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My heart seems constantly entangled with threads that tether me to the holy.
*Enuma Okoro. Reluctant Pilgrim.
You would not seek Me if you did not already possess Me.
*Pascal. Pensées.
* * *
A disciple of the Sage spoke, "I'm not sure I'm dedicated enough to the Way."
The Sage shared a story.
Grouse had a private meeting with Raven, her spiritual teacher. Grouse said, "I’m not sure I'm dedicated enough to my spiritual practice.”
Raven spoke, “Never mind about being dedicated.”
Grouse remarked, “The truth is, I haven’t the foggiest idea of what the practice is.”
“I don't either,” Raven replied, “but aren’t you curious?”
Grouse asserted, “Fascinated!”
Raven said, “There you go.”
* * *
Interesting is the derivation of the verb "fascinate." "Fascinate" comes from a Latin word relating to a witch or serpent charming someone. Persons believed snakes and witches, by a mere look, could cast a spell. This spell would leave one unable to resist or move. So, to be fascinated came to speak of being sharply attentive, as we say, "That sunset captivated my attention."
In the tale of Grouse and Raven, it seems the key is in that word "fascinate." Grouse questions his commitment to the Way, yet he is captivated by the Way. The Way has charmed him.
Grouse is like a beloved who questions his devotion to his lover. He says to a friend, "I don't know how committed I am to Sherri." "Well, what would you do for her?" "Anything." "What does that sound like to you?" askes the friend.
Grouse, by his attention to the Way, shows his devotion to the Way. He does not need to speak of being dedicated. His focus, including his concern with a lack of commitment, shows his dedication. Apart from this commitment, why would he be concerned about a lack of it?
Grouse is fully committed to the Way. Or, would it be correct to say, "The Way has fully committed Grouse to the Way, the way persons believed a witch or snake could fascinate someone into unwilling surrender?"
Do you choose the Way?
Does the Way choose you?
Does the Way and you choose each other?
* * *
Being fascinated by the Way, this means always having lively energy to relate with Life. Attention is at the heart of all great spiritual teachings. If the Way becomes something we think we know, if we get too comfortable with the Way, that inspiration is not present. Without the intrigue, the mystery, we get spiritually lazy. I have gone into many worship gatherings, and it appeared most persons there, if not all, were sleeping with the eyes open - a marked lack of fascination, for lack of sense of the Mystery. When any spiritual landscape is denuded of the Mysterious, the Fire of enthusiasm dies down into the ashes of routine and slumber.
* * *
The more I do not know what the Way is or what it is about or how I am doing on the Way, the more intriguing I find the Way. I consider it humorous that some persons ask me about the Way. I am thankful to provide guidance, but I feel I know with certainty almost nothing I can say regarding the Way.
* * *
Questioner: What is the Way like?
Sage: A leaf on a river
Questioner: That doesn't make any sense. Please clarify.
Sage: A river under a leaf.
©️ Brian Wilcox, 2020
*Tale of Grouse and Raven adapted from Robert Aitken. Zen Master Raven: The Teachings of a Wise Old Bird.
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