It was that time of the year for the master to choose a student to embark on an important journey to deliver an important message. A journey - that required great discipline, courage and skill. From the class three students stood out and each expected to be chosen. It was a difficult dilemma for the master so he decided to do a little test to find the student most suitable.

 He placed a clay pot full of water above the door and called the first student. The student eagerly entered and of course the pot crashed down upon the student’s head drenching him. The master advised the student to return to the class.

 Replacing with a new clay pot of water above the door he called for the second student. The student entered but sensed something dropping and skilfully dodged the falling pot of water. The pot shattered spilling water over the floor but the student remained dry. The student felt he had passed the test and suspected that he would be the person chosen to represent the dojo! But again the master advised the student to return his class.

 Another clay pot of water was placed above the door and the last student was called in. The student entered but this student didn’t dodge but aware of the falling put of water e skilfully caught it and without spilling a drop he bowed to his teacher.

 The teacher smiled and from under his sleeve he took out a scroll of sealed parchment and said to the student to make ready to go on a long journey.

A long time ago there were to rival dojos and equal distance away from the nearest well. Each dojo had a young student; who both sort the knowledge and wisdom of their masters. As part of their normal duties they each had to fetch a bucket of water for their respective masters each morning.

 Both had baskets made of woven reed and they carried two of these on a pole across their shoulders. It was an arduous duty but they both were willing to do as their respective masters wished.

 As time went by the two students got to know each other and would engage in small talk. One of them mentioned to the other that his bucket had holes which would drain the water by the time he reached his master. The student was puzzled by this and when he returned to his master he asked if he could repair the holes. His master said no and that he should carry on as he has been doing. The student even more puzzled asked the master why as he was loosing most of his water by the time he returned but the master was still declined to provide an explanation.

 So the student carried on gathering water much to the amusement of the other student. Several moths later the student again asked the master why he couldn’t mend the holes in his bucket. But the master didn’t answer but beckoned him to follow him.

 He followed the master who took him past the well and followed the path to the other dojo. The path was dry, dusty and barren as they stumbled across the rocky path. Just before the actually reached the other dojo the master turned back. They returned to the well and carried on back up the path the student took each morning. This time the path was overgrown with small trees and plants. Amongst the plants of lush growth where the beautiful flowers with butterflies fluttering amongst them.

 When they got back the master asked the student did he notice anything? The student replied that he was surprised that the path to the other dojo was so dry and barren and yet his path was lined with flowers and buzzing life. The student bowed to the master and thanked him the enlightenment he provided. The master smiled and left the young student to contemplate.

 For the student realized that each morning the water that leaked from his bucket was not wasted – for it fed the earth on each side of the path and in turn gave life to many of God’s creatures. It provided a sustained life for everything on either side of the path. He felt a sense of warmth and realized that he indeed became enlightened…

There is a story of a Samurai called Kokoro who diligently followed the path of righteousness and honour throughout his life. But after years of commitment the strain of human nature began to takes its toll. The constant compassion drained the life force from his heart. The constant betrayals and indifference caused deep wounds that only appeared to be healed by death its self.

So to seek his faith he decided to retire from his path and search for a place of solitude where he may meditate and seek the answers to his troubled mind. He trekked the land and saw the sun set many times. Each passing sunset bringing him even closer to his destination.

One day he came about a cave surrounded by deep foliage with a small clearing. For here he decided to spend the rest of his days to free himself from the inner turmoil. Each day he spent in deep meditation – contemplating life and the universe. Very soon he got to know the animals of the forest and became their friend. Once he upon a baby rabbit, injured whilst out playing. He gently picked it up and nursed it back to health before freeing it to find its family. Another time he came upon an eagle with an injured wing. Again, he cared for it and once healed he let the eagle soar to freedom into the skies. All the creatures in the forest would greet him on his frequent searches for herbs, berries and nuts for sustenance.  

Time goes by and he still doesn’t find the answers he seeks and after several years the samurai health began to fail. His self-imposed recluse denied him the proper food his body craved – it was only is mental discipline that maintained his life. He became too weak to leave the cave but continued to meditate until eventually he collapses through lack of food.

The animals sensed that something was wrong and gathered together to discuss what to do. They had grown to respect and admire the samurai Kokoro who befriended and looked after them in their times of need.

The eagle gathered up old feathers to make a blanket of warmth for the samurai. The squirrel collected nuts to provide food. But the samurai was too weak to eat and slowly his life ebbed away. He was touched by the graciousness of the denizens from the forest but he still felt he had failed his duty as a samurai. For he had come to this cave to find himself but now he was to leave this world with out this understanding,

Soon the animals left when they found that the samurai was to be no more – except for a rabbit. He looked deep into the eyes of the samurai and saw his naked soul. Without a second thought the rabbit stoked up the fire and placed a clay pot over it. Placing herbs into the warming pot he then jumped into it and beckoned the samurai to feast on him so that he may live.

