The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley
by Scott Bradley
Preface
It is an intimidating thing indeed to write the preface to a book with an introduction by the Buddha! But I shall try my best.
What we have here is a wonderfully irreverent and quixotic journal about a journey of self-discovery. Very much like the writings of that ancient sage so clearly dear to Sue-tzu’s heart, Chuang-tzu, this is a work full of humanity and human foibles. It is from start to finish a work in progress. Rather than a treatise full of fact and precision, it is a distinctly human endeavor, full of contradictions, false starts and dead ends. And like the human journey itself it is a continual process of picking up and moving on.
For this reason, I think we can honestly say that if the message were ever in the medium, it most certainly is here. And because that is so, it is hoped that the reader will not become entangled in the ‘teachings’ but rather, become enamored with the process. For as Sue-tzu so frequently proclaims: The process is all. The process is Life. The process is awakening.
It is hoped, too, that the iconoclastic nature of the work will not be construed as negativism. If we are to grow, we must constantly slew off the dead tissue natural to the process of growth itself. All ideas, however great, become ossified and fossilized. Only a good scrubbing allows for new and more living ideas to inform.
Finally, for my part, I have been deeply inspired by the incredible single-mindedness of Sue-tzu and her grasshopper friends in their pursuit of self-discovery. And when I see how this single-mindedness has given rise to such joy, excitement and, yes, anticipation, I cannot help but want to renew my commitment to pursue this fun-filled adventure.
[Note: It's good to have Scott and his story-telling alter egos back on this blog. This long series is from a book he wrote in 2007. Each day's installment will appear at 4:03 a.m.]
What we have here is a wonderfully irreverent and quixotic journal about a journey of self-discovery. Very much like the writings of that ancient sage so clearly dear to Sue-tzu’s heart, Chuang-tzu, this is a work full of humanity and human foibles. It is from start to finish a work in progress. Rather than a treatise full of fact and precision, it is a distinctly human endeavor, full of contradictions, false starts and dead ends. And like the human journey itself it is a continual process of picking up and moving on.
For this reason, I think we can honestly say that if the message were ever in the medium, it most certainly is here. And because that is so, it is hoped that the reader will not become entangled in the ‘teachings’ but rather, become enamored with the process. For as Sue-tzu so frequently proclaims: The process is all. The process is Life. The process is awakening.
It is hoped, too, that the iconoclastic nature of the work will not be construed as negativism. If we are to grow, we must constantly slew off the dead tissue natural to the process of growth itself. All ideas, however great, become ossified and fossilized. Only a good scrubbing allows for new and more living ideas to inform.
Finally, for my part, I have been deeply inspired by the incredible single-mindedness of Sue-tzu and her grasshopper friends in their pursuit of self-discovery. And when I see how this single-mindedness has given rise to such joy, excitement and, yes, anticipation, I cannot help but want to renew my commitment to pursue this fun-filled adventure.
[Note: It's good to have Scott and his story-telling alter egos back on this blog. This long series is from a book he wrote in 2007. Each day's installment will appear at 4:03 a.m.]
great! :D
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