Fell the Tree of Clinging with the Axe of Release
This deeply rooted tree of clinging — cut it down with the firm axe of non-attachment, and seek the quiet ground from which one wanders no more.
What is the most deeply rooted clinging in my heart, and have I still not lifted the axe to cut it?
📝Reflection
The old teacher likens clinging to a 'deeply rooted tree.' The older the attachment, the deeper the root, not pulled out in one go. The tool that fells it is 'the axe of non-attachment (asaṅga).' Here non-attachment is not coldness but the resolve to sever what has bound me. I carry old grudges, memories of loss, and longing for the unachieved by the root. Trapped in that tree's shade, I cannot see a new path. It is the Buddha's 'cut down the forest of desire, not one tree but the forest.' Not a single decision but the faithfulness of daily strokes finally lays the tree down.
🌱Apply It Today
Name one longing or grudge you have held longest, and take one step toward it saying, 'I begin to fell this tree now.'
This verse is read as universal humanistic wisdom, not religion — no faith is promoted, and the reflection is 100% original ONGO content.
