Praying Mantis

Meaning:

"Portal deity who guards the bridge between pain and unity. Harsh teacher who devours vanity atom by atom. Fear of impurity masks your fear of pain. Teaches that staying with pain until it's done reveals unimaginable peace."

Teaching:

You have two choices: deny pain or surrender to it as friend
Your pain is the bridge to unity consciousness with all beings
Nothing can tarnish your heart's purity—nothing outside can touch you
I give sharp cracks when you try to numb yourself
Don't dream the pain away—your trial is staying with it

Contemplation:

"Can I stay with the pain all the way until it's done with me?"