Contents
The Oracle
The Oracle, drenched in purple attire, is helping the merchant restock all the fallen books. The clumsy drunkard has since waddled away, leaving the book merchant somewhat disgruntled. You walk up to the fortune telling, purple wearing Oracle and say “Hi! Do you remember me?”
The Oracle hands a pile of books to the merchant, looks up and recognises you. Pleased, the Oracle replies “Oh, but how can I forget? How can I not remember the me that knows the you! How can I not remember the you that you are! How can I not remember the we that we are! How could I forget? How could I forget? How could I forget? Of course I remember you! Of course I remember. Of course I remember. Do you remember me? Before you answer… follow me!”
The blathering of the Oracle fades the murmuring of the crowd. The Oracle hops atop the merchant’s cart and leads you into a dainty shop, hidden from the passersby of the bazaar. What looked like a solid, cobblestone wall turned out to be a passageway into an archaic bookshop with no windows and no visitors. You look around and see a collection of empty shelves and no books to be seen. As the wooden floorboards beneath you creak with every step, the cobblestone roof veils you from the clouds.
Pleased that you do not have to go back to the carnival to visit the Oracle, you ask “We don’t have to go back, do we?” The Oracle laughs and says “Go back? Not yet, it is not your time yet. You will only return once you return. You will only go back once you go back. Do not dwell on the when or how or why or –“ You interrupt the Oracle “Oh, I meant go back to the carnival!” The Oracle smiles and says “I know!”
You realise that your unwillingness to return to the carnival is an expression of your unwillingness to return. You are not ready to return. You are not ready to close the book. You are not ready to finish the story of you. You understand that all things within your experience that remind you of the state of unpleasantness, are simply expressing your unwillingness to die. Similarly, you understand that all things within your experience that remind you of the state of pleasure, are simply expressing your willingness to keep going.
“So!” the Oracle announces, “You never answered my question, do you remember me?” Without taking a second to think, you respond “Yes. I remember. I do. Sometimes I forget who I am, and sometimes I forget who you are, but right now I remember. Right now I remember. However, it has been very difficult to know, and not be able to do anything with the knowing.”
“I understand that knowing what I know, which is nothing, will not rid me of my sorrows, but it will allow me to appreciate them. I understand that knowing what I know, which is nothing, will not rid me of my pain, but it will allow me to embrace it. I understand that knowing what I know, which is nothing, will not help me find peace, but instead become peaceful. I understand that everything is as it is, and that all is perfect. What I do not understand is why I cannot remind everyone else.”
“Why can I know the infinite, paradoxical and perfect nature of ‘others’, yet they only know me as a stranger? Why do I see myself in others, yet they see nothing? Why can I watch as others drown in an ocean filled with misery, without being able to use my ‘remembering’ to bring them back to the shore? Why can I not show everyone who I am? Why can I not show everyone who they are? Why can I not show everyone I am them? Why can I not show everyone? How can I stop their suffering? How can I stop their pain? Why can I not set them free? Why can I set my body free from the chains of belief, but not another’s?”
“Why can I remember the joke of ‘being’, but forget to laugh? Why can I remember the love in everything, but forget to love? Why can I remember, but forget? Why can I not remind the thief not to steal, for it is only themself they are stealing from? Why can I not remind the merchant to give freely, for it is only themself they would be helping? Why can I not remind anyone? Why is the power of ‘belief’ more powerful than the desire to remember?”
“Why do I deserve to ‘remember’, but not the miserable drunkard that walks the bazaar? Why do I deserve to ‘remember’, but not the inconsolable? Why do I deserve to ‘remember’, but not the ones who are searching? Why do I deserve to ‘remember’, but not the fallen martyrs? Why do I deserve to ‘remember’, but not the ones who have forgotten? Why do I deserve to ‘remember’?”
The Oracle sighs with a smile, “It seems you have forgotten! It seems… you have forgotten why you remembered. Did you want to die? Did you want to live? Did you want to find peace? Did you want to find love? Did you want to ease your pain? Did you want to find something? Did you want to lose something? Did you want to be kind? Did you want to be wealthy? Did you want to be poor? Did you want anything? Did you want?”
“Is it not the wanting of nothing that led you… to you? Is it not the wanting of nothing that showed you… you? Is it not the wanting of nothing that reminded you… of you? Is it not the wanting of nothing that helped you… find you? Is it not the wanting of nothing, that taught you everything?”
“This is what you wanted, to want nothing. You wanted to want nothing, while others may not. Others may want something. Others may want to live. Others may want to die. Others may want to find peace. Others may want to suffer. Others may want to find power. Others may want to find wealth. Others may want to live in poverty. Others may want to live simply. Others may want to live lavishly. Others may want what you do not.”
“You are here because you are here! You have remembered because you have remembered! You may not want to suffer, but others might. You may not want to experience pain, but others might. You may not want to experience sorrow, but others might. You may not want, but others might.”