This act of absolute unselfishness and compassion so touched the samurai that he felt warmth embrace him as his strength return. Suddenly he realized he had discovered the true meaning of love. He had seen the light. Dousing the flames he thanked the rabbit for his guidance.

We take tome for granted, based on our fundamental understanding of the world around us. We cam maintain its simplicity to conduct out lives in what we perceive as normality. However time has a much more profound significance if we are willing to accept our limitations and that there are things in this Universe that is beyond out understanding. Time as we know is based on logical yet simplified interpretations of our solar system but we have yet to understand what lies beyond the boundaries of infinite realm of space.

However if we continue to apply the same logic and perception to solar systems outside our own may we not find ourselves overwhelmed and confused? Taking this theory a step further – can the same be applied to our conscienceless’ and minds?

Questions like this may be bordering on the absurd. Yet it is something we need to consider if we are to reach the full potential of out humanity.

Being such a thought provoking idea and with our limited understanding it is very difficult to stipulate a point to even begin to comprehend the implications of time and space. Our fear of the unknown and desperation to maintain one’s apparent sanity is perhaps a hurdle were not ready to overcome.

We feel the need to be entertained by acts of fantasy and secretly believe in the Si-fi world to escape the reality of life. We have even begun to accept that mans creative functions and exploration of our senses has often become a reality. What was once thought of unreasonable and pure fiction has now been accepted as humanities headlong rush into the world with new technological innovations.

Yet, is it possible that there are some who without realizing it subconsciously experience the parallel dimensions of time and space and refer to them as spiritual or supernatural phenomenon. Could they have unwittingly tapped into time warps and applied their personal logic to justify or even excuse their beliefs? Eventually even persuading themselves that they have special powers, profound insight or even in direct contact with God!

Perhaps the latter is true or would it be more convenient to deny our lack of understanding of the true nature of the Universe that is infinite. Does the infinity of space and time also exists with our own minds and conscienceless’?

Its ones constant quest for knowledge without preconceived ideals that searches for questions to answers of life and the Nature of the Universe as we gaze into the swirling mists of time..

"Some day, after we have mastered the winds and the waves, the tides and gravity, we will harness the energies of love. And, for the second time in the history of the world, man will have discovered fire."

There are times when we may be forced to refrain from the truth and feel like were being less then dishonest. The fact of the matter is that we always want to feel we are doing the right think and if we have any conscience then we will naturally feel that we are doing wrong. There will be times when telling the “truth” will inadvertently cause unnecessary pain and distress and serve no other apparent purpose. The truth must serve a purpose to benefit the other and not to justify ones own inadequacies. Yes - the truth may hurt even if ones motives are justifiable right. It is usually in hindsight that we can admit that we have made an error in judgement but if we made a decision based on honesty then there is no reason to feel any guilt.

In reality the truth somehow has a way of coming out and rightly or wrongly the recipient may feel let down or betrayed. However, if love and friendship is unconditional then the “messenger“ may be forgiven and even be appreciated for their compassion and care.

Alas, it is much easier to display anger and discontent when we eventually learn the truth and refer these emotions to the ones we hold dear. However usually in time we learn to accept the morals and motives and that true friendships and compassionate hearts are more precious than denying the nature of human kindness in whatever circumstances that may have prevailed.

"If some things are better left unsaid, then maybe they too are better left undone."

Within us is a “sensei”, a “samurai” to pursue the virtues of truth and honour. But, we have also been blessed with free will and conscience to make decisions based or our morality and perception of life. The warrior within is in constant battle with ourselves - quite often labouring in realm between reality, logic and self-preservation. It is a battle that preserves our sanity and awareness in a world that often threatens our very existence. Yet without these battles of consciences we will never be able to define or even understand right from wrong. It is the driving force that motivates are spirit and harnesses the power of life and the universe.

The “sensei” within us allows’ us to follow our destiny by sharing our understanding and knowledge with our fellow human beings. The sensei will guide, support and display unreserved compassion to all around him. The “sensei’s” willingness to make sacrifices is an unspoken appreciation yet often forgotten. Yet he/she will silently accept the consequences of their actions and will practice the arts of perception through commitment and resolutions. His only reward will be the warmth of his love that he shares with all things around from within his heart and soul to the inexhaustible expanses of the universe. For their destiny is to be a living beacon of hope…

Follow not in my footsteps but take my hand and walk with me…

The flickering light of the monitor throws blurred shadows in an already darkened room. The late hour cast an ominous silence as the amber streetlight struggles to enter through half open curtains. Drawn into the twilight world of the internet, waiting for a familiar name to “ping” into the sound card, countless chatters wait with ominous silence to indulge in an ambiguous, yet, pseudo logical reality of technological communication. The ability to use clandestine nic-names to hide our true “self’s” encourages individuals to gain a false security and persona that eventually takes over no matter however much they deny it. The ambiguity and anonymous nature that the social internet culture generates provides false expectations and hopes that eventually traps the vunerable and not so vunerable too.

