In April 1994, when I wrote the entry below, I had only been writing for a little over three months. I had just completed my own version of the I Ching that we have now gone through with additional commentary and beginning the introduction of what was to be called Taoism. This was a time of getting acquainted with those who were considered as the pillars of Chinese history and philosophy.
Initially it was Chuang and Lieh Tzu, along with Lao Tzu, whose book the Tao Te Ching was to become the cornerstone of what would later become both “religious and philosophical Taoism”. All three would have books outlining their writing. The Book of Chuang Tzu, The Book of Lieh Tzu, and Lao Tzu’s Tao Te Ching. My own version of The Book of Leih Tzu is yet unpublished and my version of the Tao Te Ching “Thoughts on becoming a Sage”, was published in China in 2006. Both books appear here on my website. Writing a book about Chuang Tzu seems unnecessary because his thoughts seem to live with me every day. Trying to live with such a challenge with your mentor ever present like a guidepost is daunting in both the best and worst of times. Always reminding me of highest aspirations yet to come. His stories, especially “The pivot”, telling me to not take myself so seriously… As the words of the above books were to pass through me, they were to leave an imprint of the ongoing journey that I was to relay. As I was about to make the ultimate pivot. To not simply be a reader of ancient text, but a participant.
Following the I Ching, there was a necessity to illustrate and show both sides of man’s (our) role in both earthly and universal endeavors. Chuang Tzu’s Perfected Man described earlier, addressed man’s role in seeing beyond earthly endeavors to his highest aspiration. Lieh Tzu’s writing was more down to earth. He spoke for and as the everyday common man. It was as though we all weren’t meant to travel on the wind as the sage… as a dragon. It was not that some things would be beyond the common man, it was as though both his memories and reach were not enough to go there just yet. He could aspire to greater things but had much farther to go on his journey. He must first know he is on one.
Lieh Tzu’s book addressed this universal need of the common man looking to both Heaven and Earth and the role each of us is here to play. It was to become required study for those entering Taoist monasteries over the centuries when seeing beyond earthly needs and wants became paramount.
Understanding the Way of Virtue and what would take centuries to develop and get there eventually for everyone would take time. I have written a great deal about the intricacies of The Book of Lieh Tzu that is actually the next step we will follow after this stage of our commentary and writing. Oftentimes over the centuries someone following this path took on the role as the reclusive hermit or sage. Many mountains throughout Chinese history have catered to this idea, that it is best to keep to yourself without distractions that inhibit our journey inward. Events of the day would only serve as a distraction. This was to become a great paradox for someone reaching out for their highest endeavor and ultimate destiny. Seeing beyond “self” often seems easier without others present.
Voices of the Dragon Part 2 Number 5
With Lieh Tzu Leading the Way
As always Lieh Tzu, my brother, has changed his tune in immortality. While a reclusive sage on earth he now leads the way. Laughing at the others.
Hoping as always to instill bits of wisdom into their eternal endeavors. As he is now found flying circles around the dragons all assembled. Ultimately showing up others who should know better than to challenge him to anything short of calling for a full accounting for anything.
The dragons are converging with Lieh Tzu leading the charge. While others, especially Chuang Tzu and Lao Tzu, stay behind taking up the rear-guard finding humor in the procession. Looking down on lesser clouds they see many who have taken up the challenge over the centuries who have heard their inner voice and traveled far along the way to immortality’s doorstep and beyond. A newcomer has gotten their attention.
He has listened well and conveys the words of the dragons in his writings well beyond his years.
Everything coming natural to the one they refer to among themselves as Cloud Dancing, as he seems adept to the ways of nature and has become a well-respected Master Gardener. Always tending to the ways of his garden as one eternally linked to all that the cycles encourage and in fact require.
His journey in fact is just beginning. However, great strides have the attention of all assembled. 4/12/94
When I wrote the above entry in April 1994, I was an active Master Gardener in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. I was a city planner in Massachusetts and since I was so close to the University of Rhode Island from where I lived at the time, I took the Master Gardening course and became certified there as well. Since returning home to Missouri, I became a Master Gardener in 2021 here too.
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