Man and the River

It had been three years, since the sage passed the lush pastures and meadows that mingle together to create the Valley of Rivers. Choosing the least populated path, he spoke to few before climbing the surrounding foothills and entering the silence and seclusion of his new home. It had been a vision bearing the direction to seek out a remote cave (the cave in which he now sat) and focus on inner work until the passing of three springs.

The early morning wind was welcomed warmly today, for it carried the seasonal call of the Cuckoo upon its breath, thus bringing forth the life and fertility of spring to the valley. For the sage this signaled the end of the third year, and the beginning of his decent into the valley. He made his way towards the village of Willowbrook (named after the mighty river Willow that winds its way gracefully around the village). In contrast to the peaceful surroundings, Willowbrook was a trading town and often the market square bustled with merchants and animals alike, accompanied of course by the energetic banter of the most ruthless traders in the valley.

The magical deep oranges of sunset were bathing the empty square, just as the sage entered the village in search of accommodation. News spread like the forest fire in this village, and soon word had spread that an enlightened teacher had taken up board in the Willowbrook Inn. This was a village of few spiritual seekers however, and the common feeling was that enlightenment was only available to those who have the time of day to practice meditation. Not to mention that the life of a trader is far too busy to find time for peace in each moment.

So that afternoon, Joel the village wool trader decided he was going to question this sage and explain to him the limitations of being a merchant. Also, that an enlightened life is certainly not possible for anyone with a job. The sage knowing only love listened in silence to what Joel had to say. He then suggested that they walk to the banks of the river Willow.

The stretch of river that flowed adjacent to Willowbrook had both calm and white water. (Excellent for the local fisherman, although this wasn't the reason for this excursion) As they approached the banks, without a word the sage jumped into the rushing white water. Joel fervently scanned the surface of the water for any sign of the sage whom he now believed to be quite mad. A minute later a head appeared at the far side of the river and Joel saw the sage holding (with some difficulty) to the riverbank. It was apparent that the water was doing its best to dislodge the sage from the side and move him along down stream.

After resisting this for a few moments the sage smiled broadly back at Joel and let go of the bank. Laughing with joy the sage allowed the water to carry him through the rapids and send him unscathed into the calm water. Once again Joel witnessed the sage take hold of a branch on the far bank; he was lying calmly on his back allowing the seemingly uninterested water to flow gently passed him. The sage then turned again to Joel and laughingly cried, ' Do you see?'

Words had deserted Joel as he offered a hand to this mad man who had now swum back towards the speechless trader. Upon wringing out his robes the sage asked Joel if he knew anything of the 'River of Life'. 'Of course.' replied Joel, 'every child learns of the ancient lore that mirrors our lives to that of water running down the river bed, what of it?'

'Do you understand its message?' The sage was now looking directly into Joel's eyes as he spoke. Joel thought for a moment, then answered, 'Well I….I never realized there was a message to it.' 'If you have wisdom sir, please share it with me.' The sage gestured for Joel to sit as he said: 'Our lives are much like a leaf floating down the river, the currents of nature, forever beyond, in front and behind the eyes are constantly moving our lives. They change in direction, according to our choices. If there is no resistance to change we are carried effortlessly down the river, however if we hold onto the banks we will know suffering. Now, Joel, what did you notice as I was holding onto the river banks?' Remembering something his father used to tell him, Joel replied, 'The easiest way to traverse the white water is to let go.' Chuckling to himself the sage replied: 'Wise words, wise words indeed. For it is only our relentless grip on our beliefs and ideas that keep our lives tied to the river banks, when we are able to let go, the current will carry us effortlessly into Joy.'

'But what of my life as a trader? Every day is full of activity, what use these wise words then?' 'Is it not more apparent when one holds to the riverbank in a rapid as opposed to holding on when the water is calm? You see, in the midst of outer chaos it is often easier to see when we are holding on. When our lives seem comparatively peaceful, the minds attachments can become subtler to the senses. In either case, it is our awareness of the attachment that can and will set us Free. Joel then realized the simplicity of this simple choice. Noting for the first time, that to be Free, one must simply let go of the attachment to all beliefs and allow the current of life to flow naturally onwards. 'Joel, every river eventually runs into the ocean; when you fully let the river carry your weight, the current will effortlessly deliver you to its goal. The ocean of awareness is unbounded. The banks we hold onto there are nothing more than thoughts within the mind. The ocean within is far greater than the seas of our world. Yet it will always be just beyond, behind and amongst the senses, but forever within reach. Just let the river take you there!' Upon saying, the sage rose to his feet, bowed low, and walked away, leaving Joel watching, with new eyes the water of the 'Willow' run free, just as he watched his attachments float on like the leaves in the river.