Unless more people start to act in a more focused way, I fear our world may be in considerable danger.
Door opened, I can now thank the departed snail for its guidance.
