The Tao of Dark Sages - Chapter 11, Part 3

The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley

Sue-tzu, what you’ve just said...it seems like it’s all that ever need be said. And yet, I want more. It’s the same like when I read Lao-tzu — I’ll read something and say, "that’s it, be that and it’s done!" — and then I turn the page and read more. You know what I’m trying to say? It’s like I see the truth of something, but just move on to the next piece of wisdom because the being of the truth seems to evade me. Is this seeking?

Sounds like seeking to me, Nellie. But I guess, too, that it’s part of the process. Understanding grows. Having thoroughly bashed seeking, let’s now affirm it: "Seek and ye shall find".

Exposure to truth, presented in various forms and media, nourishes understanding. To stop at page one because we are unable at present to absorb and be the truths it contains, would be to deny ourselves the opportunity to further nourish our understanding. And let’s not forget, all of us being unique individuals, we each one have a different path to Tao.

We each one have that unique combination of understanding and experience that ignites in us an awakening. Who knows what words or experience might bring about that sudden turning about in awareness that is awakening? For one Zen master it was watching his green phlegm slide down a wall! For another it was getting his nose twisted. For another it was overhearing someone reading a sutra. For me it was... Ha! Just kidding!

Your examples are of people who had satori experiences — sudden awakening. I’m a bit unsure where we stand in relation to this idea of sudden awakening versus gradual awakening. I have for a long time leaned toward sudden awakening since awakening cannot in any way be achieved. And I think you, too, lean in this direction. And yet, a lot of the time you seem to suggest that we can ‘grow spiritually’ — which I take to mean be gradually awakened.

Whichever way you lean, you are likely to tire and fall over, Scott-tzu! Sorry, that’s a bit glib, but I couldn’t resist. But if there is leaning then I’d have to say that I lean in both directions, which puts me in the middle standing straight with good posture, I think.

Satori is a very real possibility for us all and it comes spontaneously and without our having managed it. For that very reason, we must leave it to arise as it will. In the meantime, we grow and experience much of what satori might bring.

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