I recently finished re-reading Zen Master Raven by Robert Aitken (see earlier posts, here and here) and would like to share another gem from Roshi's book:
The Way
Copperhead came by one evening unannounced. Mole made himself scarce, and Owl, Woodpecker, and Grouse set up a clatter.
Copperhead said, "Excuse me, everybody. I came for the Great Law, not for my dinner." The birds quieted down, but Mole did not return.
"Yes," said Copperhead, "I'm really interested in the Way, but I don't seem to have the right livelihood for it."
Raven said, "The Way does not depend on your livelihood."
Copperhead asked, "What is the Way?"
Raven said, "We'd be totally lost without you."
Ah, the snake appears.
Most beings struggle to stay put when the snake appears.
Yet the it inevitably arrives, since snakes share with pussycats, moles and woodpeckers an interest in the Great Way.
What kind of poisonous snake appears in your life? Would you be totally lost without it?
Writing my blog. Transfusions of venom that force me to practice relentlessly so I can be "authentic." Bah! Time to find a better way to catch this snake!
:-)
Posted by: Genju | July 09, 2012 at 06:50 AM
HEY, is this meant for ME??? LOL. Thanks Barry, this one was awesome. First I've read in months and right to the point.
Reminds me of a Laurie Anderson song lyric:
Well I know who you are, baby.
I’ve seen you go into that meditative state.
You’re the snake charmer, baby.
And you’re also the snake.
You’re a closed circuit, baby.
You’ve got the answers in the palms of your hands.
Posted by: John | July 09, 2012 at 09:33 AM
Turned 33 yesterday; and as I was brushing my teeth last night, I noticed a single grey chest hair curled up and staring at me.
This body too...is impermanent.
Thank you snake.
Posted by: Dan | July 09, 2012 at 09:46 AM
Happy birthday, Dan. You might enjoy the video that will appear this Friday.
Posted by: Barry Briggs | July 09, 2012 at 10:17 AM