The Two Thieves

The parable of the two thieves, often drawn from the Christian crucifixion narrative, offers a profound spiritual metaphor. On either side of the central figure — representing awakened consciousness — hang two thieves: one mocking, one repentant. They embody two fundamental tendencies within the human mind: denial and surrender.

The first thief resists, clings, and remains trapped in egoic certainty. He represents the mind that refuses to question its illusions, seeking blame, distraction, or false security even in the face of death. This is the part of us that fears dissolution and desperately maintains the illusion of control.

The second thief turns inward, acknowledging his own limitations and surrendering pride. His humility opens the door to grace, even in the final moments of life. He symbolises the willingness to face the truth of impermanence, to let go of the self-image, and to trust the mystery beyond conceptual grasping.

At the centre stands the awakened one — the still point beyond both thieves, untouched by praise or blame, hope or fear. This image invites contemplation of our own inner landscape: between clinging and surrender lies the possibility of resting in the simple reality of presence.

The two thieves are not external forces but internal voices. The spiritual path involves recognising them, observing their pull, and gradually learning to abide in the spacious awareness that transcends both.

“The mind is restless, like a monkey, leaping from branch to branch. But the wise one steadies it, like a skilled trainer calming a wild animal.”
— Dhammapada (inspired by Verse 35)