STEPPING BACK INTO THE DARKNESS

         Make no mistake about it; if you do not find it now you will repeat the same 

                       mistake for myriad eons a thousand times over again, 

                        following and picking up objects that attract you, 

                                born in the bellies of donkeys and oxen. 

                                                                                                                                     Linji

Now comes a very important moment. 

You have unlocked the gate and stepped into the Secret Chan Forest. The light is there alright, for you can see it. But it is bright and the source is far away.

The gate is still open behind you and although you have gone beyond the "point of no return," those stones and apparently inpenetrable array of rocks may strike fear into your heart.

There is a tendency then to ask yourself if you really want to wend your way in there with just a flimsy idea of what lies ahead and with no Identity to guide you. That fear of being without Identity is extremely stong and only the brave of heart will proceed.

But, if there is the slightest qualm and you have a modicum of cognitive intelligence that you overvalue, then you will be tempted by a short-cut; perhaps to be your own teacher. There are plenty of books out there with the correct words, but without touching the experience. 

Dissonance will also tell you that there is a lot of useless nonsense in the Dharma and that you can take the best pieces and build your own way.

The alternative is to be a True Warrior of the Dharma or a True Guardian.

Other magnificent paths are also available, which like that of Warrior and Guardian are equally noble and in harmony with True Dharma Advances.

You can become a True Dharma Torchbearer or a True Dharma Witness.

THE TRUE WARRIOR: THE TRUE GUARDIAN

THE TRUE TORCHBEARER: THE TRUE DHARMA WITNESS