The only worthwhile change there is, is to change our knowledge of self, a change we initiate with recapitulation, and through the insights gained from our recapitulation, coming to the point where we realise full well that the only way forward is to erase our personal history by stalking our perception of self, which by definition means not-doing.
However, the truth of the matter is that to give up one’s view of the world is not an easy thing to do. To talk about it is easy. To think about it is even easier. To romanticise about it is wonderful! But to face the reality of actually being brought to the point of having to do it, is an altogether different kettle of fish, for it is only really then that the apprentice is brought face to face with the first natural enemy, fear. With regard to this, it is important to know that fear is always present, since it is part of the Warrior’s Shield, but the enemy fear is only encountered whenever we face death, meaning real change.
When that moment comes, as it does for each and every one of us who are truly given to our fate as warriors, and when the cold light of reality forces us into having to acknowledge that there is now no way forward except to give up our view of the world, and everything that is entailed therein, then it is a very human reaction to feel that we are being forced into something that is extremely frightening. In the first four books I have already imparted much guidance on how to handle fear, and therefore we do not need to dwell upon that here. However, what we need to look at now, is the illusion of being forced into change, which does indeed imply being forced into a death of sorts.
ALL LEARNING IS FORCED, BUT ONLY BECAUSE MAN FEARS TRANSFORMATION. WHEN RESISTANCE TO CHANGE IS OVERCOME, FORCE IS NO LONGER NECESSARY. FORCE ONLY COMES INTO BEING BECAUSE OF RESISTANCE. THUS THE WARRIOR DOES NOT RESIST DEATH, BUT LEARNS TO DANCE WITH IT.
From this moment on, whether we have ever heard of the Warrior’s Path or not, and depending upon our predilection as individuals, we either start to fight for our survival with everything we’ve got, and thereby enter into the mood of the warrior, or else we succumb to the apathy born of despair. This is the true meaning of the Knock of the Spirit, and when it comes we either follow the spirit in that moment like true warriors, or else we give up and start to die in one way or another.
The warrior knows that his time upon earth is but short, much too short to waste in indulging in selective perception, and so he strives to stalk his perception and, in doing so, savours every moment of every step he takes towards achieving fluidity of perception and his freedom from his view of the world – his freedom from the madness of the dream.
If then I am to savour every moment of every step, and if this afternoon is to be my last afternoon spent on this earth, I need no time to think about how I would like to spend this time. The power lies in the moment, in the here and now, and I know from experience that I am a being that is already given to my fate, and, in knowing that, I also know the purpose of that fate. But what I am doing right now, right here, is putting meaning into that purpose. By sharing my knowledge with you, the reader, what more can I wish for, than simply to embrace this fleeting moment of chance with every fibre of my being, and to pour into it all of my joy, my warmth and my love?
Theme for April – Transformation – Uncovering the new you
