The Tao of Dark Sages - Chapter 8, Epilogue

The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley

This gathering of grasshoppers was, indeed, the last of its kind. All the participants went their individual ways and of the several that I have interviewed all believe they were richer for their time together.

Grasshopper went to Banares on the Ganges where he met and discipled under a guru of considerable fame. Believing himself enlightened and anointed, he thereafter went to the United States where he created a foundation and acquired a considerable following. Of his teachings I am not entirely aware, but I understand they are not far removed from those revealed in the discussions above. Were I to reveal his true name (for need I say, Grasshopper is a pseudonym?) you would probably recognize it since he has lectured extensively, written several books and even had locally televised TV programs.

Though the financial cost of his ‘satsangs’ is considered excessive by working class people, many are the persons who claim that he has greatly aided them in their spiritual journeys. His teachings are, moreover, becoming more and more widespread as some of his disciples take special courses which enable them to teach under his imperator. Though some accuse him of ‘franchising’ a spiritual message, it cannot be denied that he has been quite successful or that he is in any way exceptional in merchandising spirituality.

Of Sue-tzu and Mark-tzu little is known for sure. I have good intelligence, however, that they together went West into the Hindu Kush where they now reside in solitude and obscurity. Having chosen the tao of the dark sages, they seem to fulfill so well Thomas Merton’s adaptation of Chuang-tzu:

“Who can free himself from achievement
And from fame, descend and be lost
Amid the masses of men?
He will flow like the Tao, unseen,
He will go about like Life itself
With no name and no home.
Simple is he, without distinction.
To all appearances he is a fool.
His steps leave no trace. He has no power.
He achieves nothing, has no reputation...
Such is the perfect man:
His boat is empty.”

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