“You did not remember because you wanted to remember, you remembered because you wanted nothing . How can you ask someone who loves to live, to surrender their life? How can you ask someone who loves to find, to surrender their search? How can you ask someone who loves to know, to surrender their knowing? How can you ask someone who loves to love, to surrender their love?”
“How can you tell another their life means nothing, if they have not seen the beauty of nothingness? How can you tell another their enemies love them, if they do not know the one aware of all? How can you tell another their story of knowing is only temporary, if this story is all they have ever known? How can you tell another anything, if they do not want to know?”
“Follow me, once again!” The Oracle walks toward the wall opposing the passageway from which you entered. Once again, what looked like a solid, cobblestone wall turned out to be a passageway into another archaic bookshop with no windows and no visitors. However, this time, the shelves on the walls were filled with books. As you enter the second hidden bookshop, you ask the Oracle “Why is there another room? An ‘expression’ of infinity, I assume? Why are there books in this one and not the one before? Why did we not come straight here?”
The Oracle takes a book from one of the lower shelves and says “Full of curiosity, you are! Such is the essence of life… but the reason there were no books in the room before is because there were no books in the room before! And because there were no books in the room before, there was no reason to ask your question! And because there was no reason to ask your question, there was no possibility of asking it! The answers you seek are in the questions you ask!”
“Speaking of questions… you asked me why is it that you are unable to remind anyone of the remembering… Take this book for example. This is the story of ‘The Griffin Elf’. It tells the tale of a half griffin, half elf hero, whose mission is to save the planet of Heloch. Would you like to read the book, or know how the story ends?” Confused, you decide to answer truthfully, and say “I don’t see how this will help me understand the purpose of remembering, so no, I don’t think I would like to read anything, but how does the story end?” Suddenly, it all makes sense.
You would not want to experience the story, and still want to know how it ends. You realise there are others who would enjoy reading the book, without knowing what happens when the story ends. You realise there are others who would choose to stop reading completely, before the story even finishes. You realise there are others who would keep reading, regardless of how terrifying the story might be. You realise that your remembering is simply you, The Awareness, finding out what ‘happens’ in the end. Yet, here you are, waiting to see what happens in the end.
The Oracle scoffs “Of course you wouldn’t like to read the story! Just as well, of course you’d like to see how it ends! That’s why you remember. You remember because ‘remembering’ is in your story. You remember, because what happens after your story… is written in your story! Isn’t that hilarious? What happens after the story, is written in your story… but you’re still here, trying to find out what is yet to come! Now that is ridiculous!”
You remember that in the same way there is nothing to ‘remember’ before recognising the already present enlightenment, there is nothing to ‘remember’ for anyone. There is nothing to remember for anyone before recognising the already present enlightenment, because it is already here, now. It cannot be remembered or forgotten, but remembering and forgetting are the closest expressions of the knowing and not knowing of its presence, here, always, now.
“I understand” you begin, “I understand that I cannot force others to remember… what cannot be remembered. I understand that I cannot want them to remember, for there is absolutely nothing to remember. I understand that what I want is for them to be happy. I understand that what I want is for them to find peace. I understand that what I want is for them to enjoy their experience, whatever it may be. I understand that what I want is for them to want to help others.”
“I understand that I want them to treat others how they would treat themselves, because others are themselves, but it does not matter if they know. I understand that I want them to find peace, because in the finding of peace they are finding themselves, but it does not matter if they know. I understand that I want them to find love, because in the finding of love they are finding themselves, but it does not matter if they know. I understand that I want them to search for something, because in the finding of anything they are finding themselves, but it does not matter if they know. I understand that I want them to find truth, because in the finding of truth they will find themselves, but it does not matter if they know.”
“Yet, I must accept that they will become lost, only so that they can be found once more, by whatever it may be that is finding. I must accept that they will forget, only so that they can remember once more, by whatever it may be that is being remembered. I must accept that they will feel unbearable pain, only so that they can find peace once more, in whatever it may be that peace is found. I must accept that they will learn to hate, only so that they can learn to love once more.”
“I understand that the reason I am able to love is not because of my remembering, but the experience in which I am able to love. I understand that the reason I am able to find is not because of my remembering, but the experience in which I am able to find. I understand that the reason I am able to help is not because of my remembering, but the experience in which I am able to help. I understand that my remembering is a gift that I cannot give, for it cannot be given, though it can be expressed.”
“My remembering can be expressed throughout the expression of love. My remembering can be expressed throughout the expression of selflessness. My remembering can be expressed throughout the expression of giving. My remembering can be expressed throughout the expression of helping. My remembering can be expressed throughout the expression of listening. My remembering can be expressed throughout expression. My remembering can be expressed throughout the experience.”
You pause for a moment, and say “But… how can I be better in this experience? How can I help others? How can I love everyone? How can I love? What is the best way to express love? How can I help others find peace? How can I help others find love? How can I help others find themselves? How can I help others? How can I help? How can I?”
