Guardians

Amid the unity of the lion dog and the turtle, inhale deeply, embracing the harmonious fusion of
energies. Exhale, allowing yourself to transcend ordinary perceptions and open to a deeper
understanding of the world.
As you stand at the entry gates of this Zen garden, a profound journey unfolds: How can you come
to know the sacred and divine within the serene landscape that lies ahead? At the gateway, two
honored guardians Komainu [kow-me-new] the lion dog, and the turtle, emerge from the limestone
formations of the surrounding terrain, bearing witness to the passage of 50 million years. They stand
as sentinels, embodying the essence of duality within each of us. [To grasp the expanse of 50 million
years, consider that if you lived to be 100, your life would unfold 500,000 times.]
Paired together, the lion dog and the turtle encapsulate the harmonious dance of yin and yang,
representing the interplay of what is considered to be the masculine and feminine energies associated
with the left and right hemispheres of our brain. The lion dog, a stoic embodiment of masculinity, left
brain reasoning and logic, stands resolute. Meanwhile, the wise turtle, embodying feminine gentleness,
empathy, creativity, intuition, and holistic thinking, extends her invitation, beckoning you into the
imaginative realms and openness inherent in the right hemisphere of your brain. The turtle guides you
on a transformative journey, fostering an open and receptive approach to experiences, encouraging a
deeper understanding of context and nuances within the enchanting tapestry of your inner world.
To truly grasp the sacred, you must recognize and embrace the duality embodied by these guardians.
The journey into the garden becomes a pilgrimage of integration, seamlessly blending the energies of
the masculine and feminine, and the interplay between mind and heart, within yourself.
The lion dog, with its calm and peaceful demeanor, serves as a guide, revitalizing your life force, or
chi. As you pass through the gates, its presence dissolves the energies you carry from the struggles of
everyday life, imparting profound tranquility. Simultaneously, the turtle, beckons you to delve into the
realms of your heart. The two guardians encourage an exploration beyond the rigid confines of the
rational mind, prompting you to tap into the creative forces that lie dormant within you.
In the unity of the lion dog and the turtle, you find a harmonious fusion of energies, each supporting
and complementing the other. Together, they create a sacred space where you can transcend ordinary
perceptions and open yourself to a deeper understanding of the world, urging you to harmonize your
internal duality.
As you traverse the pathways of this Zen garden, strive to become an instrument, a vessel for
comprehending the profound interconnectedness of our world. Envision the collective dualities
within you converging, allowing you to perceive the sacred and divine in every rustling leaf, every
blooming flower, and every whisper of the wind. The lion dog and the turtle, working in tandem,
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guide you to a space where you can recognize the sacred in the ordinary, find divinity in the simplicity
of nature, and achieve a greater sense of wholeness within yourself. This harmonious dance between
reasoning and openness, between heart and mind becomes the ethereal key, unlocking the boundless
beauty concealed within the intricate layers of existence—a choreography of the creative pirouetting
with the logical, allowing you to know and to experience the delicate nuances of the sacred that
surround you, unveiling the profound unity within our existence. So I ask . . .
• In what ways do you find yourself leaning towards either the masculine or feminine qualities
in your daily life, and how can integrating both aspects bring about a greater sense of
wholeness?

© iRewild Institute 2024