Riding the Donkey of Duality: A Palm Sunday Reflection

The Symbolism of the Palms

The palm branches waved by the crowds weren’t just celebratory. They symbolized victory—the triumph of Spirit over limitation. They represented a shift in consciousness, a recognition of the Divine presence walking among them. Today, we wave not just palms, but the flags of our own transformation. We chant not just “Hosanna!” to a figure from the past, but to the Divine Spark within ourselves.

The Ride That Changed Everything

Jesus, the Taylor Swift of his day, arrived not in a chariot or on a majestic steed, but riding a humble donkey—something more akin to a Chevy Silverado than a Ferrari. The crowds erupted with joy, laying garments and branches on the dusty road to honor him.

It wasn't a parade. It was a living metaphor for spiritual truth: true power lies not in ego or external status, but in humility and inner alignment. Jesus didn’t need to look powerful—He knew He was.

The Donkey of Duality

Why a donkey? Because it represents the paradox of our lives—the Absolute Truth of our Oneness with the Divine and the relative appearance of limitation. Jesus rode the donkey because He understood that although He appeared poor and of low status, He was the embodiment of Divine power.

And so are you.

The Christ consciousness that Jesus lived is also alive within you—your inner knowing, your peace, your capacity for love and healing. Palm Sunday invites you not just to recall a sacred memory, but to embark on your own triumphant ride—not toward a distant city, but toward the Jerusalem within.

What Is Your Inner Jerusalem?

Unity co-founder Charles Fillmore defined Jerusalem as “the abiding consciousness of spiritual peace.” It is the still, sweet space you access in meditation and prayer. It is your center of love, peace, and Divine understanding.

Jesus went to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover with His loved ones, just as we gather for holidays. Yet, His journey symbolized something much deeper—entering the sacred inner sanctuary of peace and purpose.

But let’s be honest: that path is not always easy.

The Wrestler and the Waves

In the Meiji era lived a wrestler called Great Waves (O-nami) who was incredibly strong and skilled, able to defeat even his own teacher in private. But during public contests, O-nami became bashful and was defeated by his own students.

Seeking a solution, O-nami visited the Zen master Hakuju. “Embrace your name Great Waves,” advised Hakuju. “Tonight, meditate on being those mighty billows, swallowing everything in their path. If you can imagine this, you will be the greatest wrestler in Japan.”

That night O-nami sat in deep meditation, visualizing immense waves arising within. The waters swelled larger and larger, sweeping away everything around him. By dawn, O-nami’s meditation had become so profound that the temple vanished, leaving only the vast ocean.

In the morning, Hakuju found O-nami with a faint smile. “Now nothing can disturb you,” said the master. “You are those waves.” From then on, no wrestler could defeat O-nami, who had realized his true nature.

By fully becoming his name Great Waves in meditation, O-nami was able to overcome his self-doubt and realize his immense inner strength. The story teaches us to have faith in our own potential by embracing our identity.

What self-doubt are you wrestling with today? What waves must you become?

Struggles with grades or career, friendships, relationships, health? The call is the same: stop defending who you think you are, and start standing firm in who you know yourself to be.

How to Embark on Your Own Ride to Jerusalem

1. Let Go of the Donkey of DualityThe donkey represents our ego, our limited sense of self. Let go of the reins of fear, doubt, and negativity. Claim your divine birthright and step into the role of the rider, consciously directing your thoughts and actions.

2. Embrace the Palms of PossibilityEach palm frond is a gift—a talent, a dream, a whisper from Spirit. Wave them high. Celebrate your Divine potential. Like the palm tree, deeply rooted and resilient, you carry the unlimited resource of strength within you.

3. Howl “Hosanna!” 

This sacred word means “Pray, save us!”—not from the outside in, but from the inside out. You don’t need saving from the world. You need saving from the illusion that you are separate from your Source. Jesus didn’t come to save you—He came to show you how to save yourself by awakening to the Divine within.

4. Triumph in TransformationPalm Sunday launches Holy Week—a journey through betrayal, death, and ultimately resurrection. And isn’t that the journey of every spiritual seeker?

When you face criticism, loss, or confusion, remember: even Jesus’ triumphant entry led to challenge. The same crowds who praised Him on Sunday turned against Him by Friday. Yet He remained unwavering, because He knew who He was.

You can do the same. You are the Christ in expression. You are the triumph.With palms held high, may you find peace inside.