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Public essays and reflections published from the Gamantra community.
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The Salt Doll
Aug 5, 2026
In a parable told by Sri Ramakrishna, a salt doll sets out to measure the depth of the ocean. It wants to return and tell the others how deep it is. The doll steps into the water. It goes farther. And farther. But as it enters the ocean, it begins…
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The Bhagavad Gita Battlefield
Jul 13, 2026
In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna stands on a battlefield. The war is about to begin. The armies are gathered. The conch shells have sounded. The moment of action has arrived. But then Arjuna looks across the field. He does not see enemies. He sees teachers. Relatives. Friends. People he has…
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The Two Monks and the Woman
Jul 12, 2026
There is an old Zen story about two monks walking together. They come to a muddy crossing. A woman is standing there, unable to pass without stepping into the mud. One monk quietly lifts her, carries her across, and sets her down on the other side. Then the two monks…
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The Gift of Impermanence
Jun 18, 2026
Impermanence can first appear as loss. And yes, there is loss. Things pass. People change. Bodies age. Moments end. But impermanence is also what allows renewal. Without impermanence, grief would never soften. Anger would never fade. Confusion would never clear. A wound would remain forever raw. A mistake would define…
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Pandora's Box
Jun 8, 2026
In the old Greek myth, Pandora is given a mysterious jar. Later retellings call it a box. She is told not to open it. But curiosity rises. A question forms. A pull begins. The forbidden thing becomes impossible to ignore. And so Pandora opens it. Out rush sorrow, sickness, fear,…
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Exploration
Jun 1, 2026
A child explores before identity hardens. A child touches, tastes, looks, listens, asks. Not always wisely. But openly. Later, the mind becomes decorated with conclusions. I like this. I dislike that. I am this. I am not that. This is beneath me. This is beyond me. This is safe. This…
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The Zen Tea Cup
May 29, 2026
A university professor went to visit a Zen master. Eager to learn about Zen, he spoke at length about his studies, his books, his research, and his accomplishments. The master listened quietly and then invited him to share a cup of tea. As they sat together, the master began pouring…
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The Mustard Seed
May 26, 2026
The Mustard Seed A young woman named Kisa Gotami lost her only child. Grief consumed her, and she carried the child from house to house begging for medicine that could bring him back. Someone finally sent her to the Buddha. He told her, gently, “Bring me a mustard seed from…
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The Norse World Tree
May 14, 2026
In Norse tradition, there is a great tree called Yggdrasil. A vast world tree. Its roots reach deep. Its branches stretch wide. And through it, different worlds are held together. Gods, humans, mystery, struggle, fate, life, death — not separate, but connected. What a powerful image. A tree that does…
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The Woman Who Fell from the Sky
May 13, 2026
In an old Haudenosaunee creation story, a woman falls from the Sky World. Below her, there is no land. Only water. As she falls, birds rise to meet her. They soften her descent. The animals gather. They see she needs a place to rest. One by one, they try to…
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