The Oracle returns the dusty copy of ’The Griffin Elf’ to the shelf, and avows “I will teach you everything! Well… I will teach you as much as I know, and you will learn as much as you will learn! The funniest joke of all is that in the remembering of nothing, you find everything and learn… nothing! There is nothing you can learn that you did not already know. So how can you know? How can you know what to express within your experience? How can you know how to help anyone? How can you know how to help? Well.. by knowing, of course! How else could you know, other than to know?’
“On the journey of your remembering, you had to forget and unlearn everything. Now, since you have remembered and realise that you can never forget, you are able to learn once again! Why else would this story exist? Why else would you exist? Would you like to start learning again? Would you like to start learning? Would you like to start? I must warn you, there is one more room behind this wall you have yet to enter, and that is where you must go. However, you are to leave all your belongings in here, and enter the room with nothing!” The Oracle winks, “Rest assured, everything will be waiting for you on the way out.”
The Athenaeum
As you go through the final passageway, you enter a colossal wooden chamber. You find yourself inside a candle lit library with never ending isles and never ending stories. The aromatic scent of an open book cloaks the deliquescence of the burning candles. You peer upwards, looking to find the ceiling, but it is so high that it cannot be seen. You turn around and find that the passageway, whence you came, is no longer there. Instead, you are surrounded by a ring of never ending mahogany shelves that seem to reach a ceiling that cannot be found.
You stand in the middle of an infinite library, with endless shelves in every direction. The Oracle lingers by a round, marble table in the middle of the middle. The table rests upon a round, scarlet velvet rug, ornamenting the tessellated tiles beneath. You walk toward the Oracle and notice a collection of books atop the table. Each book is spread around in the shape of a circle, paralleling the formation of the endless shelves.
The Oracle picks up a book from the marble table and breaks the perfect ring of books. The Oracle begins “Welcome! I think you have come far enough to ask no more questions. I think you have come far enough to ask nothing! In this library there are infinite shelves with infinite books and infinite stories. Yet, infinity is everywhere! Why read a thousand books when you can read a thousand words? Why read a thousand words when you can read a thousand letters? Why read a thousand letters when you can read ‘a thousand’?”
“There are many stories to be read. There are many books to be written. There are many plots to be uncovered. There are many lessons to be learned. There are many characters to unfold. There are many memories to remember. There are many secrets to discover. There are many things to find, but you cannot find all things. How can you possibly find an infinite number of things? What are you, The Watcher?”
“There are twelve books that sit upon this shiny table! Isn’t that swell? Isn’t that brilliant? Isn’t that wonderful? Would you like to read all twelve books? Of course you wouldn’t! Otherwise you wouldn’t be here, you would be outside… still finishing your own story! Do not worry, curious one, for I will save you the treacherous burden that is… reading! Are you ready to see how the story of The Preacher begins?”
“This book tells the story of The Preacher. The Preacher is pious and loves The Watcher. The Preacher believes in the presence of The Watcher. The Preacher believes in the boundlessness of The Watcher. However, the Preacher has not allowed themself to become nothing . In other words, the Preacher has not recognised The Watcher. Yet, The Preacher preaches what they have learned from The Prophet!”
“The Preacher believes The Prophet! The Preacher preaches to everyone, telling the eternal essence of The Watcher. That The Watcher is infinite. That The Watcher is perfect. That The Watcher is always here. That The Watcher is forever. That The Watcher is most powerful. That The Watcher is All-Knowing. That The Watcher is aware of all things. The Preacher preaches the absolute and eternal nature of The Watcher.”
“The Preacher finds peace in the teachings of The Prophet. The Preacher finds comfort in the presence of The Watcher. The Preacher finds purpose in the belief that The Watcher has given unto them the gift of life. The Preacher finds love in preaching the essence of The Watcher. The Preacher finds eternity in the believing of The Watcher.”
“The Preacher fears a world without The Watcher. The Preacher fears defying The Watcher. The Preacher fears denying The Watcher. The Preacher fears the infinite power of The Watcher. The Preacher fears the All-Knowingness of The Watcher. The Preacher fears the infinite foresight of The Watcher. The Preacher fears purgatory. The Preacher fears the devil. Yet, The Preacher believes that The Watcher will allow for eternal transcendence, nullifying all fears.”
“The Preacher believes that all who defy The Watcher will perish. The Preacher believes that all who deny The Watcher will live in misery. The Preacher believes that all who disobey The Watcher will face eternal punishment. The Preacher believes in a Watcher that is somewhat fathomable within the experience, though The Preacher fears death.”
“The Preacher fears what lies beyond the experience. The Preacher fears the presence of nothingness. The Preacher fears the state of ultimate loneliness. The Preacher fears, because the Preacher believes. Yet, the Preacher expresses love for The Watcher and preaches that all should express the same.”
“The Preacher faces the challenge of preaching to non-believers. The Preacher faces the challenge of preaching a truth solely based on faith. The Preacher faces the challenge of not leading faithful believers astray. The Preacher faces the challenge of being the voice of reason for those who are lost. The Preacher faces the challenge of being ever-present for those who want to find.”
