The Weavers Thread ~ Prologue - Chapter 1 (Draft)

 

Unfinished

This is a rough first draft for the prologue and chapter 1. Hopefully you will find it engaging and impatiently wait for the next draft and the following chaptes. Brian.

Prologue

"As the congregation dispersed, the Preacher observed that Mr. Knightly lingered once more in the vestibule.

'Mr. Knightly,' the Preacher ventured, 'if your time is at your disposal, I should be most gratified by your company at the marina. The Quest, though modest in size, requires a tender hand, and I intend to prepare a generous pot of coffee. We might, perhaps, resume our ongoing discourse upon the subject of Divine Energies? Or, if you prefer, the matter may rest.'

'Indeed, Preacher,' Mr. Knightly replied, 'as you extend the invitation, and as I find myself with a few hours free this afternoon, I perceive no reason to decline. And your coffee is, I confess, of a most agreeable quality.'

The Quest

They proceeded at a leisurely pace towards the village marina and embarked upon the Quest. As the Preacher attended to the coffee, its aroma soon pervading the small cabin, Mr. Knightly made himself comfortable. 'Pray, refresh my memory,' said the Preacher, 'as to the difficulty you experienced with the notion of the Divine Feminine, and how our present lamentable state is attributable to a want of proper weaving together of life's warp and weft.'

Mr. Knightly took a careful sip of the coffee, savouring its bouquet, and reclined against the cushions within the Quest's modest cabin. He joined the tips of his fingers in a thoughtful steeple.

 'It is not that I harbour an objection to the concept of the Divine Feminine, per se. It is rather that I find myself perplexed as to its translation into practical application. It all appears, if I may be so bold, somewhat... esoteric, you comprehend?'

'We speak of embracing natural rhythms and honouring feminine energy, yet the world at large seems to operate upon principles of a vastly different nature. It is all competition, aggression, and the pursuit of maximum profit, with scant regard for those nurturing, collaborative aspects of which you speak.'

'Thus, how are we to bridge this chasm? How are we to introduce these Divine Feminine principles into a world that often appears to reject them outright? And where, pray tell, does the Divine Masculine find its proper place in this grand scheme?'

'I am intrigued, I assure you, by your notions,' Mr. Knightly continued, 'but I require further persuasion as to how they might truly effectuate change in the world.'

'Pray, allow me to open a porthole,' the Preacher responded, 'for the spring breeze is most agreeable. Esoteric? Perhaps. 'But perhaps a practicality that is much needed. We are, I believe, in agreement that our world is in a state of some disarray. And further, I believe we concur that the Abrahamic faiths have been organized and governed almost exclusively by gentlemen for a great many years.' A pause ensued, the Preacher taking another sip, Mr. Knightly offering no interruption.

The Preacher continued, 'We are, I trust, still in accord that this overabundance of testosterone has engendered war, global warming, overpopulation, and a host of other minor calamities and difficulties? Or has your opinion shifted since our last discourse over a pot of coffee?... I shall take your silence to indicate our continued agreement.'

'My contention is simply this: given that an excess of testosterone has brought us to the very edge of the precipice, more testosterone will scarcely alter our course. What we require is a new guiding light. We must incorporate the Divine Feminine into our plan of action. Imagine, if you will, a tapestry, or a fine woolen sweater: if one intends to alter the size, shape, or hue of either, one must alter the warp and the weft. Consider the warp and the weft as the Feminine and Masculine energies. It is only by reweaving them into a new design that we shall achieve a novel outcome. We must, I submit, include compassion, wisdom, empathy, deep listening, nurturing, and a general spirit of care in our deliberations. Even as Jesus, Buddha, Micah, and a host of other religious figures, both priests and priestesses, have proclaimed.'

The Preacher poured another cup of coffee, stretched his legs, and waited with patience.

Mr. Knightly nodded slowly, partaking of another sip of coffee. The gentle rocking of the boat and the warmth of the spring sun filtering through the porthole provided a most conducive atmosphere for contemplation.

Mr. Knightly remarked, 'I follow your line of reasoning,'  'It is difficult to dispute the evidence of history. Ambition and aggression, fueled by testosterone, have indeed led to countless conflicts and a multitude of global crises.' 'And I concur that the incorporation of those qualities traditionally deemed feminine – compassion, empathy, nurturing – appears to be a sensible approach. Yet, I retain certain reservations.'

'Firstly, is there not a risk of oversimplifying matters by dividing all into "masculine" and "feminine"? Do we not all possess a blend of these qualities, regardless of gender?'

'Assuredly, oversimplification is to be avoided,' the Preacher replied. 'We inhabit a world where the mere flutter of a butterfly's wings in China may create a subtle alteration in America, which, in turn, may cause a significant change in Europe, and so the cycle continues without end. We are utterly interconnected and interdependent. It is for this reason that we must discover a means to balance the masculine and the feminine energies. One cannot create cloth without both the warp and the weft.'

'And you are nearly entirely correct in your understanding that we are composed of both masculine and feminine elements. I say nearly entirely, for it is my belief that humanity exists within a finite spiral, with but a few of us at either extreme. Which signifies that the majority of us possess the potential to harness both the feminine and the masculine energies.'

'The actual transformation is both more facile and more challenging than one might suppose. Consider your mind as a garden. In every garden, there are weeds and flowers. The beautiful and the unsightly. A gardener determines what she wishes to cultivate and what she must uproot. We must apply this same concept, though with a different technique, to the garden within.'