Relationships can work in many situations but the risk of allowing oneself to be totally dominated by the electronic world of “bits and bytes” can cause unwarranted distress and anxiety which may be hard to come to terms with.

Maintaining a balance and recognising the potential traps can provide a healthy outlet and means of cultivating long lasting and genuine friendships. However, we do need to respect the power of the internet and use it wisely and have the courage to admit when we have inadvertently been sucked into a subculture world that plays on our emotions and desires.

"The mind is what should listen, but it is the heart that should speak!"

Like the luminosity glow of fire, the distant skies radiate a glow of orange as the setting sun returns to its resting place beyond the horizon. In its place the velvet darkness of the night sky gradually shrouds the earth with a silvery radiance as countless stars magically appear like a million fireflies dancing in the void of darkness that stretches into the infinite heavens.

We gaze up with an innocent wonderment and on the crest of our imagination we gasp at the mysteries that lay beyond. It is these moments that we forget the traumas of our self-imposed shackles of discontent and seek the peaceful delights that has captured the hearts for ions.

Our eyes look past the natural physics of the Universe and into the space of existence and feel the cosmic energy penetrate our very souls in its warm and loving nature. For that moment we feel the profound truth which constantly haunts us in our search, yet we cannot cope with the overwhelming profoundness of the reality of life. We trek the path between reality and fantasy, unable to clear the mists of confusion, fear and arrogant nature of our being.

Yet, for a few brief moments of eternity we are held in the grasp of reconciliation of peaceful harmony of nature. We connect to the stars as calmness soothes the troubled mind, freeing it to be seduced by the mysteries that lay beyond our comprehension of space and time. Sometimes we are overcome with tearful emotions as we recognise the true person that has haunted our conscience of past endeavours. For these are the times that we can face the truth of who and what we are. How we see ourselves in the morning of the next day depends on our own perception of honesty and integrity.

So next time you gaze into the heavens; remember and hold on to those precious feeling and emotions with uncompromised passion. For this may be another path to Enlightenment.

When the wind and sea come together in a sensual dance to give birth to the golden sands of a tropical beach we can only contemplate in awe at the wonder and beauty of nature. Like the sun and moon waltzing in eternal motion creating the tides that give life to humanity in the form of man and woman – we seek the eventual enlightenment that constantly eludes our divine search for truth.

Yet the utopia of paradise can be a hostile environment when the anger of nature manifests in storms that that evoke destruction, scaring the earth while shifting the sands of time. Perfection is the concept of imperfection for the sustenance of life in a universe that is eternal. Our eyes may be blind to the truth around us for we need to see with an open heart. Seeing the universe within us is the first doorway to understanding the fundamentals of existence.

Blind belief in the paranormal is a weakness and flaw in the nature of humankind. Fear and misunderstanding drives some to deny the reality of life and censors the natural perceptiveness of the mind. They live in a realm between reality and fantasy, cowering in the depths of self-imposed reclusive-ness.

Man and woman are the embodiments of nature’s spirit. They are the balance that maintains the equilibrium of life itself. Humanities emotive instincts can be our strengths but also our weaknesses. Yet as opposing and complimentary elements of life, they will reconcile the world to live in peaceful and loving harmony with nature and the universe around and within us. Their strength will be derived from true spiritual love, tempered with honesty, compassion and true faith in themselves and those who share the wonder of experience. Nature provides an evocative lesson through the infinite intercourse of wind and the sea so we may begin to understand the true nature of our being…

Love and peace …

A charitable donation is a means of sharing with those less fortunate than us and it seems quite the norm these days to make a monitory gift in the advent of great disasters particularly those caused my nature. But, how often once the initial shock has stirred the heart do we forget.

However, charity does begin at home and has a much more profound meaning. True charity is the ability to give not as an excuse to seek recompense or salvation. Spiritual giving is an unconditional action without prejudice – given with a compassion and love. Giving not just materialistic provisions but spiritually from the heart is true charity. It’s so easy to fall victim to our own guilt and subscribe to various charitable organisation that may or may not have a genuine need to seek sustenance and support. Persecution and political agendas may have a valid claim to recognition but more importantly is the suffering of children who are victims of natures and humanities cultural divisions. Many of us feel drawn to provide or enlist to so-called charities more as a sacrificial need to ease the guilt and personal suffering we have encountered. Believing, that we will be redeemed for the misfortunes that have dogged us or trapped us in our self-cantered worlds we seek to be “generous”. Your donations may be rewarded with recognition and you may even feel “good” but the truth of the matter is it is a false charity. You will not receive the divine intervention or grace that you so desperately yearn and nor will you be able to respect yourself.

When the giving and receiving is from the heart, when true compassion is etched into the soul, can we truly accept that we have provided charity. So before you give of yourself ask yourself honestly if your need to “give” is true.