“The Preacher faces the challenge of never expressing disbelief. The Preacher faces the challenge of never expressing doubt. The Preacher faces the challenge of never expressing hatred. The Preacher faces the challenge of never expressing jealousy. The Preacher faces the challenge of never expressing anything that deters someone from the essence of The Watcher. What I mean is… the Preacher believes that someone can deter from the essence of The Watcher. How can someone deter from nothing? How can someone deter from no where? The Preacher does not associate nothingness with The Watcher, but simply believes The Watcher is divine and other wordly.”
“Although the Preacher finds comfort and peace in the belief of The Watcher, the Preacher also faces countless trials that will challenge the very essence of belief. Although the Preacher finds eternity and unconditional love in the belief of The Watcher, the Preacher also faces the menace of doubt whose purpose is to defy all beliefs. Although the Preacher finds, they are afraid of being lost. The Preacher believes in The Watcher, but The Preacher also believes they are a Preacher.”
As the Oracle closes the story of The Preacher and returns it to the marble table, the ring of books becomes, as it once was, complete. You notice the many stories that are yet to be abstracted, and ask “What if I don’t want to become a Preacher?” The Oracle laughs, “Then don’t become a Preacher! Who said anything about becoming a Preacher? No one!”
As the kindling of the candles crackles in the silence, the hand of the Oracle hovers above the ring of books. The Oracle reaches down, picks up and inspects the tale of The Scientist. The Oracle professes “Now this is a story you will find amusing! Do you entertain the rigour of alchemy? Do you ponder the wonders of the eternal void? Well… The Scientist does!”
“The Scientist believes in the absolute, but only after it has been proven to be absolute. The Scientist believes in the unfathomable, but only after it has been proven to be unfathomable. The Scientist believes in the ridiculous, but only after it has been proven to be ridiculous. The Scientist believes in the paradoxical, but only after it has been proven to be paradoxical.”
“The Scientist recognises the fallibility of their findings, and accepts any one who dares to question their work. The Scientist recognises the limitations of their explanations, and accepts any one who dares to rectify any proven mistakes. The Scientist recognises the possibility of humiliation, and accepts any one who dares to challenge their defiance of widely accepted understandings.”
“The Scientist finds peace in the discovery of unquestionable truths. The Scientist finds comfort in the absolute nature of evidence. The Scientist finds infinity in the never ending discoveries of the universe. The Scientist finds love for the presence, and in the presence of the universe. The Scientist finds purpose in the searching and finding. The Scientist finds, but only because they believe there is something left to be found.”
“The Scientist fears the fallibility of their own arguments. The Scientist fears the infinite expansiveness of the universe. The Scientist fears the boundlessness of the never ending discoveries, within the never ending universe. The Scientist fears the paradoxical truths. The Scientist fears the unfathomable truths, within the unfathomable, limitless universe.”
“The Scientist faces the challenge of having their truths nullified. The Scientist faces the challenge of having their discoveries dismissed. The Scientist faces the challenge of having their beliefs ridiculed. The Scientist faces the challenge of having their theories disproved. The Scientist faces the challenge of having their life’s work annulled”
“Although The Scientist’s purpose is to find and demonstrate the truths of the universe, The Scientist also faces countless contradictions that will inevitably intervene in the pursuit of truth. Although The Scientist is always trying to further advance the understandings of the experience, The Scientist can never escape the experience they are trying to explain. Although The Scientist’s purpose is to find truth, they are afraid of becoming lost on the way.”
You realise that regardless of what The Preacher and The Scientist believe, they are believing. They are believing, but The Awareness cannot be believed in, for it is no thing that can be believed. Regardless of what The Preacher and The Scientist are searching for, they are searching. They are searching, but The Awareness cannot be found, for it is no where to be found. Regardless of what The Preacher and The Scientist are trying to experience, they are experiencing. They are experiencing, but The Awareness cannot be experienced, for the experience is subject to The Awareness. The experience is subject to The Awareness and can never know The Awareness.
The Oracle returns the tale of The Scientist to the ring of books atop the marble table. You cannot find the words to express your train of thought, so you express the expression of silence, by saying nothing. While The Oracle leers at your reluctance to speak, it grabs ahold of the book that lay beside the tale of The Scientist. “Ah! Very serious, The Preacher and The Scientist! Why don’t we get a little more creative? Do you like painting? Do you like art? Do you like liking? Do you?”
The Oracle opens the book of The Artist and asks “Would you rather paint a flower, or would you rather paint a meadow? The Artist does not paint a flower, The Artist expresses their own interpretation of a flower. The Artist does not paint a meadow, The Artist expresses their own experience of a meadow. The Artist is not bound by the canvas nor the colors, but by the endlessness of their imagination.”
“The Artist believes in the importance of expression and the presence of the experience. Just as well, The Artist believes in the importance of art and the presence of the canvas. The Artist believes that the art of expression is paramount throughout the pursuit of purpose. The Artist believes that a painting can speak a thousand words, though it says nothing.”
“The Artist believes that their identity is best expressed throughout the limitless expression of art. The Artist believes that their experiences are best expressed throughout the ambiguities and debatable expression of art. The Artist believes that their finite understanding of the universe is best expressed throughout the infinite and mysterious expression of art. The Artist believes that they are most able to express themself throughout the expression of art.”
