July 3rd

Site


Desert: visions.
Tropics: possession.
Forests: alchemy.
Mountains: asceticism.

Throughout the world, the site where people practiced spirituality has been significant. In the deserts of the Middle East, holy people had visions. In the tropics, sorcerers used spirit possession. In the forests of Europe and Asia, alchemists perfected their arts. In the Himalayas, sages hid themselves away for ascetic practices. Of course, these were not the only places for such arts, but it is more than coincidental that certain practices are tied to the place. If you go to any of these lands, you can still feel the essence that inspired generations.Thus it is that you should be sensitive to where you situate yourself in the world. Selecting a spiritual site requires subtlety. If you do not know the science of geomancy, it is better to go to a place known to be conducive to what you want to achieve. Then narrow your choice by what you see and feel. If you sense that there is great well-being, that the plants and animals of the area are healthy, that the place is not subject to extremes of weather that would adversely affect your health, then that is the place for you. When you move there, you will be sustained.
No site is forever. If you find that the flow of energy has gone elsewhere or that others begin to ruin an area, then search for a new place of vitality. That is why those who follow Tao seldom have fixed homes. They wander from site to site so as to constantly remain in the stream of Tao.

Personal Interpretation

Environment is of the utmost importance to the practitioner of Tao. Different sites have different energies connected to them-the flow of Tao is not the same anywhere. We are as diverse as the locations that might serve as our homes. We need to be in touch with our innermost selves in order to identify the environment that will serve us best. Furthermore, a single site may not serve our needs forever. We should be willing to acknowledge when a place no longer feels "right." There is no shame in moving on. The Universe is in flux, as are we. We must go where Tao directs us if we are to attain peace in this world.