F
inding my way is my purpose, no matter where I am, I never truly get lost. Simply living, feeling, and experiencing life.
The “Tao” signifies the way, path, route, road or a doctrine, principle, or holistic belief.
It is seen through the actual living experience of one’s everyday being.
Finding My Way
Sometimes I get lost or turned around on the path. When I sense that I am not where I should be, I stop. I take a moment to find out exactly where I am.
Usually, I get lucky and see someone walking, biking, or even driving. If they stop, I ask to be directed to my destination. Did I say, if they stop? That’s right, People avoid or refuse to help me even when I am in obvious distress.
Fortunately, I don’t panic.
More times than not, a generous soul stops to help me find my way.
I’m not fighting it, just trying to understand it.
The Tao is the natural way of the universe, whose character one’s intuition must discern to realize the potential for individual wisdom.
Accepting What is in Front of My Eyes
Today I was looking for a temple but came upon an unusual structure that looked like one. I did not think I walked the distance – I don’t actively track it – but my first thought was this can’t be it. I did not see a single soul at the entrance or on the path. So I walked on. I did not see anything ahead that looked like a temple in the maze of homes in this residential area. Although it was early in the day, it was hot. Nothing was open.
I backtracked and noticed a little store on a corner. It looked closed but I tried the door, a typical slider. It opened. The store was dark. I called out konnichiwa a few times before a woman came from the back with a big smile on her face. I explained my problem as best I could. She nodded. I think she recognized me as ohenro. Then she surprised me by putting on her “outside” shoes and beckoned me toward the door. We stepped over the threshold.
She led me down the street toward the structure I just passed. While we walked she asked me where I was from, if I was alone, ohenro, you know, the usual. This very helpful woman was familiar with Shikoku 88 pilgrimage. She walked part of the way herself many years ago.
Why do you walk
I have been asked many times by Japanese women if I am alone. Many have walked the pilgrimage trail, mostly in parts. They want to know how I have so much time for walking the entire trail. I answer, yes, I am alone on the trail. I explain that there are pilgrims that I meet along the way who walk with me for a few kilometers. It is an ebb and flow of walking partners but walking alone is not such a bad thing.
Then I tell them that I am retired and walking the trail. I take off my hat. The ladies are always impressed when I tell them my age. I am impressed also when they tell me theirs, close to or even exceeding my own. They look good!
Finally, I tell then that I am on the Shikoku pilgrimage to experience Japan. Also, I am finding my way on the trail and, still, in my life. Many agree that it is a luxury to do so at any time in life. By the time we reach this milestone in our lives, we are virtually “used up”.
That is an interesting perspective that I have heard many times. I say, it does not have to be that way. My being here now, in this place, having this enlightening conversation is evidence.
Oneâs destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things… finding my way.
One of the main ideas of Taoism is the belief in balancing forces, or yin and yang. These ideas represent matching pairs, such as light and dark, hot and cold, action and inaction, which work together toward a universal whole. Yin and yang show that everything in the universe is connected and that nothing makes sense by itself.
I am finding my way, but aren’t we all?
See you next time.
â˘
Baadaye and Mata Ne (ăžăă)
Shirley J â¤ď¸
During the spring of 2024, I began a pilgrimage in Japan where I am walking 1200 kilometers or 720 miles on the Shikoku trail from Temple 1 RyĹzenji to Temple 88 Ĺkuboji and beyond. Read my original announcement here.
I am excited, and I am here, still walking. And just know this, I will return to tell the tale!