“The Artist recognises hidden artistic expressions in all things. The Artist recognises the many expressions of duality throughout the unified expression of experience. The Artist recognises the similarities between their artistic inclination and another’s. The Artist recognises the unfathomable meanings behind another’s artist’s expression of art. The Artist recognises many expressions of the experience, expressed within the expression of experience.”
“The Artist finds comfort and peace in the ability to express their sorrows and triumphs throughout the boundless expression of art. The Artist finds infinity in the realisation of the countless expressions a canvas can express. The Artist finds unconditional love in the inevitable attachment they express for their works of art. The Artist finds clarity in the expression of art, but loses themself within the expressing. The Artist loses themself within the expressing, only to find the expression of art in the art of expression.”
“The Artist fears that no one will appreciate their work of art. The Artist fears the boundlessness of the canvas, wherein the infinite possible expressions of the self may overwhelm. The Artist fears the likeliness of imperfection. The Artist fears rejection and condescension from other artists. The Artist fears the possibility that whatever they are trying to express, is not possible with their aptitude of expression.”
“The Artist faces the challenge of mastering the art of… art! The Artist faces the challenge of mastering the art of expression. The Artist faces the challenge of accepting criticism. The Artist faces the challenge of appealing to a world of subjective experience. The Artist faces the challenge of being understood through the expression of seeing. The Artist faces the challenge of being seen through the expression of understanding.”
“Although The Artist finds serenity in the expression of art and the art of expression, The Artist also faces the countless possibilities of how to express. Although The Artist recognises ambiguous expressions within their interpretation of the experience, The Artist fears not being recognised by others in their efforts to express.”
The Oracle returns the tale of The Artist and, without hesitation, snatches the nearest story from the ring of books. The Oracle starts “And here we go… again! Are you not entertained? Are you enjoying the show? Are you happy? Are you joyous? Are you feeling all the emotions that can be felt? Are you crying? Are you laughing? Are you remorseful? Are you miserable? Are you heartbroken? Are you in love? Are you you? You should be in entertainment!”
“The Entertainer believes in the importance of being watched. The Entertainer believes in the importance of being heard. The Entertainer believes in the importance of being respected. The Entertainer believes in the importance of being admired. At times, The Entertainer believes they are worthy of worship.”
“The Entertainer recognises their true identity in the characters they choose to portray. The Entertainer recognises the countless eyes that watch them perform, day and night. The Entertainer recognises the burden of being ridiculously known. The Entertainer recognises the facade they must endlessly entertain, what with all the limelight and notability!”
“The Entertainer finds comfort and peace in the fulfilment of their creative aspirations. The Entertainer finds themself on the front cover of the tabloids. The Entertainer finds infinity in the countless number of roles they are able to perform. The Entertainer finds insurmountable love in the passion and dedication they possess for the art of entertainment. The Entertainer finds purpose in the portrayal of personalities for which The Entertainer may express sentimentality. The Entertainer finds joy and happiness in entertainment.”
“The Entertainer fears rejection from the crowd they are trying to entertain. The Entertainer fears that no one will want to watch them. Little does The Entertainer know… this ‘no one’ will want to watch them! The Entertainer fears having to leave behind their true identity in the art of performance. The Entertainer fears the vastness of the stage and all the things that could go awry.”
“The Entertainer chooses to entertain. The Entertainer chooses what part to play. The Entertainer chooses what song to sing. The Entertainer chooses what story to tell. The Entertainer chooses what piece to perform. The Entertainer chooses what to express, and the way of expression. What will you choose? Would you like to sing the song of The Singer?”
“The Singer believes in the endless expressiveness of song, wherein a woeful ballad can be lamented, or a joyful jingle can be sung. The Singer believes in the importance of perfect melodies. The Singer believes in the power of their voice, which allows them to express the art of song with utmost grace and magnificence. The Singer believes in the songs they sing, that they accurately express the intended tenor.”
“The Singer recognises their own songs being sung by others. The Singer recognises their own melodies being played by others. The Singer recognises different pitches and tones. The Singer recognises the innuendos in the lyrics of a ballad. The Singer recognises another artist’s stylistic expression.”
“The Singer finds comfort and peace upon the stage where many gather to hear them sing. The Singer finds purpose in the crowds that wants to hear them sing. The Singer finds infinity in the countless melodies and untold meanings one song can hold. The Singer finds love in the adoration of the crowds. The Singer finds themself in the presence of song, but loses themself in the music. The Singer finds omniscience in the worship of their voice from other singers alike.”
“The Singer fears that their music is heard by no one. The Singer fears that their lyrics are understood by no one. The Singer fears that their message is heard by no one. The Singer fears that their voice is not enough to express their true intentions. The Singer fears that their voice is not loud enough to be heard. The Singer fears that their crowds might revolt and denounce them, should they sing inharmoniously. Isn’t that funny? Isn’t that witty? Isn’t that amusing? Would you rather be a singer of songs or a teller of jokes?”
