New from Solala TowlerChuang Tzu: <strong>The</strong> Inner ChaptersA new version <strong>of</strong> this ancient and timeless classic withcommentary. Pr<strong>of</strong>usely illustrated with photos fromChina, printed in black and silver on glossy paper.Through its many stories, odd little passages and discourseswe can find illumination on how to live in theworld as free and spiritually independent beings. <strong>The</strong>principles <strong>of</strong> spontaneity, flexibility, not going againstthe natural flow <strong>of</strong> the Tao, grace under pressure, facingdeath fearlessly, and going beyond the obvious andcommonplace to find our own true nature, thereby transcendingthe world’s problems and vaulting us into the192 pages $22.95 + $5 p&sfrom Abode <strong>of</strong> the Eternal Tao1991 Garfield St. Eugene OR 97405800.574.5118/541.345.8843solala@abodetao.com38 Summer 2011
“Be Here Now”Perfecting the Practice <strong>of</strong> PresenceDaniel ReidA lament <strong>of</strong>ten heard from modern Western noviceson ancient Eastern spiritual paths soon after receivingtheir first introductions to the depth and complexity <strong>of</strong>the practices is, “Why is it all so complicated!” This isparticularly true <strong>of</strong> those who choose the highly disciplinedpractice paths designed to awaken awareness,such as the “Complete Reality” (chuan jen) branch <strong>of</strong>Chinese Taoism and the “Great Perfection” (dzogchen)path <strong>of</strong> Tibetan Buddhism.Years ago, at a retreat in India withmy first Tibetan teacher, the great Kagyupameditation master Kalu Rinpoche,someone asked the venerable lama whythe foundation practices he taught wereall so complicated. His reply crackledwith the swiftness and clarity <strong>of</strong> lightning:“Because the human mind is socomplicated, that’s why! It takes complexmethods to dismantle the complexdelusions the ego constructs to blind themind to the light <strong>of</strong> truth. Truth itself is assimple and clear as the morning sun. Infact,” he said, sweeping his hand aroundthe room, “the truth is right here in front<strong>of</strong> you, right now, this very moment, butyou just don’t have the eyes to see it!”It’s true: the Tao <strong>of</strong> “Complete Reality”and the “Great Perfection” <strong>of</strong> theawareness which reflects it like a mirrorare utterly simple, self-evident, and everpresent,here and now. <strong>The</strong>re is nothingto seek: all we need is the vision to see.It’s our human minds that are complexand tricky, not awareness and reality.Both Buddha and Lao-tze stated veryclearly that the disciplines they taughtwere designed to awaken the ignorantand enlighten the blind; those who knowthe truth and see how simple it is don’tneed the discipline <strong>of</strong> practice.Most <strong>of</strong> us, however, spend a lot<strong>of</strong> time and energy weaving elaborateveils <strong>of</strong> illusion around our minds, likesilkworms in their cocoons, to protectour delicate egos and desires from rupturingin the radiant light <strong>of</strong> awarenesswhich we keep locked deep inside our hearts. Despiteour barriers <strong>of</strong> doubt and fear, it’s always here withinus, each and every moment, a treasury <strong>of</strong> wisdom, love,and power waiting for us to claim it by awakening to itsluminous presence. Depending on how deep asleep weare in our dream worlds, the work <strong>of</strong> waking up can beeasy or difficult, fast or slow. Either way, the first step isto dodge the tricks our egos play to distract our attention<strong>The</strong> <strong>Empty</strong> <strong>Vessel</strong> 39
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