“Free from passion and desire, you have stripped the thorns from the stem” is a metaphorical expression that speaks to the concept of liberation through detachment. In this context, ‘passion and desire’ are seen as ‘thorns’, sources of pain or suffering. The ‘stem’ represents life or existence itself.
The idea here is that by freeing oneself from intense passions and desires, one can eliminate much of the pain experienced in life. This doesn’t mean that one should not have goals or aspirations, but rather suggests avoiding attachment to outcomes or specific paths towards those goals.
The thorns symbolize the hardships and sufferings caused by our uncontrolled desires and passions. These might be materialistic desires like wealth, fame or power; emotional attachments such as love, anger or jealousy; or intellectual pursuits like knowledge and ego-driven achievements. When we let these desires control us, they prick us like thorns causing distress.
Stripping these thorns means removing these sources of suffering – letting go of extreme emotions and uncontrolled cravings – thus leading a more peaceful existence. It encourages developing an attitude where we don’t get excessively elated by success nor overly depressed by failure.
Applying this philosophy in today’s world could lead to significant personal development. In an era where consumerism reigns supreme, many people are driven by a constant need for more – more money, more possessions, more success. This insatiable craving often results in stress, frustration and disappointment when expectations aren’t met.
By practicing detachment from such intense desires while still pursuing meaningful goals can lead to inner peace – reducing anxiety over things we cannot control while focusing on actions within our control.
Moreover, it also promotes empathy towards others as you’re less likely to be consumed with self-interests but rather understand other perspectives without your judgement being clouded with personal biases rooted in passion/desire.
Thus “stripping the thorns from stem” is about finding balance in life, pursuing goals without being overly attached to the outcomes, and living with less self-induced suffering.