“The Jester believes in the power of laughter, in that it can cure the deepest sorrows. The Jester believes that self worth is dependant on whether or not others are entertained. The Jester believes that ridiculous physical expression is necessary for the expression of comedy. The Jester believes that they belong in the limelight, wherein they are able to make crowds upon crowds roar with laughter. The Jester believes in the importance of ridiculousness, and takes pride in their comical approach toward the experience of life.”
“The Jester recognises the punchline of the joke, before telling it to the crowd. The Jester recognises the type of crowd it is entertaining, before choosing the joke that will surely entertain. The Jester recognises the importance of innuendos. The Jester recognises the hysterical laughter of the crowd, who appreciate the ridiculous ridiculousness of The Jester. The Jester recognises infinity in the countless ways they can entertain the crowd.”
“The Jester finds peace and comfort in the thunderous laughter of the crowd. The Jester finds eternity within the endless ways comedy can be expressed. The Jester finds love in the acceptance of the crowd. The Jester finds themself in the spotlight of the stage, waiting for the perfect moment before revealing the perfect punchline. The Jester finds purpose in the applaud of the many crowds they have entertained. The Jester finds themself on the stage, but loses themself in the performance.”
You realise that regardless of what The Singer and The Jester perform, they are performing. They are performing, but The Awareness cannot perform, though expressions of The Awareness can be performed. That is, to perform is to express, but what is being performed and expressed? It is being performed and expressed. The formless it that cannot be seen, yet all songs sing to it. The formless it that cannot be heard, yet all sentences speak of it.
Regardless of what The Singer and The Jester are searching for, they are searching. Although they are finding themselves on the stage, they are losing themselves in the performance. In other words, they are losing themselves in the expressing. You recognise the losing of yourself within the experience, as well as the inevitable finding you are bound to experience, over and over again.
As the Oracle places the book back on the table, you ask “I understand. I understand the beauty in the forgetting and the beauty in the remembering. I understand that everyone is simply expressing whatever it is, exactly in the way that they are expressing it. I understand that everyone is always searching and finding, and everyone is always lost and found. I understand that there is love in everything. I understand there is purpose in everything. I understand there is everything in everything. But this is not life, this is poetry. I understand that all are it, being expressed. But how can I show them?”
“How can I show them that what they are doing is it, if they do not want to see it? What about the overseers who govern this ‘everything’? What about the ministers who orchestrate this ‘everything’? What about the prosperous and the poor? What about the wrongdoers who have no creed? What about the swindlers and the frauds? What about everyone whose very nature is not beautiful and poetic, but guarded and self-serving? What about the philosopher who tells that life is without purpose?” The Oracle returns the question, “What about them?”
The Ministry
The Oracle asks again, “What about them? Do you mean the Governor who approves the laws or the Minister that writes them? Do you mean the Protestor that protests injustice or the Citizen who does nothing? Do you mean the Prosperous or the Pauper? Do you mean the Wrongdoer who can only do wrong, or the Enforcer who tries to right them? Do you mean the Philosopher who ponders their being, or the being that expressed itself as a Philosopher?”
“The Minister who creates the laws for all to abide by? The Minister who creates the laws for all to express? The Minister who creates the laws for all to follow? The Minister who creates the laws in which many can find order? The Minister who creates the laws in which many find corruption? The Minister who creates the laws for all to ponder? The Minister who creates the laws for all to question? The Minister who creates the laws or the Governor who approves them?”
“The Governor who allows a set of rules to dictate the state of a nation? The Governor who allows a set of beliefs to dictate the state of their governance? The Governor who allows a set of sets to dictate the state of their dictation? The Governor who allows a law that allows individuals to express themselves in a certain way? The Governor who allows individuals to express their beliefs in a certain way? The Governor who allows individuals to express? Or was it the Governor who doesn’t?”
“The Governor who superimposes their own experience on everyone else’s? The Governor who superimposes their own obstacles on everyone else’s? The Governor who superimposes their own beliefs on everyone else? The Governor who superimposes their own doubts on everyone’s right to question? The Governor who superimposes their own fears on everyone else’s limitations? Do you mean to question the Governor who superimposes or the Protestor who opposes?”
“The Protestor who opposes the limitations bestowed upon them? The Protestor who opposes the beliefs bestowed upon them? The Protestor who opposes the ones who oppose them? The Protestor who fights for freedom? The Protestor who fights for the right to exist as they are? The Protestor who wants to be heard? The Protestor who wants to be seen? The Protestor who wants to be understood?”
“The Protestor who challenges the current disposition of the state? The Protestor who challenges the state of the current disposition? The Protestor who challenges the Governor? The Protestor who challenges beliefs? The Protestor who challenges the supposed truths? The Protestor who challenges the inescapable reality of the state? The Protestor who challenges the inescapable reality? The Protestor who challenges reality?
“The Protestor who finds purpose in rebellion? The Protestor who finds peace in justice? The Protestor who chooses to express love? The Protestor who leaves fear behind, only to express courage in the face of authority? The Protestor who leaves everything behind, only to express their beliefs in the face of non-believers? Do you mean to question the Protestor or the onlooking Citizen?”
