We are almost two thirds of the way through the 'Legend of the 33rd Sage and the Way of the Initiate.' I would like to thank a few of my readers who have asked me questions through my facebook page for the 33rd Sage and also through the contact button on my websites. Also I would love to know if people are finding the concept in each chapter easy to understand or would you like more information. I have tried to explain all the concepts through the story while at the same time simplifying them. The road to the Initiate although not easy should not be complex. It starts with a lightness of being, a kindness towards others and the realization that we are all Eternal, Immortal and Infinite. I have been lucky to have some amazing teachers along the way and I hoped that by sharing some of these teachings in a story format that it can resonate deeply within your being. I would recommend that once you have read through all the chapters that you may want to start from the beginning again as it will seem almost like the teachings have change, but the truth is that you have changed. It is the part that I love the most. In my first novel 'The 33rd Sage,' a story about nature and the Elements I cannot count how many times readers said that the story was different each time they read it. Anyway if there is anything you want me to explain further, just leave me a comment.
The comments I have received and will receive will determine where I go with the story in my second, third and future drafts.
Thanks again for reading.
Blessings and Peace and may your life be illuminated.
Chapter 21 - The Sacred Way
"Master," said Heng, "What is it that makes the Lake of Li and the Forest of K'an sacred. When we walk through the forest you walk as if you are in a Pagoda and when you sit by the lake you do it with such great reverence for its water. It is like you are looking at a god."
Huo crossed the fingers of both hands over each other and took what could only be described as reverential pose. "My son everything in life is sacred. But to answer your question; we make something sacred by focusing our attention on it. The Lake of Li has been revered for many years by the people and the animals of the forest because it is what has given them life, one generation after another. The monks of my order revere it because for them water is the closest thing they have on earth that is representative of the Tao. Of course the Tao is in everything. It is just that water seems to represent the concepts in many of the Taoist teachings. To make something sacred is to put your focused attention on it."
"But why Master, why do we need to make things sacred?"
That was the second time the young man had called Huo Master. It was a strange way to be addressed by the son of the Emperor; who at any moment could have him thrown him in prison or had him beheaded. Although Huo did not think of such things he understood that life is what it is; there was no bad or good only actions of lesser and greater energy. He took the title of master as a sign of respect from the young man who had changed greatly in their time together. Occasionally when the higher self allowed it he saw picture of the future when the young man would become a mighty leader and loved by all his people. It was still a way off and their was still much he needed to teach him in their time together.
He thought for a while about Heng's question; he knew what he wanted to say but the words were not forthcoming. He stilled himself for a moment and looked within, imagining that the old sage was still teaching him. What would he have said? What words and thoughts would he have to offer.
"Out of sacredness and humility comes gratitude and out of gratitudes comes the keys to the kingdom. For he that is grateful more will be given," were the words that fell from his lips.
The young man understood; the words passed his intellectual mind and touched him deeply in his heart. As the student he had made these teachings sacred. Before coming to the Forest of K'an, each month, to learn and listen to the teachings by the magical Lake of Li, the young man gave blessings to the Tao for what he was about to receive from the sage. When he first came he was the son of the Emperor, but now he saw himself as the student of a wise man. By treating every action and word that the sage had shared with him as sacred, he gave it power and it enlightened his own life when he came back into the palace. There was not a day that went by when one of the teachings would not come to help him in his daily life. He originally came to the forest to please his father, but now he was beginning to understand why his father wanted him to spend a week a month outside the luxury of the palace; it was not to toughen him up for the future that was to come. It was for him to understand his people and to be a leader who would put his people before himself when he made decisions.
He had been privileged to be born the son of the Emperor but to him that was given much, much was expected. He was humbled before the teachings he was receiving from the sage; humbled and grateful. What he did not expect was the wave of emotions that were now overcoming him. He looked towards his master who just smiled, for he knew what was happening, but he would say nothing as this feeling could only be experienced; there were no words for when one was truly connected to the Tao. In the first instance he knew the young man would be overcome with a wave of emotions, but that would soon change and more would be given; for the young man understood that sacredness was the way to the Tao.
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