Given the choice between receiving a fig or a diamond as a gift, which would you prefer? He asked.
The fig, of course. She answered.
I thought you would prefer the diamond – a fig-sized one – still rough with vibrant earth energies, unpolished and raw. He challenged her.
A diamond does not nourish my body yet has the power to harm my soul. She replied.
How can a diamond hurt your soul? He wondered.
It is not the actual diamond, but what it represents. Today, a diamond represents wealth and poverty -- the wealth of earthly possessions and the poverty of spiritual enlightenment. A diamond represents ego and attachment to the material world. She bit into one of her breakfast figs.
Are you saying you will never use diamonds in your sculptures? He smiled.
On the contrary, I will use diamonds just not make them the center of attention. Plus, you asked what I would prefer YOU give ME as a GIFT. She laughed.
this excerpt was originally published in November 2007
