Living with awareness of the mind allows us to feel more alive, recognizing that we never truly die. By holding onto our fixed mindset, we learn the importance of letting go of things that don’t define us. Releasing our old selves can bring a deeper sense of life and an awareness of the eternal. The process of becoming more alive often feels rooted in Buddhist philosophy. I tend to get ahead of myself, but looking forward can make looking back more meaningful.
We often associate Buddhism with images of relieving suffering, but we forget that it focuses on ending the suffering of others, not just our own. This understanding is central to what is known as the bodhisattva vow. Maitreya is a bodhisattva who is regarded as the future Buddha of this world in all schools of Buddhism, prophesied to become Maitreya Buddha.
In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he is also referred to as Ajitā. In Tibetan Buddhism he is known as the “Lord of Love” or the “Noble Loving One”.
My writing is turning into an ongoing philosophical commentary—part myth, part cosmology, part a guide coming to life. It explains the universe as though it were an allegory, using extensive symbolism to convey a broader moral or meaning. Nearly every aspect of an allegory—from characters, to objects, to dialogue, to settings, to major plot events—can typically be interpreted as having a secondary, symbolic meaning that fits into the allegory’s broader meaning. Using tools of the storyteller, rather it be allegory, paradox, or symbolism, to convey the true meaning of universal truths that helps others to see beyond what they think they knew but are limited by what they don’t. (You should read this paragraph again… it’s important).
Expanding on the concept of releasing what doesn’t define us, how can we achieve a state of effortless action that aligns with our purpose? Considering the idea that every action has an equal reaction, we can find guidance in the wisdom of ancient teachings and the enduring knowledge of Indigenous cultures.
A large part of developing a sense of respect for our own path, is respecting cultures that might be different from our own. We can start by recognizing our innate awareness and the timeless nature of our memories. 
We exist in an environment where nature continuously reminds us of and reveals our next steps, relying on complementary opposites designed to guide and illuminate our path.
Back in July 1995, I wrote what appears below reflecting on living or continuing the paradox. For the past two and a half years, I had been writing as if carried by a flow with no clear destination.
This entry, number one hundred sixteen out of one hundred fifty-eight in “My Travels with Lieh Tzu,” feels like existing in a parallel universe—present, yet not truly here.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Seven – Yang Chu
116. Continuing the Paradox
By early morning and evening interpreting the great works of the Chinese Classics. Bringing the words of Lieh, Chuang and Lao forward for all to see. 
Days spent reviewing plans for proposed gas stations and McDonald’s as a city planner once again. What could be more incongruous? What could be more inconsistent to the true path, to what is correct and the proper way to live a life consistent with where your travels now lead you?
As your only desire is to lose the attachments that slow your feet down the path you must follow. Continuing this paradox only if it takes to get free to travel unhindered with the dragons. Keeping to the edge of your own humanity. Living with the desire to only discover your own true nature.
Bringing forth only that that will help to uncover the Tao within yourself to be shared by all. Striving only to find a quiet place of solitude where you can travel unhindered. Where there can be no interruptions or contention present.
Not to be driven by earthly endeavors that lead to ego and clinging to that which will remain forever unreal to who you are and more importantly who you are to become. Traveling only with a clear mind and an open heart. As you are eternally grateful to be given an opportunity to see beyond yourself. Knowing all the while what remains real and unreal is unimportant and that neither can matter in the end. 7/19/95
Number one hundred sixteen of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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