Revolution Eyes: 3 Rules

Remember these rules? Take a look…

Rule #1: The World is an Infinite, Unfathomable Mystery.
Rule #2: My Duty is to Solve Mysteries without ever hoping to do so.
Rule #3: Each and Every Piece and Part of this Great Mystery (including you and I) are equally profound Mysteries.

I insist: these are Rules. And, though they are not traditional Taiji Concepts, I consider these very Taiji.

Know the Rules…

I urge you to write your own versions, but first, let’s look at them closely.

The First Rule Describes Awe

The World is an Infinite, Unfathomable Mystery.

It describes reaching out, in the largest possible way, to consider the Whole World…the Universe, really. As big as a little mind stretches, this Rule asks you to stretch out a little more.

Notice and acknowledge that you haven’t reached fully into the depths of something so big, so Unfathomable, so Infinite as this great, mysterious Universe. This one is the key to unlocking awe: it leaves the jaw open and the eyes wide.

The Second Offers Orientation

My duty (as a Warrior) is to solve mysteries without ever hoping to do so.

You get to do something. And like the guy endlessly rolling a rock uphill…that Greek guy…this could go on and on and on. But unlike that guy, with this rule implies some simplicity, some ease while suggesting toughness and tenacity.

It encourages movement, exploration, and ruthless examination of the World. And while the second rule quietly relieves obsession and compulsion, it gives permission to strive and strive and strive. You get to never-finish solving mysteries.

The Third Rule Evens Things Out

Each and Every Piece and Part of this Great Mystery (including you and I) are equally profound Mysteries.

It puts all entities and objects and actions and parts and communities and bits and pieces on equal ground. You and I, every little part of each of us, and all those things sitting around you right now…all get a chance. This draws out courage and humility.

You manifest courage to stare into the face of ecstasy and terror, with equal delight. You find both strength and humility to count yourself, neither better nor worse, among countless, unfathomable Mysteries.

3 Responses to Revolution Eyes: 3 Rules

  1. walt says:
    2 May 2009 at 5:58 pm

    My consistent take is that we don’t value things well, and we don’t orient ourselves well. Your three rules go far in addressing this.

    Thanks for the post!

  2. Nate says:
    2 May 2009 at 11:54 pm

    Deep. Sounds like a good set of rules to me. Interesting in our studies that by looking internally, we discover mysteries outside of ourselves. Mysteries that then allow us to reach outside of ourselves a little bit, but also with a hearty helping of more reasons to, again, look internally. Never ending quest, but one that has become very rewarding for me as I get to use the things I learn to benefit others.

  3. Steven Smith says:
    10 June 2009 at 9:41 am

    Walt, you’re welcome…these are, obviously, my favorite rules.

    Nate, yeah: deep…and far. For me, this is it. Here’s my other set of rules: 1. There are no Rules. 2. Only #1 is a Rule ;)