The Synopsis
Characters: Peter & Kwai Chang Caine
Time Frame: At the Temple
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Same as before. I don't own them. I am just borrowing them. I promise to return them in the condition that I found them.
The Story
This story was inspired by one of the writings in "The Tao of Leadership."
Can you learn to become open and receptive, quiet and without desires or the need to do something?
Being open and receptive is called YIN, the feminine or the valley.
Imagine that there is a pond in this valley. When no fears or desires stir the surface of the pond, the water forms a perfect mirror.
In this mirror, you can see the reflection of Tao. You can see God and you can see creation.
Go into the valley, be still, and watch the pond. Go as often as you wish. Your silence will grow. The pond will never run dry.
The valley, the pond, and the Tao are all within you.
***
Peter Caine sat at the pond's edge staring into its depths. He became aware of his father's footsteps, even though all he heard was the rustling of his robe as it brushed the grass.
"You're not allowed here. This is my secret place," Peter said. His voice held conviction, but also sadness.
"I will only come when I am invited," Caine replied.
"All right," Peter said.
Caine turned and walked back to the temple, allowing his son his privacy. He knew they would talk later when Peter was ready. He could not help thinking about the words of the Tao. Perhaps this was Peter's way of understanding what the Tao might be or mean. Perhaps it was his way of being still. Certainly that would seem to be the case, since he found Peter sitting as still as any monk in meditation. His spirit, however, was troubled. And even while Peter was sitting there, he still seemed to move. Still, Caine could not help but be proud of his son. He had found a place where he might find a measure of peace. That was not an easy thing for Peter to do, even at the age of 12 years old.
Caine thought back on his own days as a boy and how he also found solitude by water. For him it was a small stream that ran by the temple in China. He would often go there with Lai Pei, but when the solders came, Caine had to find another place of solitude.
Caine also recalled a story that his father said that had been told to him by his grandfather. Matthew had told him that his father, also named Kwai Chang Caine, had been drawn to water just as he had. Water had a calming effect and played an important part of the Tao. Water followed the Tao. And when it was still and peaceful, it reflected it in its surface.
'Perhaps that was why Peter was drawn there now,' Caine thought. 'Certainly Peter did seem calmer from just sitting near its depth and coolness. Perhaps I might find myself a spot along that pond for reflection.'
Caine turned back toward the pond. His son sat still as a statue. 'It would seem the son has taught the father. Thank you, my son.'
End
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2001.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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