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awakening
November 2009 
Means and Ends
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The gatekeeper in the capital city of Sung became such an expert mourner after his father's death, and so emaciated himself with fasts and austerities, that he was promoted to high rank in order that he might serve as a model of ritual observance. As a result of this, his imitators so deprived themselves that half of them died. The others were not promoted.
The purpose of a fish trap is to catch fish, and when the fish are caught, the trap is forgotten.
The purpose of a rabbit snare is to catch rabbits. When the rabbits are caught, the snare is forgotten.
The purpose of words is to convey ideas. When the ideas are grasped, the words are forgotten.
Where can I find a man who has forgotten words? He is the one I would like to talk to."
~Chuang Tzu 26.2
It is easy to imitate another who seems to understand what we strive to understand; accomplish what we wish to accomplish, as we struggle along our paths. I know that in the beginning of my search for truth and life, I have sought out individuals to help me understand what is already innate to me, and figure out the rest... a teacher, a confidante, a mother or father, or a friend.
i am guilty.
guilty of seeing the myriad creatures movements, and trying desperately to imitate or emulate the process they so comfortably navigate. i have been lost in the desire to be ‘enlightened' without necessarily experiencing the hardships, suffering, or successes that come with practice. ‘i want to improve my action,' i think, though deep down i know i am simply trying to outmaneuver the universe by speeding through my life experience to get to the good part.
by thinking this way and acting with this intention, I inadvertently miss the good part.
it is not unwholesome to admire another's firmness in action. it is because of their path, we stop and wonder at what we do; how we move. the intention to act provides those who are unacquainted with spirituality and the process of becoming a visual manual on ways of proceeding in this mysterious world. pausing to reflect on the ceaseless patterns of a butterfly or contemplating the miracle of a budding flower are simple instructions on ways to live our lives deeply. often times the message is that simple. other times we face a more complex truth which must be presented in a more direct way. yet, respecting it and letting it go are key components to self actualization and ultimately freedom.
by realizing the gifts of another who has reached a wise truth and giving appreciation to that truth through honor and continuation, we prepare the self for its spiritual ‘stroll' in the forest of Creation. wisdom teaches that this is only part of the lesson; we must continue onward, never ceasing to believe in only what has been gathered, always seeking to find more within.
in this way, we must act with full intention but also integrity. it is not enough to say, I am a Buddhist or I am a Taoist. this is only a partial truth. there is much more which has not been asserted in oneself. a label helps those around you to begin to grasp where your belief lies, a mechanism for expression that can aid you in defining your hearts goal. it is not the end of the road. there is no end in my mind.
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