“The Citizen who is aware of the oppression, but does nothing to oppose it? The Citizen who is aware of the injustice, but does nothing to rectify it? The Citizen who is aware of the malice but chooses to express no opinion? The Citizen who is aware of the hatred on the streets and chooses to express no love? The Citizen who is aware that they are aware, but pretends that they cannot see? The Citizen who is aware that they are aware, but pretends that they cannot hear? Do tell, which citizen do you mean to question, the Prosperous or the Pauper?”
“The Prosperous who has everything or the Pauper who has nothing? The Prosperous who expresses fortune and experience or the Pauper who expresses poverty and hardships? The Prosperous who believes that freedom is more valuable or the Pauper who believes that wealth is freedom? The Prosperous who assumes the incompetency of the Pauper, or the Pauper who assumes the corruption of the Prosperous?”
“Should the Prosperous assume incompetency, it would be the Incompetent who does not express competence! The Incompetent who does not express ability. The Incompetent who does not express proficiency. The Incompetent who does not express recognition. The Incompetent who does not often remember and will likely forget. The Incompetent who does not find anything other than fault. The Incompetent who loses themself in the knowing.”
“Ah! But should the Pauper assume corruption, it would be the Wrongdoer who is doing wrong! The Wrongdoer who has found no morals. The Wrongdoer who has found ill will. The Wrongdoer who has found selfish greed. The Wrongdoer who has found wickedness. The Wrongdoer who deceives the masses. The Wrongdoer who believes that in the finding of evil, they will never be found. A Wrongdoer as such? I assure you, there is nothing to worry about if you are concerned about their expression of The Watcher, for they can do nothing else!”
“There is nothing to worry about, for the peace keeping Enforcer will take care of everything. The Enforcer will find the wrongdoings of the corrupt. The Enforcer will find the repetitive faults of the incompetent. The Enforcer will find the repetitive faults of the incompetent. The Enforcer will imprison those who choose to express themselves in ways that devastate the innocent. The Enforcer will imprison those who choose to express themselves in ways that bellow for wicked attention.”
“And when the Enforcer is finished enforcing, the Journalist will tell the world about the corrupt. The Journalist will tell the world about the wicked. The Journalist will tell the world about the evil. Well, unless the Journalist is a corrupt, wicked proponent of evil, but such a reality is ridiculous! A body that is advocating peace and love, run by the wicked and corrupt? Now that is a paradox if I have ever seen one, but surely it’s not possible for something that is not to express something that is?”
“Lastly, do not worry about the Philosopher, for when no purpose is found, it will be found, finally! You do not have to show any thing to any one, for they are already seeing. You do not have to give any thing to any one, for they are already receiving. You do not have to enforce any thing on any one, for many have tried and failed, for the very act of enforcing is what you are trying to enforce against! Do not fall into the infinite rabbit hole of eternity, simply accept that it can never end!”
“Understand the Preacher and comprehend the Scientist. Listen to the Singer and laugh with the Jester. Trust in the Minister but hear the reasons of the Protestor. Trust in the Governor but find the injustice of the Pauper. Applaud the Prosperous but find the corruption in the Wrongdoer. Learn from the observing Citizen but teach the Incompetent. Do not express hate or malice to any class of individuals, but simply show yourself. There is nothing else that you can do, other than to live! There is nothing else that you can experience, other than experience!“
The kindling candles still igniting, behind the silence dim. You notice the Oracle smirking as it closes the ring of books, one final time. You realise that you had lost yourself in the words of the Oracle, and do not remember the handling of the final books. In the same way, you realise that you have lost yourself in the words of your mind, and can sometimes forget what it is unable to comprehend, for it is too distracted by the experience.
You affirm “I understand. Though I can see, I am still blind, and there is nothing wrong with that. I understand that though I remember what this is, I do not know what is yet to come. The answer to my question is, once again, most obvious. I must simply be. I must simply learn. I must simply be, here, in this experience, now! I must be myself and express myself. That is all I can do, whether or not I am aware of what I am.”
“I do have one, simple question left. Why does the Monk have no book?” The Oracle laughs, “Because the Monk is expressing nothing!”
The Something
The ring of books that sits upon the roundtable becomes no more than a simple expression. You realise that the ring of books is an expression of infinity, what else could it be? The ring of books is an expression of infinity with every story telling a different tale, though they all fit into the same cycle of foreverness. The Oracle gracefully taps its fingers across the closest hardcover in the ring of books, whatever it may be, paralleling the rhythmic crackling of the kindling candle fire.
The Oracle looks to the table and then to you, smirking while pondering “What would you like to be? You want to follow the Preacher, don’t you? You want to spread the word of The Watcher, speaking of a being that cannot be, in ways that can only be known. You want to tell the world of the eternal nature of The Watcher. You want to tell the world of the unconditional love of The Watcher. You want to be a Preacher, don’t you? Or do you want to follow the Scientist?”
