WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR: A Book That Changes Lives by Millman Dan

Author:Millman, Dan [Millman, Dan]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Peaceful Warrior ePublishing
Published: 2010-05-05T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FIVE

THE MOUNTAIN PATH

Socrates poured steaming hot tea into our twin mugs and spoke the first encouraging words I’d heard in many months. “Your survival in the duel means that you’re ready for the next step toward the One Goal.”

“What’s that?”

“When you discover that, you’ll already be there. In the meantime, your training can now move to a different arena.”

A change. A sign of progress! I was getting excited. Finally we’re going to get moving again, I thought. “Socrates,” I asked, “what new arena?”

“For one thing you’re going to have to find the answers from within. Beginning now — go out back, behind the station, behind the trash bin. There, in the corner of the lot, against the wall, you’ll find a large flat stone. Sit on that stone until you have something of value to tell me.”

I paused. “That’s it?”

“That’s it. Sit and wait until you have an insight worth sharing.”

I went outside, found the rock, and sat in the darkness. First, random thoughts drifted through my mind. I thought of all the important concepts I’d learned in my years at school. An hour went by, then two, then three. The sun would rise in another few hours, and I was getting cold. I began to slow my breathing and to vividly imagine my belly as warm. Before long, I felt comfortable again.

Dawn came. The only thing that I could think of to tell him was a realization I’d had during a psychology lecture. I stood up on stiff, sore legs and hobbled into the office. Socrates, looking relaxed and comfortable at his desk, said, “Ah, so soon? Well, what is it?”

I was almost embarrassed to say it but hoped he’d be satisfied. “OK, Soc. Beneath all our apparent differences we share the same human needs and fears; we’re all on the same path together, guiding one another. And this understanding brings compassion.”

“Not bad. Back to the rock.”

“But it’s morning — you’re leaving.”

“That’s no problem.” He grinned. “I’m sure you’ll have thought of something by tonight.”

“Tonight? But I... ” He pointed out the door.

Sitting on the rock, my whole body aching, I reflected on my childhood and searched my past, reaching for insights. Nothing came. Then I tried to compress all that had transpired in the months with Socrates into a witty aphorism.

I thought of the classes I was missing and the excuse I’d have to give the coach. What would I say? That I’d been sitting on a rock in a gas station? That would sound crazy enough to make him laugh.

The sun crept with agonizing slowness across the sky. I sat hungry, irritated, and depressed, as darkness fell. I had nothing for Socrates. Then, just as he was due back, it came to me. He wanted something deeper, more cosmic. I concentrated harder. I saw Socrates enter the office, waving to me. I redoubled my efforts. Then, about midnight, I had it. I couldn’t even walk, so I stretched for a few minutes before shuffling into the office.

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