SPIRIT OF DELIGHT
During a grand procession, someone glimpses Tao.
They point, and cry out: "Look! Look! Over there!"
Robes or rags forgotten, all turn, and gasp in wonder and rapture;- as if they had seen a bluebird flying,
- or heard mermaids singing,
- or scented Spring arriving.
In a crowd departing from a solemn ceremony,
the presence of Tao may pass through like a ripple;
- and all become wreathed with smiles and good-natured laughter.
In a spirit of delight?
Inner spirit of delight!
Numinous experiences,
or moments of heightened/deepened awareness, can occur in
solitude, in intimate company, or even in multitudes of
people.
They may be regarded or interpreted as
expressions or flourishings of Tao, but can
occur throughout many cultures and spiritual/religious
traditions.
The above examples
attempt to portray this quality; but also hint at how it may
become open to manipulation by the self-deluded or
unscrupulous!
Tao respects such experiences, but does not depend on them for
its power or influence, or its sense of authenticity.
