Who am I? is not just the Disciple’s question—it is humanity’s question. This chapter invites readers to join the Disciple in their contemplation, to sit in the garden’s stillness, and to turn their gaze inward. It is a journey of peeling away the stories we tell ourselves, of realizing that beneath the surface lies the unshakable truth of who we truly are.
Disciple: Master, who am I? This question haunts me. I don’t mean my name or my job, but the 'me' beneath it all. Who am I, really?
Zen Master: A fine question, my child. Strip away your name, your job, even the roles you play—parent, friend, dreamer. Who is left?
Disciple: I don’t know. If I take those away, it feels like nothing remains.
Zen Master: Yet something remains, does it not? A quiet awareness that notices even this uncertainty.
Exploring The Art of Conscious Living by Ervin K. Kery: A Journey to Authenticity and Presence
In a world consumed by the noise of daily routines, distractions, and societal expectations, Ervin K. Kery’s The Art of Conscious Living emerges as a beacon of mindfulness and self-discovery. This transformative guide invites readers to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the essence of who they truly are, beyond the layers of ego and the roles they play in life. With poetic insights and practical exercises, Kery offers a roadmap to living intentionally and authentically, making it a powerful companion for anyone seeking peace and clarity in an often chaotic world.
At its core, The Art of Conscious Living focuses on mindfulness and the present moment. Kery emphasizes that true freedom comes from observing and understanding the ego, not as an enemy but as a construct that can be transcended. By shedding the weight of past regrets and the anxiety of future uncertainties, readers are guided to embrace the timeless beauty of the present moment. Through practices like mindful breathing, gratitude, and intention-setting, the book equips readers with tools to cultivate awareness and deepen their connection to life.
Daniel is a young man in his mid-twenties, living what seems to be a stable and orderly life. He grew up in a small town but moved to the city to pursue a career in marketing. His job is secure, but it doesn’t spark much passion in him.
Every morning, he walks the same route to work, buys his coffee from the same café, and returns home exhausted, spending his evenings scrolling through his phone or watching TV shows.
His days are repetitive and monotonous, and he’s increasingly feeling that something essential is missing from his life. On the surface, Daniel appears to have it all , a steady job, friends, and an active social life, but deep inside, he feels empty.
Lately, he’s been waking up in the middle of the night, haunted by the thought that his life is passing by without meaning. This inner tension led him to start reading books about self-awareness, meditation, and spirituality. What began as mere curiosity soon grew into a deeper pursuit, as he realized that he was searching for something beyond his everyday routine.
The next evening, Clair returned to Mrs. Elona’s house, her anticipation building. This time, the room seemed even more magical. At its center stood a large circular mirror, its frame adorned with intricate carvings of symbols. The mirror didn’t just reflect light it seemed to breathe, and Clair could feel that something extraordinary was about to happen.
– This is the Mirror of the Soul, – Mrs. Elona said. "It is one of the most important tools in astral travel. Through it, you can enter another layer, one that few dare to explore: the In-Between World.
Clair’s breath caught.
– What is the In-Between World?
Mrs. Elona’s expression grew solemn, though her voice remained calm.
– It’s a place where souls linger. The dead who haven’t moved on, and entities seeking something. Not all spirits have good intentions, but many need help. In the In-Between World, you can learn to become a guide and help others. But be prepared: the energies there will be more intense than anything you’ve experienced so far.
The main message of The Matrix is that understanding the true nature of reality is the key to freedom. However, this requires stepping out of the illusion and confronting the often uncomfortable truths of existence.
Similarly, in modern life, amidst the chaos of constant change, we also have the opportunity to awaken and recognize what truly matters.
Constant change is not only a challenge but also an opportunity. Just as awakening leads to freedom in The Matrix, embracing and understanding change can help us become more resilient and self-aware. Life is not a static process but an endless flow in which every moment offers new possibilities.
This realization often requires an inner journey. Just as Neo embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, we too need courage to go deeper and see beyond the surface of constant change to the underlying truth of our lives.
One day, the Seeker, a young soul on a journey of self-discovery, arrived at the Master’s dwelling. The Master was known for bridging wisdom from different spiritual traditions. The Seeker, filled with questions and uncertainties, was deeply curious about the relationship between the Christian path, in which he was raised, and the Tao, which had recently touched his heart.
Seeker: Master, I’ve come with a question about the connection between the Christian path and the Tao. They seem like two entirely different worlds to me.
Master: Tell me, Seeker, what do you mean by the "Christian path"?
In a quiet forest cabin at the break of dawn, we find the Master and the Seeker. The air is filled with the fresh scent of rain, and birds sing in the distance. The Seeker, carrying a question that has weighed heavily on his heart, sits before the Master, seeking clarity.
Seeker: Master, why does one become a spiritual seeker? What drives someone to embark on this path?
Master: Ah, a profound question. But tell me first, why do you feel that you are a seeker?
Seeker: Perhaps because something feels missing in my life. It's as though I'm always searching for something to fill this emptiness. Sometimes I feel happy, but it never lasts. I long for something deeper.
On a quiet, misty morning, as the first rays of the sun filtered through the branches of the trees, the Seeker sat down before the Master under an ancient oak. The gentle rustling of leaves and the distant song of birds filled the air.
Seeker: Master, what is enlightenment? I hear so much about it, but I don’t really understand what it is.
Master: Enlightenment is nothing more than the recognition of what has always been present. It’s not something you attain or acquire; it’s the falling away of illusions.
Seeker: Illusions? What do you mean?
Master: Illusions are the false beliefs your mind clings to—the belief that you are a separate, independent "self" existing in a separate world.