A Good Rilke Quote #15
"Our deepest fears are like dragons guarding our deepest treasures."
"Our deepest fears are like dragons guarding our deepest treasures."
Meaning:
Rilke suggests that fear isn’t just an obstacle—it’s actually a signpost pointing to what is most valuable in our lives. The dragon represents the internal resistance, doubt, and fear that arise whenever we approach something truly meaningful—whether it’s love, creativity, personal growth, or a life-changing decision. The treasure is the thing we most desire but feel unworthy of or afraid to claim.
So why does fear guard the treasure?
In myths and fairy tales, dragons guard treasure to keep it from those who are unprepared. Similarly, Rilke implies that our fears exist not to stop us but to test us, ensuring we are ready to claim what we seek. If something truly matters, it will likely provoke fear—fear of failure, fear of change, fear of being seen, or fear of not being enough.
How to apply it:
Rather than seeing fear as a signal to turn back, Rilke encourages us to lean into it (and not in the Sheryl Sandberg way!) When fear arises, it may actually mean we’re on the right path. The challenge is to move through it, proving that we are worthy of the "gold" on the other side.
How do we move through it?
Besides identifying what we want, feeling the desire to claim it, and preparing to own it there can be a dose of anxiety about actually taking it in our hands. Creating the possibility of being united with that thing can make the dragon seem bigger than he really is. Let’s except brute force from the toolkit of claiming our desire, as that tactic often backfires and causes further calamities which are today unknown. Meditation and a cool mind help you walk through that fear, through the ring of fire, and help you not only seize your treasure, but perhaps even have it fall into your hands.
Does this interpretation resonate with you? Are you facing a “dragon” in your own life right now?
THE KOAN THIS ISSUE
“Establish and maintain five seconds or longer eye contact with a stranger.”
I’m not even going to comment on this one. It’s enormously frightening, but it can also be the beginning of a great momentous move forward. Try it before the weekend.
