A Lesson from the Spirit

They show a courtyard with benches arranged in rows, and beyond them many grapevines growing.

"If you let this grapevine go its own way, it will smother others with its shade.
If you control it, constantly pruning the shoots, you can stunt its growth.

A skillful approach matters far more than the desire for great harvests.
"What are you talking about, Spirit?"
"You so often fret over your own harvest, your own potential, your unfolding, that you sometimes do not notice how you cast your shadow over others, those beside you, those who lack sunlight for life, who lack water for nourishment.
You think you are protecting them by creating that shade over them, like an umbrella on a scorching day.
But that is a delusion you know well. Deep inside, you see the cause of it all.

It does not matter how much fruit this bush yields; what matters is its quality and that others are able to produce no worse a harvest.
So that each vine in this vineyard may manifest, fulfill the function and role for which it was once created, travel that path from beginning to end, understanding the significance of this event.

Temper your guardianship and your desire to teach and protect everyone where they must pass their own lesson.

When you see hope in the eyes turned to you, a thirst for an answer, then become that hope and give the right answer.

But when you see dependency, an inability to make a decision, do not press on there; step aside, allowing those shoots to turn to the Sun, to feel energy and warmth in their bodies, and to send their roots firmly and securely into their foundation.

And the wise teacher is the one who opens the light to the one who asks, rather than forever sheltering them from the summer heat.
Show your wisdom by turning your attention to the one who truly needs your help.