The Tao of Dark Sages - Chapter 8, Part 2

The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley

This comes as a bit of a surprise, Grasshopper, but I think we’d all agree that you should follow your heart in this. I, too, have been feeling uneasy with the trend of our discussions; that they have become more speculative than before. But I think it’s because we’ve arrived at a place where we can go no further and that getting to that place has been valid. It’s as you said, we’ve come to a place — a sort of holy ground — where all that remains is to live who we are, where we are. For my part, I am ready to spend time alone learning to live it.

I agree with Nellie. This has been great, but it’s time for us to move on. Someone said that when the fish are caught the fish trap is forgotten. I’d say we have caught enough fish to last us awhile; let’s leave this fish trap behind.

That’s it, then. Some of you might want to discuss things further, but I suggest you do that later. For now, in closing, I’d like to ask Sue-tzu to leave us with whatever summary or wisdom she’d care to impart.

Wisdom. That seems pretentious, but I will leave you with a few thoughts. In realizing that you know nothing, surrender totally to the Unknown. Here you will find freedom and affirmation. Surrender is letting go of everything you could possibly grasp, and most especially, your belief in your independent existence and identity.

In this surrender you will find that there is a transparent, identity-free, self which remains — your innate nature. This is your heart. Learn to enjoy, appreciate and follow it. In so doing, you will discover that in some way you are the awareness that transcends and animates this self. Here, your adventure goes beyond what we have discovered together.

But remember, the process of your awaken-ing is the awakening itself. You are everything you seek. You cannot find what you seek by seeking it; to seek it is to deny it. Rather, in giving up, letting go, and thankfully affirming what already is, you will discover it is all you sought.

Good bye, and have fun! Here’s my wisdom: If it isn’t fun, then it isn’t awaken-ing!!

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