The profound dark depths of the masters
teach us that nothing should be habitual.
Like a baby who doesn’t know
but attempts.
Each step
a waddling dance of balance
against the force
of the earth
that would hold us to its bosom.
We must never forget we are not alone here.
Because every day is new,
we have never arrived
and cannot expect to understand.
So let it go.
We are gracious in times of confusion
because the Way is mysterious .
To be subtle,
we know that the moment is right.
Whatever it is,
we are learning.
No need to express anything.
When change is upon us,
we need only dissolve.
Subtle is a way of being
without needing to be noticed:
Like the great trunk of a tree
that remains hidden
beneath its flowering branches.
And the lesson of obscurity:
since we don’t know ourselves,
how can we be known?
Therefore,
we need not defend
anything.
But Tao knows who we are.
And our Te, when married to the moment,
inspires action without striving
we rise like an ocean wave
called forward by the moon.
we breathe into the wind
the way winter changes into spring.
we do,
not with expectation
but because the night sky
is suddenly filled with light.
And like the bird who sings
without knowing why,
every step is taken with gratitude.
Who can be patient
until life returns us to its dance?
The masters were said to be profound
because we show the greatest wisdom
when we are comfortable
In Tao’s mysterious
And unknown depths.
-Kari Hohne