Transforming Perspective, Not Action
In the spiritual awakening journey, there is a well-known saying: “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” This aphorism captures the essence of a profound transformation that occurs not in the realm of actions but in the realm of perception.
Before enlightenment, we engage with the world through a dualistic lens. Wood is simply wood, and water is merely water. Our actions are routine, grounded in the practical necessities of life. We chop wood to build fires, and we carry water to quench our thirst. The world is divided into distinct entities and tasks, each with its purpose and function.
However, with the dawning of enlightenment, a radical shift in perspective occurs. Once seen as separate objects, the wood and water are now perceived as the divine. Every action, whether chopping wood or carrying water, becomes an act of communion with the sacred. The distinction between the doer and the deed dissolves, revealing the inherent unity of all existence.
This newfound vision unveils a profound truth: God is not a distant, separate entity but is every aspect of the universe. The wood we chop, the water we carry, the tools we use, and even the hands that perform these actions are not only expressions of the divine but are the divine. This realization transforms mundane tasks into sacred rituals, imbued with deep reverence, interconnectedness and beyond.
The environment in which these actions take place also becomes a sacred space. The forest where we gather wood, the river from which we draw water, and the air we breathe are all seen as the divine presence. Every element of our surroundings is woven into the fabric of oneness, blurring the lines between the individual and the cosmos.
This shift in perspective does not alter the actions themselves. We still chop wood and carry water, fulfilling the same physical tasks as before. Yet, the awareness that everything is as is infused these actions with a sense of purpose and meaning that transcends the ordinary.
In this enlightened state, the simplicity of life is revealed in its most profound form. Each moment becomes an opportunity to experience the divine, to engage in a continuous dialogue with the universe. The mundane is elevated to the extraordinary, and every action becomes an expression of love and devotion.
Ultimately, enlightenment is not about escaping the world or renouncing our daily responsibilities. It is about transforming our perception, recognizing the sacredness in every aspect of life, and understanding that we are the intricate, divine dance. By embracing this perspective, we find a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment, knowing that every action, no matter how simple, is an act of communion with the divine, as the divine.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation, Spiritual Life Coaching & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 