Hi Bob,
One of the potential errors in your view that I perceive as a reoccurring theme is the consideration that others “need” to dissect Tao/the continuity of being, rather than choose too. This view tends towards the insistence that the glass is “half empty” rather than “half full”! You must consider that those who dissect Tao/the continuity of being do so for the enjoyment of the process. There is much to be learned and enjoyed from either perspective and neither is inherently better or worse than the other. There is no need to “abandon dissecting Tao” as there is no inherent negative value to the endeavor. In fact, to consider the endeavor a negative quality is to participate in contrivance. We fall into error not when we choose to dissect Tao, or when we choose to experience the continuity of Tao; we fall into error when we cling to one perspective over another or establish one as of more inherent value than the other. Each practice provides a unique perspective of Tao. The benefit is individually enjoyed. Benefit or detriment occurs as an individual consequence, not as a universal occurrence. Detriment is not found inherently within any specific view or activity; detriment occurs as a consequence of clinging to one view over another. This goes back to my previous comments concerning flexibility of mind and perspective. It is clinging that produces erroneous perception/experience not any one particular perspective. Tao contains both perspectives and many more; each has value according to its context.
“we are traveling to where we have always been, from ignorance to enlightenment.. awareness is the vehicle..” it’s all the same, a unified organic experience.. the only variable is our awareness of it..
Very well said! It is all just a game; there is no where to go and there is no hurry getting there, there is merely the journey and how we choose to make it.
Some other thoughts concerning contrivance:
Taoist and Ch’an writings teach that non-contrivance is born out of contrivance. We use method (contrived means) in order to rise above method (uncontrived spontaneity). This is a well established process in Japanese Zen and is well demonstrated in their methods of Tea ceremony, Flower arranging, etc.
This process is also well illustrated in Chuang-Tzu’s story of The Butcher. The Butcher did not just one day pick up his utensils and spontaneously become in tune with the processes of the Tao of Butchery. He learned the mechanical process from another butcher and then applied himself to practicing those mechanics. This is contrived behavior. As his ability improved his dependence on intellectually applying himself diminished until his skill became a spontaneous expression of Tao. His skill eventually transcended intellectual thought through the contrived process of practicing the mechanics of butchery. From contrived action sprang un-contrived skill of itself (tzu-jan). That is, the contrive actions produced spontaneous skill simply as a natural consequence of the practice.
The potential for expressing un-contrived skill is inherent within all human endeavors. It is not what you do, but how and why you do it!
Always a pleasure my friend! 