Energize your spirit

An ancient saying goes, "We have no friends; we have no enemies; we only have teachers."

He placed a screwdriver in my outstretched hand. "My name doesn't matter; neither does yours.  What is important is what lies beyond names and beyond questions.  Now, you will need this screwdriver to take apart the carburetor," he pointed.

"Nothing lies beyond questions," I retorted.  "Like how did you fly on that rooftop?"

"I didn't fly--I jumped," was his poker-faced reply.  It's not magic, so don't get your hopes up.  In your case, however, I may have to perform some very difficult magic.  It looks as if I'm going to have to transform a jackass into a human being."

"Who the hell do you think you are, anyway, to be saying these things to me?"

"I am a warrior!" he snapped.  "Beyond that, who I am depends on who you want me to be."

"Can't you just answer a straight question?" I attacked the carburetor with a vengeance.

"Ask me one and I'll try," he said, smiling innocently.  The screwdriver slipped and I skinned my finger. "Damn!" I yelled, going to the sink to wash the cut. Socrates handed me a Band-Aid.

"All right then.  Here is a straight question."  I determined to keep my voice patient.  "How can you be useful to me?"

"I have already been useful to you," he replied. pointing to the bandage in my finger.

That did it.  "Look, I can't waste my time here any longer.  I need to get some sleep."  I put the carburetor down and got ready to leave.

"How do you know you haven't been asleep your whole life?  How do you know you're not asleep right now?" he intoned,  a twinkle in his eye.

"Whatever you say."  I was too tired to argue anymore."

Excerpt taken from Dan Millman's Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book that Changes Lives

Comments

[Alik Levin | PracticeThis.com]

I have not read the book but I have seen the movie. They say the book is much better. I am afraid that after reading I'll go crazy ;) - the movie was LIFE CHANGING to me.
Thanks for reminding me about the great stuff about Peaceful Warrior!

[Alexys Fairfield]

Hi Liara,

What an enlightening post. I haven't read the book or seen the movie, but this post has intrigued me. We have so many teachers in our lifetimes don't we? Seemingly they give us the tools, but we have them all along.

Thanks for being the teacher.

[Liara Covert]

Alik, when a person thinks he is willing to change, Socrates reminds that person this is one of the biggest illusions. In general, people are willing to change superficial things, but remain unwilling to address deeper processes. The ideas you choose to retain from each of your life experiences and perceived teachers makes life meaningful.

[Liara Covert]

Alexys, this book reminds readers they must learn what it takes to change their mind's moods and impulses before they can begin to grasp the warrior's way. Anger is proof of stubborn illusions. You learn how to stop defending what no longer makes sense. Check out the book.

[Loving Annie]

I vaguely remember reading it many many years ago and liking some of it and the rest of it going over my head. Everyone and everything is a teacher... Spirit provides countelsss opportunities :)

[Liara Covert]

Loving Annie, you may be surprised what you get out of a book a second or third time around. Your level of awareness changes. How you view the world evolves based on your growth. Read the book again, as if for the first time.

[mergingpoint]

havent read this one, Liara! but, the vital point driven very clearly in this passage. 1. am i ready to receive it? 2. am i ready to apply it?(change). As always told, even to indicate that which is our very own and very much within, we do need a Master.(in form or in many many ways...)
Thanks for sharing an insightful post!

[Liara Covert]

merging point, each person gets periodic reminders about who is the teacher and who is the student. Whether a person listens or expands is something else. Socrates offers this powerful reminder to encourage one to break free: "Anger is stronger than fear, stronger than sorrow. Your spirit is growing. You are ready for the sword."