The Dharma of Garlic

By Rev. Cathy Toldi

In late Fall, press small cloves down into the moist earth.

For a long while, it will look as if nothing is happening.

Then, one day, tiny green shoots appear.

Leave them alone.

Leave them alone for many months, through the darkness

of winter, the rain and the cold.

In early Spring the shoots will begin to grow a tall

vigorous green. Continue to

leave them alone.

There is nothing to be done.

Not even when the grassy leaves begin to look like they’re

dying. Don’t think they need water. Nothing

is wrong.

The other plants in your garden will rise up into the

sun of the lengthening days, the beans, the squash,

the flowers, in their lush beauty.

The garlic plants in contrast will look bedraggled.

Let them be.

Finally

one day

when about 50% of the leaves are brown

they will call out to you.

You will dig your fingers down and feel that a

large, bumpy bulb has formed.

At last it is time

to dig them up.

Magnificent! Magic!

But still, patience

Is required.

Leave the dirt on them.

Store them for 2 weeks in a cool, dark place.

This is called “curing.”

Then you can brush them clean,

trim off the dead leaves

(unless you want to make them into

A glorious braid!)

The tiny clove you put in the ground

eight months ago

has formed itself into a many-cloved head,

and this garlic is so pungently fresh

it will sing in your soups and sauces

for years to come.

Each of us grows in our own way.

If you learn how to honor each being’s

particular needs and expression,

you may be surprised

by the bounty

you receive.