The four animals depicted in the Chinese constellations dating to 5300BC. Clockwise from top left: Black Tortoise of the North, Azure Dragon of the East, Vermilion Bird of the South and White Tiger of the West evolving around the I Ching.
Where does allusion, imagination, and what we perceive as reality truly begin and end? What is it that can be known verses that what remains unknown. What the great writer, philosopher Lao Tzu was referring to as beginnings and endings, and where we might fall in-between. Who is to say with what we learn from our explorations of the galaxies with the Hubble Telescope and what we are learning from what we call Quantum physics? If we come and go simply as matter in what may be described as bits and pieces coming and going always changing into something else… then what does that leave for spirit that is never ending? This dualism I often mention starts to make sense, leaving us only with the realization of what we’ve assumed to be unknowable. Where do allusion, imagination, and the perception of reality truly begin and end, and what purpose are they meant to serve?
The only certainty is that what we see today will change when tomorrow comes. Holding on to the present only guarantees that change will move past us. It’s about finding the connection to the moment that brings out our best qualities—those innate traits I would call our memories. To refine them to their fullest, to grasp change and use it to benefit us, others, and the natural world. As we acknowledge that everything around us is also a part of who we are as well.
Taoism teaches that we are meant to shape our own reality in harmony with the universal flow, while the sage achieves this through effortless action, or wu wei. Why working with nature and gardening is so important to me. Doing what comes naturally as an extension of who we are yet to become. Just as the flowers we plant knowing that with proper nurturing we can create something both beneficial and enduring. That’s why I dedicate myself to The Kongdan Foundation.
Much of what we do can be seen as though we are living in paradox. As though it does not seem to make sense with what we think we know. Paradox is often considered our greatest teacher, revealing opposites in a way that makes them easier to grasp. Yin and yang, as expressed in the I Ching thousands of years ago. The art of doing nothing has deep roots in many cultures. It emphasizes focusing inward and avoiding external distractions or actions. Extending ourselves beyond our boundaries should simply reflect our inner virtues, leaving behind anything that doesn’t align with our highest endeavors and aspirations. The Italians call it la dolce vita, and in Chinese history, it’s known as wu wei. It’s about embracing life, holding onto our virtues, and letting go of ourselves in the process as we look above to the stars… as we take others to places, they otherwise wouldn’t go.
My Travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Introduction – Your Writing becomes You
8. Say your goodbyes, it’s time to go
Time will never come to know you as the person you now represent. Your presence only makes time through the universe that is yours simply to come to know forever. 
The Libra constellation
Keep to the window of your mind, spirit, and body. Come forward to know the eternal truths that only you can find for yourself. All the time knowing that you are simply the wellspring of everything that ever was – is now and forever will be.
Always in retreat as the knowing sage. Finding comfort in repeating images and facsimiles of immortality. Keeping to simplicity, frugality, and clarity. Names but a mirror reflecting history, images found today and representing the future. Who are we, but an essence or spirit, here only marking time?
As we remain as an eclipse stealing the moment. Every instant a reflection of past events and realities yet to come. The truth is that your being here is simply non‑existent to time. The image seen but the form your spirit has captured only for an instant. Living and dying receives a non‑importance to the overall scheme of things. Only one’s chi, or inner spirit to go on and on.
Chance encounters with lovers and loved ones throughout history. Remaining forever unattached while we are here. Only to sojourn together as our essence remains attached to those we cling to in eternity.
Finding comfort only in the decisions made as to the time of our departure. As Lieh Tzu is now telling you that it is time to go. 1/3/95
Number eight of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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