The Tao of Dark Sages - Chapter 7, Part 8

The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley

Deep. I like it. Ideas are so much fun. But do they have any relation to reality?

Probably not. Your idea about non-identity, where did that come from?

I experienced something that suggested that description. But perhaps I had the cart before the horse — maybe I experienced what I had thought. We don’t want to start talking a lot of rubbish about what we have not experienced — however fun it is.

I agree. And I just did a lot of just that. But I still like the ideas and think that there is a positive dynamic between ideas and experience. What about any of you, would anyone like to comment or ask a question?

I like the ideas too — even if they are rubbish.

(Laughter)

Still, I think there might be some truth there. I have a question for Mark-tzu. What more can you tell us — from your experience — of self without identity?

By completely letting go all attachment to the ego-identity we experience emptiness. There is no identity in emptiness.

And the self can function in emptiness?

The self thrives in emptiness. It’s only in emptiness that it is able to be what it was intended to be. Isn’t it strange and wonderful that we can talk of the self so? We can turn all that negative teaching about the self on its head. Because this is translucent self, self arising from awareness and self in which awareness can enter, fill and enjoy itself.

How then does one realize this — become this?

Sue-tzu: I think you should ask the head-guru that one. Grasshopper?

I am reminded of the story of the three blind guys describing an elephant — the trunk, a snake, the body, a boulder, and the leg, a column. In this way we describe our experiences. Experience cannot be truly described. So, when we describe it, there might be any number of varying descriptions which all have the same essential experience inspiring them. Mark-tzu’s ideas might be one of these.

How to realize it? Ha! Perhaps we are putting the cart before the horse. Explore your own life. Realize your own truth. Realize first. Describe later. Experience before you think.

I believe I can kindly suggest that you let go of everything, including your self and its identity, but to tell you what you’d experience when you do, that would be an unkindness.

I think I’ve had enough for the day — so I’m out of here. I had a lot of fun with you all today. Thanks. And I’m excited, too, about spending some time experiencing my self in emptiness and non-identity. And don’t forget Sue-tzu’s wisdom: This is it. Have fun living the adventure now.

If you're interested in reading more from this series by Scott Bradley, go here.