Castles and Cannons (Part Three)

. . . For me the garden provides an answer when faced with castles. The construction of a castle is not without cost. The stones and mortar needed for its construction and the guards required to defend it consume a large amount of personal energy. It is the sound of cannonballs bouncing off its walls that justify that cost. Facing the planting of a garden is another matter. Since a garden cannot attack no defense is necessary. When the attack subsides the person in the castle becomes isolated, alone in its drafty mass. My experience has shown me that those who live in castles become curious of anyone who cultivates a garden within sight of its towers. First peering from its windows, then through a side door reserved for exploring such matters they will exit the castle and inquire as to the true intention of the garden for it will not be obvious to them. It is then that the contents of the garden are offered. Freely. To nourish. To provide what they had sought to ignore.

I’ve also seen where gardens are useful when facing cannons. Those who possess big cannons look for big obstacles to destroy. Cannons are heavy and take a good deal of personal energy to haul about the countryside. It is the size of the obstacles that are encountered along the way that justifies this effort. Encountering a garden in its path presents a curious situation to the gunner. Since gardens offer no defense they are useless to cannons. Even if a cannon takes aim on the garden and thoroughly pummels the garden’s furrows, this act is of little satisfaction to the owner of the cannon when they quickly discover that the barrage has done no more than to turn the soil over. As soon as the cannon is withdrawn, nature reestablishes itself and the garden once more thrives. With nothing to destroy it has been my experience that those who construct and maintain cannons will eventually return to the garden to rest themselves having found their activities to be an arduous campaign. It is now that they are pleasantly surprised for the contents of the garden are offered freely, without struggle. To give what they had sought to take without question.

I again would like to leave my story to list the attributes of gardens. They are:

PLANT A GARDEN: listen, share ideas & experiences, communicate with compassion, compromise, be as honest as you can be, share resources, promote patience, seek understanding, view every One with value . . .

Feel free to add to your own list. My experience has shown that castles and cannons need each other in order to justify their existence. Gardens are their own justification. Gardens exist in an environment of compassion and a belief in abundance. This environment and belief is available to any One who begins this practice. Now I would like to finish my story.

I returned to my two combatants at a second meeting called some days later and shared with both of them that I had thought a great deal about what they had said. I told them that my conclusion was that big castles attract big cannons so maybe it was time for us to plant a garden together instead.

The question facing us now became, “How can I contribute?” During the course of their new conversation I could hear each ask, “Have you considered?” and “Help me understand.” What ensued was a lesson in contributing to the whole and how every person possesses a unique part of the cosmic puzzle. They each made their contribution. They reached consensus. A solution was crafted. We shared a toast over dinner.

I also returned to the site of my former home. Fortunately, for me, the foundation had been spared in my useless attack. Friends and family had already gathered to begin the process of rebuilding a new structure in my absence. We all held hands and sang when I showed them where the garden would be.