Chapter 15.2: The Ancient Exemplars of the Way, Part II

 

Since their depths were unfathomable,

I will strain to make an encompassing description:

Cautious as if crossing a river in winter;

Alert, as if endangered on all sides.

Respectful as a guest;

Free-flowing as thick ice beginning to melt.

Solid as an uncarved block; open as a valley; stirred up as a turbulent river. 

When forced to try and give the ancient exemplars of the Way an all-encompassing description, the Old Master came up with seven characteristics: cautiousness and alertness, respect and generosity, solidarity, openness, and passion.  First, cautiousness and alertness.  In picking their path and making their Way, the ancient exemplars were cautious as if they were making a winter river crossing.  In the old days, prior to freeways and bridges, river crossings were potentially dangerous – one misstep could result in being swept away and even death.  Given the inherent risks, meticulous care was taken in scouting a safe way across.  Just because there is always a Way doesn’t mean that we can proceed recklessly or heedlessly.  Instead, as we make our Way, we need to pay close attention to the small things, the minute details, we need to look for warning signs, and move forward cautiously and attentively.  The ancient exemplars were neither naïve nor fearful but rather alert to the dangers that surrounded them.  The imagery here is that of a great ape 猶.  The silverback is ever vigilant and on guard, constantly surveying the environment for dangers and actively taking precautionary measures to protect the family.  As they moved forward on the Way, the ancient exemplars protected themselves from potential threats and dangers with weapons, armor, and spiritual implements.  They were not paralyzed by fear or immobilized by anxiety.  They lived their lives, pursuing what they wanted with an awareness of potential threats and dangers, and they planned, prepared, and protected themselves accordingly.

Next, the ancient exemplars were always respectful, acting as if they were a guest in another’s house.  They never presumed, were not entitled, and practiced gratitude.  They were very gracious and generous with others.  The imagery of generosity is that of thick ice that is beginning to melt.  When thick ice begins to melt it turns into water and flows freely, generously, graciously going wherever it is needed without judgment.  The highest good is like water.  It is fluid and free-flowing. 

The ancient exemplars of the Way were solid like an uncarved block of wood.  Unlike a carved piece of wood, which has been shaved, shaped, slimmed, or hollowed out to meet the demands of others, an uncarved block of wood remains solid, retaining its original solidarity, integrity, and unlimited potential – uncompromised by the external hand of subjective social stereotypes and cultural constructs. 

The exemplars of the Way were magnanimous, broad, open-minded, and all-encompassing like a valley.  Lastly, they were passionate.  The imagery is that of a turbid river, stirred up, roiling, and pushing through blockages and obstacles.  The Yellow River is an iconic image in China and the cradle of Chinese civilization.  It was so named because of its powerful, turbid waters that carry rich nutrient-laden silts from the desert regions in the northwest and deposit them all along it course, giving of its abundance, driving growth, and sustaining life.  In America, we might switch the metaphor from one of water, to one of fire – the ancient exemplars of the Way were fired up, passionate, and actively engaged in good causes that nourish and nurture life. 

As we become exemplars of the Way, we can be cautious, alert, and attentive to threats and conditions in the world.  We can empower ourselves, protect our rights, embrace our place in the universe, and prepare for challenges with tools and weapons without becoming overly fearful.  As actor Will Smith has aptly observed, “Fear is not real. The only place that fear can exist is in our thoughts of the future. It is a product of our imagination, of the thoughts we create, causing us to fear things that do not at present and may not ever exist. That is near insanity. Do not misunderstand me danger is very real but fear is a choice.”  We can choose to not let fear prevent us from pursuing our path.  We can choose to be respectful and grateful, gracious and generous with our time and talents – our gifts.  We can be solid, true to ourselves, embracing our unlimited and untapped potential, uninhibited and uncompromised by the external forces that would shape and use us for their own purposes.  We can be open-minded and magnanimous and we can get fired up about a cause, find a passion project, discover our mission and purpose, and get involved for good.  By doing so, we will make the world a better place. ~ DCB

 

Translation Note: The character 畏, which is often translated as “fear” or “dread” is actually far more empowering.  The full form is 𤱫 and is comprised of three elements: a mask 田 on top, a tiger claw 爪 on the bottom left, and a person 人.  The oldest forms omit the tiger claws but show a masked person holding a curved and sometimes barbed weapon.  The mask was perhaps armor or some form of shamanic or spirit medium mask that bestowed power in dealing with spirits.  Rather than the “fear” or “dread” caused by dangers, the character 畏 , is not an emotional state, but instead points to the tools and weapons needed to defend against and deal with threats and dangers, whether physical or spiritual.