Through meditation, we connect with our spirits, rising like mist over the mountains, waiting to return. We reappear, alongside dragons, as if dancing among the clouds.
Defining terms and words always helps us understand the paths we take or are currently on. In this case, the word “continuum” fits perfectly. It can refer to a set of elements where, between any two, there is a third. For me, between Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and on my way to China, lies Florida.
Sometimes it feels like we’re chasing fleeting moments of past memories, faint glimpses that remind us of who we’ve always been, or thought we were. With life and death seeming to flow endlessly as part of a greater spirit. These reminders shape the way we live each day, even if we remain unaware of our true selves. Spiritual awakening begins with remembering and living as if we are guided by it.
Our universal spirit is always interacting with the world around us, urging us to recognize our past, which is key to understanding both who we are and who we will become. It’s like the spirit guides us through small steps, gradually leading us to see the light on the horizon. As if we are meant to grow into it, with lessons essential to our journey needing to be experienced, learned from, and not repeated.
Our problem is that we often get distracted by things that don’t contribute to the path we are here to follow. I am reminded of my purpose in adding this commentary to the entries below. I had been writing for a little over two years in March 1995 when I wrote this as My travels with Lieh Tzu. This chapter regarding Confucius is taking me further than I should yet as there is much to tell before I began teaching in Qufu for example.
In March 1995 I was working as the Interim Town Planner in West Warwick, Rhode Island as I was sending out resumes all over the country to continue as a city planner. It seemed I was in transition looking for another job. They offered me the position paying me $45,000 a year, but I accepted the position as the Assistant City Planner in Boynton Beach, Florida that was to pay $32,000 a year. Marie and I moved to Florida, and I began working in Boynton Beach in April. What was really happening was the unfolding of entering the flow that would eventually lead me to China and Qufu. The transition was, in essence, the transformation into who I was truly meant to become. This was where I learned of Ram Dass and his saying that “who you are from nine to five is not who you are from five to nine”, that became like the manta going forward. But as usual, I did the opposite, I used my job to help take me there.
Everything was to be guided by the premise of “leaving myself behind… or better said who I thought I was”, and more importantly learning that “it was not where I am but who I am that is important”. It felt as if I was being guided to discover the flow and follow it, with my greatest aspiration, or purpose waiting to be unveiled. “Finding Confucius” seemed to hold the key to what lies ahead. With one hundred fifty-eight entries to explore and only being on number fifty-four, there is still so much of the story left to unfold and share. Writing “My travels with Lieh Tzu” was to take the next six or seven months. The following step would be to go to China the first time to adopt our daughter Katie in Maoming in April/May 1997. I was to use my new job as the means to get me to China.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Four – Confucius
54. Maintaining sage-like endurance
Once asked if he was a sage, Confucius responded:
“How can I claim to be a sage, I am simply a man who has studying widely and remembered much”.
As
ked if the Kings were sage-like, he responded:
“The kings were good at employing wisdom and courage, rather they were sages is hard to say”.
Asked if the emperors were sages, Confucius responded:
“They were good at employing morality, rather that made them a sage, I do not know”.
Asked if the three Highnesses were like a sage, Confucius responded:
“They were good at adapting themselves to their environment, but rather this made them sage-like is difficult to know”.
Knowing the above, who can be a sage? Since the time governments have been established there has been no true sage. For in bringing forward a standard for all to follow, cleverness is established, and one must lead and another follow. How can this enhance the knowledge and experience needed for one to be known as a sage?
The immortal sage Shaanxi Museum Xian
Can a sage have true wisdom and courage, keep his sense of morality and be good at adapting to his environment once a semblance of that which is known as government comes into place? How can one be manifested with the other ever‑present?
The one true sage is thought to be Lao Tzu, and it is said that he does not govern yet there is no disorder. Does not speak yet is trusted simultaneously. He is so great the people cannot give a name to him so that even he is questioned as to if he truly existed.
Remember what you have come to know about your newfound travels. Prepare to retreat into the inner workings of the Tao and leave behind all those who strive to find their place in worldly affairs. Remain forever sage-like in your endeavors and come to know eternal peace. 3/12/95
Number fifty-four of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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