Rules—when you aspire toward freedom and seek competence as a warrior—there are none. No rules. Rules are arbitrary agreements that suggest social safety. We know better. Our safety comes from within, from a recognition of vulnerability, and from a restless, ever vigilant awareness.
As such, these are the rules I like.
- The Universe is Infinite, Incomprehensible Mystery.
- My task—play detective, attempt to solve some mysteries, while knowing I will never see the end of my inquiries.
- All bits of This Vast Universe are equally Infinite and Incomprehensible.
That’s It, but let’s look at them a little more.
Use number 1 to look with new eyes on everyone and everything. Look on partners, friends, children, and pets, plants and animals in your neighborhood with new eyes. Notice that you know very little about any of them. No matter how much you know or you believe about any of them, there’s more to know. As a whole, this World is rich and diverse and marvelous.
Number 2 offers some direction for playing an active role in life, in living. It helps me engage in relationships and exploration when I play detective and attempt to unravel mysteries about…anything, everyone. In particular, this rule keeps my delight about my family—my wife and son—alive and fresh. I will never know them fully, but I’ll sure try.
Number 3 describes a kind of humbleness that Awake Ones exhibit. I am an infinite mystery too, and I therefore can search the endless mysteries of me. This humble coffee cup that rests next to me is also so vast. In a universal way, we (and everything) are equally infinite, unfathomable, and mysterious.
Those are unbendable rules. Imagine that.
shannon
October 8th, 2008 at 8:07 am
I wish these were societies rules too.
This is a great thing for me to read this morning,
fresh ideas to ponder and practice.
Thank you Steven.
Steven Smith
October 8th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
They are my society’s rules!
I, admittedly, struggle to follow silly social norms, illogical laws, and ridiculous rules. Like this whole economy failing thing …economies don’t fail: they don’t have minds of their own, they have no free will…people make economies succeed or fail. Our leaders fail (and lie). Don’t try to fool me with bailouts and ridiculous price increases as if it’s out of control.
See.
The rules above can be your rules too, if you want: if you’re your own Ruler.
Amie
October 18th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Your rules rule! They seem so simple but are so true. I think it is natural for us to need rules or some rational structure, and it is beneficial for us create our own. My favorite part is about
knowing that you can’t know everything but still maintaining curiosity and exploring. A long time ago, I started exploring spirituality (with my good friend Steven). Looking back I realize that I was looking for answers. Today, I don’t feel like I am looking for answers but rather I am seeking some understanding. I know I can’t know everything, and I am ok with that. I am still curious and I continue to explore. Great rules.
Steven Smith
October 20th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
I suppose we let the natural nature of liking rules run too wild. It’s good to hear from you Amie.
Answers still come, but they unravel new, unending mysteries. No end indeed. The deeper Taiji (or Yoga) goes, for example, the sooner I discover the next layer to unwind.
Living is good.