Crossing the Flood
FACILITATION, TRAINING, COACHING & CONFLICT WORK
The Buddha used the metaphor of crossing a flood to describe the task of realizing peace within a world of suffering. Today we are met by many floods: systemic oppression, ecological crisis, spiritual disconnection. The distance between where we are and where we need to be can feel insurmountable. Particularly when we go it alone.
Tim Harlan-Marks of Crossing the Flood Consulting works with purpose-driven organizations and individuals to move toward justice and equity with resilience and heart - crossing the floods we face together.
From Samyuta Nikaya, 1.1:
Devatā: “How, dear sir, did you cross the flood?”
Buddha: “By not halting, friend, and by not straining I crossed the flood.”
Devatā: “But how is it, dear sir, that by not halting and by not straining you crossed the flood?”
Buddha: “When I came to a standstill I sank; and when I struggled I was swept away. It is in this way, friend, that by not halting and not straining I crossed the flood.”
Devatā: “How, dear sir, did you cross the flood?”
Buddha: “By not halting, friend, and by not straining I crossed the flood.”
Devatā: “But how is it, dear sir, that by not halting and by not straining you crossed the flood?”
Buddha: “When I came to a standstill I sank; and when I struggled I was swept away. It is in this way, friend, that by not halting and not straining I crossed the flood.”
