The Raft is Not the Shore-A Journey to Mediumship and the Use of Divinatory Tools

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In life we sometimes get caught up in thinking we are unable to do a task without a specific tool, the perfect tool. We often let this fear of not having just the right tool or conditions prevent us from doing what it is we want to be doing. 

For this episode, I referenced the Buddhist Parable, The Raft is Not the Shore, with the raft being spiritual or divinatory tools and the shore being Mediumship without any tools at all.

By sharing the stages of my journey to Mediumship, my use of tools, and when, why, and how they worked for me, I hope to inspire and encourage you. My hope is that you will leave this episode with a new way of thinking about the tools available to you and your end goal-what exactly it is you are trying to accomplish with the use of your tools, or your “raft”, and what “shore” are you hoping they will get you to. 

As always, if you have questions, thoughts, or ideas, please send me an email, or reach out on Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!

For your reference-

“Suppose there was a person traveling along the road. They’d see a large deluge, whose near shore was dubious and perilous, while the far shore was a sanctuary free of peril. But there was no ferryboat or bridge for crossing over. They’d think, ‘Why don’t I gather grass, sticks, branches, and leaves and make a raft? Riding on the raft, and paddling with my hands and feet, I can safely reach the far shore.’ And so they’d do exactly that. And when they’d crossed over to the far shore, they’d think, ‘This raft has been very helpful to me. Riding on the raft, and paddling with my hands and feet, I have safely crossed over to the far shore. Why don’t I hoist it on my head or pick it up on my shoulder and go wherever I want?’ What do you think, mendicants? Would that person be doing what should be done with that raft?” “No, sir.”“And what, mendicants, should that person do with the raft? When they’d crossed over they should think, ‘This raft has been very helpful to me. … Why don’t I beach it on dry land or set it adrift on the water and go wherever I want?’ That’s what that person should do with the raft. In the same way, I have taught how the teaching is similar to a raft: it’s for crossing over, not for holding on. By understanding the simile of the raft, you will even give up the teachings, let alone what is against the teachings.”

Alagaddūpama Sutta, MN 22 (translation by Sujato)

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xoxo,
Rianne