Finding Space - The Moth

The moth was not chosen randomly, however, the reason for it’s choosing wasn’t intentionally for it’s symbolism, yet I was fortunate that the symbolism fit its purpose. So let’s explore some of the different cultural symbolisms for the moth.

Taoism

Taoism doesn’t directly utilise symbolism, rather, focuses on the principles of Yin and Yang. The light and dark. In this way, the moth could be perceived as the interconnectedness of our thoughts (Yin) and our reality (Yang). It could be suggested that the moth is the darkness (Yin) that is seeking its opposing light (Yang). A Taoist story from the late Warring States period (476–221 BCE), tells of a monk who dreamed he was a butterfly, but upon awaking, wondered if he was a butterfly, dreaming he was a man.

“Once Zhuang Zhou dreamt he was a butterfly, a butterfly flitting and fluttering around,
happy with himself and doing as he pleased. He didn't know he was Zhuang Zhou.
Suddenly, he woke up and there he was, solid and unmistakable Zhuang Zhou.
But he didn't know if he was Zhuang Zhou who had dreamt he was a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming he was Zhuang Zhou.
Between Zhuang Zhou and a butterfly there must be some distinction! This is called the Transformation of Things.”

Buddhism

The Adhipataka Sutta (UD 6.9) tells a story of Buddha as he watches winged insects flying too close to his oil lamp and meeting their demise. Extreme focus on one thing, without awareness of one’s surroundings, will lead to misfortune. The senses can still be enjoyed, as the moth can stay circling the flame, but only when one holds the proper distance. When we hold on to many attachments, we are burned by suffering. So, in Buddhism, the moth symbolises the importance of being mindful and the need for awareness, and balance of needs and desires.

“Rushing up but then too far, they miss the point;
Only causing ever newer bonds to grow.
So obsessed are some by what is seen and heard,
They fly just like these moths — straight into the flames.”

Hinduism:

Moths in hinduism (Sanatana Dharma), have been akin to sensory attraction and attachment, being drawn towards temptations, leading to spiritual distractions and weakness. As the insect is drawn to the flame, so too is the soul to the divine, and highlights a metaphor for one’s spiritual devotion and surrender. The Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 11, Verse 28-29, describes warriors at war, some fighting for their duty to the divine, others who fought out of greed and self-interest. But in both cases, they are marching rapidly toward their imminent death.

“As many waves of the rivers flowing rapidly into the ocean,
so are all these great warriors entering into Your blazing mouths.
As moths rush with great speed into the fire to perish,
so are all these armies entering with great speed into Your mouths.”

Christianity

The Bible uses the moth to represent the frailty and transience of human life and earthly possessions drawing on the moth’s ability to damage fabrics. This characteristic is used in Scripture to illustrate the vulnerability of material wealth and the inevitability that earthly treasures will decay. Matthew 6:19-20, warns one against focusing on earthly possessions and to instead focus on heavenly treasures, that of the spirit world.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,
where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

There is a pattern within a spiritual paths, that the moth represents one’s pursuit of peace and the distractions that one must over come to remain aware in everyday life. This is what present-minded counselling helps to strengthen. It helps to shift your focus away from other times, and back into the here and now. And this is how you’ll heal from trauma, grief, and anxieties.