The Elephant Is Out of Control

The elephant in Asian symbolism represents a very powerful helper. A very powerful creature who could be of great service to us, but if not tamed, it's very dangerous. So that's what the elephant represents here. It's that aspect of our mind that's very powerful, very big, but is out of control. And those who study meditation right when they start, this is inevitably what is experienced. One sees how wild the mind is and feels like there's no way it can be changed. The clue is in the hands of the monk. These tools represent the spiritual tools that we need. He has a hook and a rope. And these represent vigilance and mindfulness. Vigilance is