I love the story of the head monk of an ashram who was asked to conduct a Buddist wedding for the son of a rich and powerful city leader. The guests were, of course, equally rich and equally powerful people.
When the monk finished the ceremony he immediately returned to the ashram. He gathered his disciples around him and told them he was not fit to be their teacher. They were astounded, and asked him why. He said,"because when I was around those rich and powerful people, I had sweaty palms. Until I learn that all people are truly one, I am not fit to be your teacher." And with that, he left.
I think, too, of today's quote about the spider. This smallest of insects can be seen in the most exhalted places. The spider is there, doing its job and not even thinking about its environment. Be it a palace or a pig sty, the spider's only focus is its work.
How nice to be so involved with the work for its own sake, to not think about its effect on others. Questions about whether or not a viewer will like the spider's web never enters its consciousness. The spider does not have sweaty palms. No, the important thing to the spider is whether or not the web will do for what it must do in order for the spider to live: provide food
My work as an artist must be done with these questions in mind: Do I love what I'm doing? Does the work make me happy?
Questions like: will others like/buy/treasure my work?--these kill creative impulses and stifle true innovation.
Only do what makes you happy. Then the work will feel authentic and you will feel more authentic, more you, in the doing of it. When the feeling goes, stop. If the work is worth it, you'll feel re-inspired the next time you approach it. If not, play with another idea until the feeling's right.
Work with a good head of spiritual steam and you'll love what you do whether you're working in a palace or a pig sty. Will it provide food? Perhaps externally, but more importantly, your soul will eat like a king.
Finding Method in the Madness:
