Raven 45: The Way

We are here for each other. And we are each of us the Way. To practice the Way is to practice ourselves -- to practice each other. If you have any doubts about this, just look around.

Case

Badger was well liked in the community, and the folks were always glad to see him. One day he was able to come to zazen and the informal discussion afterward.
Mole said, "I'm glad that you were able to come tonight. I know it's not easy for you to get away."
Badger said, "Thank you, Mole. It means a lot to me to be here and to practice the Way with everybody."
Raven said, "It means a lot to the Way, too."
Badger sat back and looked puzzled.
Owl spoke up and asked "Does the Way have feelings?"
"Watch the ants," said Raven.

Verse

Oh, I drank of that duck-rabbit brew,
Watched the mind, fixed on one picture, flit between two,
Until I turned away, feigning weariness of the silly trick.
Still, a day or a year later, I and a pint of dark and bitter,
Strolling in the yard, crouched to peer
Upon the business at an ant hill.
There again the wild veering betook me:
Now many little organisms before me, now a single one --
Two pictures, and a thing-in-view that is both and neither.
These days, everywhere I look:
Nothing but duck-rabbits, flickering while constant.

Case by Robert Aitken; introduction and verse by Meredith Garmon

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