Excerpt from chapter nine

The Taoist influence will be apparent in several passages in Last Words of The Sage. Like in this quote from the ninth and final chapter. “Why do you say ‘soft’ and ‘weak’ as if they had the same meaning? Do you not know nothing is more powerful than softness? Water is the softest of all

Excerpt from chapter eight: Fighting evil

Much of chapter eight deals with the issue of violence and when it is proper to use it. But it is not only a question of when but also why. Violence born out of hatred is not the same as violence used to defend oneself and the ones we love. ”Deshi, never let hate and

Excerpt from chapter seven: Where is the Goddess?

Much of the seventh chapter is a dialogue between the sage and the protagonist, who at this point in the story has become an ascetic monk. The later is perplexed as to why his friend enjoys things in this world while knowing that none of them are the source of true happiness and contentment. The

Excerpt from chapter four – Seeking the Absolute in a blade of grass

Third post today. I’m home sick so I’ve been doing proofreading while I have the time. I just finished with the fourth chapter, which deals with worship, ritual, religious scriptures and the absurdity of fundamentalism. Here is a short excerpt: Beside the many temples, rituals and festivals there were also many books and hundreds of