“Do you want to express the foreverness of eternity through the infinite discovering you discover? Maybe you’d like to be respected in the realm of scientific discovery? Would you like to use what you know to find what cannot be found? All the while understanding that whatever may be found, is simply hiding something else. Surely, whatever may be found is hiding an infinity of discovery, an infinity that most would never ever recognise, falling into its eternity, forever. Is this what you would like to do or does the Artist sound more appealing?”
“Would you like to express it through unbelievable art? Would you like to speak in silence through the tint of your brush? Do you see the colors and the forms that bring it to life? Would you like to show the world your own interpretation of it? Would you like to show the world your own expression of it? Would you like to show the world? What would you like to show the world? Surely only you would know! Or maybe you would like to entertain the world in some other way?”
“Maybe you would like to sing to an infinite crowd with infinite memories and infinite expressions? Maybe you would like to sing the song of remembrance to all those who have forgotten? Maybe you would like to make them laugh? Maybe you would like to expose them to your ridiculous nature, expressing it? Maybe you would even like to sing a ridiculous song? Maybe something foolish? Maybe something beautiful? Maybe something romantic? Maybe something sentimental? Or would you like to leave the arts behind, and show your worth in the face of the state?”
“Would you like to fight against all odds and make it to the heights of power? Would you like to express your beliefs of love and peace throughout the formation of democracy, or forceful tyranny? Would you like to oppose the guardians of the state and fight for justice with chaos, or join them in the pursuit of peace and order? Would you like to express the rather unacceptable truth of total and ultimate equality, or the satisfactory substitute that is domination? Regardless of how you express your message, it will be expressed, so which way will you choose?”
“Will you indulge yourself in endless riches or immerse yourself in the less fortunate and impoverished? Will you spend your gold on spreading lies expressing the paradoxical nature of The Watcher, or use your wealth to purchase freedom for those who may not be able to afford it? Will you express only your beliefs, or just as well the beliefs of others? Or will you live a simple life, for all of eternity, burdened by nothing, but thinking about everything?”
“Will you be like me? Will you wait till the seekers of seeking find you, or will you search for them?” The ring of books still lay upon the table, with the flickering of the candle reflecting off the marble top. You think to please The Oracle with your answer, but realise there is nothing you can say that will displease someone who does not believe in the idea of displeasure. “I will express all of them, that is what I will do.”
Then you get it, again, and again, and again, and again. That is what it will do. It will express all of them, as it already has. It is the expression of all of them, as it is. It has expressed all of them, as it did. That is all it is. It did not choose to be, and then became. It is always choosing and becoming, forever, and ever, and ever, and ever. You realise that what you want to express in your story, is this very expressing of all somethings.
Your eyes fall weary, but you do not tire. Your ears hear everything, but there is no sound. You understand that there will never be a time when you will know everything, though this matters not. What’s the point in knowing everything? What’s the point in seeing everything? What’s the point of having everything, in a life where all it takes is something to keep you going? What’s the point of having everything, in a life where all it takes is something to give you purpose? What’s the point of having everything, in a life where all it takes is something?
You continue, “I will sing a foolish song and tell a musical joke. I will fight for peace and lay down in the name of justice. I will have everything, but only so that I can give it away. I will preach the word of love and discover the foreverness of infinity. I will find the ones who seek and seek the ones who are lost. I will learn from those who know, and teach the ones who desire knowing.”
"I will be, and let be. I will be all that I can be. I will express all that I can express. I will not have one story, but many. Yet, I will have one story in which many stories are told. I will do as I will do, though it is not a matter of free will. It is not a matter of free will, but my will, wherein I will be free. It is not a matter of destiny, but destination. However, it is unfortunate that you do not have a story like that. That is the tale I would want to read. That is the story I would want to learn.”
The Oracle makes its way to the nearest eternal shelf. As its pointy fingers drag across the edges of the relic novels, it comes upon a motley spine. The flickering of the candle shudders as the book is pulled from the shelf. Teetering back to the middle of the middle, the Oracle places the book in the middle of the table. The Oracle reveals “This is the book for you. This is the story you want to read.”
“This is the story of a Singer and a Jester. This is a story of riches and scarcity. This is a story of peace and chaos. This is a story of love and resentment. This is a story of being found and being lost. This is the tale of a being who knows that there is nothing to know. This is the tale of a being who preaches the word of love, and nothing else. This is the tale of a being who uncovers the mysteries of the universe, and nothingness. This is the tale that you will express, until there is nothing left to be expressed. This is the tale of The Storyteller, take it!”
There are no words to describe your excitement as you grab ahold of the book. You open the tale of The Storyteller on the first page, and find nothing. You are slightly confused, but you turn to the second page, and find nothing. You keep turning, and turning, and turning and you keep finding nothing, and finding nothing, and finding nothing. Bewildered, you question The Oracle “Why is there nothing in this book? I understand the joke, but how can I read nothing?”
For the final time, The Oracle laughs, “You are right my friend! How can you read a story that is yet to be written? You are the Storyteller! So, what is there to tell?”