The Tao of Dark Sages - Chapter 21, Part 1

The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley

Scott-tzu: By the way, Mark-tzu, I brought one of Grasshoppers book’s — I thought you might be interested in reading it.

Mark-tzu: You thought wrong. Why would I want to read it? To learn something? There is nothing to learn. To form an opinion, to agree or disagree? “If you wish to see the truth hold no opinions for or against anything.”

Yet you have obviously read the work you just quoted.

True. Years ago. But I am discriminating, it’s true. Thanks, Scott-tzu — I’ll have to give that some thought.

The reason I brought it up is because it fascinates me — how we are to relate to the teachings of others — especially someone we know so well as Grasshopper. I’ll admit to having an aversion for his method, if not his teachings. I mean, he’s packaged the message and sells it in satsangs and books and what have you — he merchandizes it. He’s become a complete success in the enlightenment industry. He’s a famous and successful guru! And the whole thing just seems ...wrong. That’s what fascinates me — it’s effect on me and the challenge it brings to understand and deal with that effect. I know the problem lies in me, not Grasshopper.

Sue-tzu: That’s the heart of it and it’s wonderful to hear you say so. This awareness of your aversion is a gift. Follow it to it’s root and you will discover more fully what it is to be in harmony with Tao. Centered at the pivot of the Tao, what is right or wrong about the teachings or methods of Grasshopper?

Mark-tzu: And so centered, we are left indifferent. Are his teachings and methods in harmony with the Tao? No doubt there is a yes or a no to this question. But it does not concern us. “Truth” does not lie in debate or in juxtaposing one idea against another. It is not an idea, but a way of being. And as for ‘in’ or ‘out’ of harmony with Tao, “What is one is one, and what is not-one is also one.”

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