Tipping Point

'If we merely attempt to uproot or suppress our unwanted thoughts and feelings, they will resist, and in their resistance, they will grow stronger. We must make peace with our less than ideal thoughts and emotions. Make peace, but also ensure that they comprehend that they possess no power over us, nor shall they ever. Each time we accept and deny them, they become weaker. As they diminish, our good plants, our good seeds, will flourish. That is the facile part. The challenging part lies in generating a sufficient groundswell to reach a tipping point in our culture's paradigm.'

'I comprehend your concerns regarding our old acquaintance, the Divine Masculine. But consider what I have stated... I do not wish to reject masculine energy. I merely wish to balance it. Unless both the male and the female fulfill their proper roles, there can be no continuation of life.'

'Have I, perchance, delivered another sermon?' the Preacher inquired, once more reclining.

Mr. Knightly chuckled softly, appreciating the Preacher's candor.

'Perhaps a miniature sermon, Preacher,' Mr. Knightly conceded, 'but a most thought-provoking one, nonetheless. I am beginning to grasp the nuances of your argument. This is not about the rejection of the masculine, but rather about the pursuit of balance. And I am particularly fond of the gardening analogy – it renders the process of inner transformation less daunting, more akin to tending a patch of earth. Indeed, Preacher, it seems we are engaged in a discourse that might well grace the pages of a novel by a certain insightful lady of Hampshire.'

Mr. Knightly paused, reflecting upon the notion of befriending one's less desirable thoughts.

'The concept of befriending our "weeds" is most intriguing,' Mr. Knightly observed. 'It appears counterintuitive, yet I can perceive how accepting and acknowledging those aspects of ourselves, rather than combating them, might indeed diminish their power. It is a departure from the approach to self-improvement to which I am accustomed, but I am disposed to maintain an open mind.'

Mr. Knightly leaned forward, his curiosity piqued.

'But how does this individual inner work translate to collective action? You spoke of a "tipping point" in our cultural paradigm. How are we to arrive there? How are we to generate a groundswell of change that is sufficiently potent to shift the balance towards those feminine values?'

'In the same manner as every journey commences,' the Preacher replied, 'we place one foot before the other, we set our wheelchair in motion, we mount our bicycle. In short, we begin to move. You are a gentleman of considerable intellect; pray, offer me some suggestions that you believe might prove efficacious.'

Mr. Knightly tapped his fingers upon the table, considering the question.

'Well, Preacher,' Mr. Knightly began, 'you have certainly provided me with much to contemplate. If I were to don my "world-altering" hat, I suppose the initial step would be to commence with ourselves, as you suggested. Cultivating those "feminine" qualities within – compassion, deep listening, nurturing. Perhaps even embarking upon a practice of meditation, or devoting more time to the observation of nature...'

Mr. Knightly paused, warming to the idea.

'Then, perhaps we might seek avenues to amplify those qualities within our communities. Supporting local endeavours that promote cooperation and sustainability. Volunteering at organizations that prioritize empathy and care. Even something as simple as engaging in more meaningful conversations with our neighbours, truly listening to their perspectives...'

Mr. Knightly's tone assumed a more determined quality.

'And on a grander scale, perhaps we must begin to challenge the systems that perpetuate this imbalance. Speaking out against injustice, demanding greater transparency and accountability from our leaders. Supporting businesses and organizations that prioritize ethical practices and social responsibility. Exercising our influence through our financial choices and our votes...' Mr. Knightly regarded the Preacher, a spark of enthusiasm in his eyes.

'Mr. Knightly,' the Preacher declared, 'I must confess that there are moments when you exhibit a thoughtfulness and logic that rivals even that of a large language model!'

Mr. Knightly nodded thoughtfully, experiencing a surge of motivation.

'Indeed, Preacher,' Mr. Knightly affirmed. 'It appears we have arrived at a turning point in our discourse, and perhaps a turning point in our own respective journeys as well. I am prepared to explore those concrete steps, to learn how we might weave those individual stitches into a collective tapestry of transformation. Let us discover what wonders we might create together.'

Mr. Knightly concluded his coffee, feeling a renewed sense of purpose and a genuine excitement for the voyage ahead.

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Chapter 1 Why Buddhism?

I was baptized Presbyterian. When the church closed, it just made sense for my mother to switch our allegiance to the local United Church of Canada. I can’t remember exactly when, but sooner rather than later, regular church attendance became a thing of the past. Not with any particular drama - more like the ebbing of the tide. To turn a long and common story into a short but common story I’ll just skip ahead to my 27th year. attendance slipped away—not with drama, but like a tide going out. It was just something that naturally ended.

Prince Rupert, a small town that had never lived up to its potential. My first wife and I had tried living in Kamloops but hot, dry and brown suited neither of us. She used her connections to get a job at the Hudson Bay store and we moved to Rupert. I had hoped to get a job with one of the small float plane operations. But I ended up driving a cab. One morning I heard on the radio that the Canadian Coast Guard was looking for lighthouse keepers.  

Ivory Island

I drove down to Seal Cove and had a quick and dirty interview. ‘How do you mix cement’? Equal parts sand, cement and graveI, add water to the consistency of thick porridge’. I replied. ‘That would certainly be strong… you’re hired’! They must have been incredibly desperate ~  two weeks later my first wife and I found ourselves the newly installed Junior Lighthouse Keeper and family on Ivory Island Light Station. 

A few months later an eighty-foot-long ship, The United Church Mission Boat, Thomas Crosby V, anchored out front and a zodiac brought the Reverend Captain Oliver Howard and the ship's nurse, Leone, ashore. As a practicing pagan who enjoyed being away from Christianity, I was not amused. A knock at the door, ‘Hi, I’m Oliver and this is Leone, can we come in for a while’?  Come in, but I’ll warn you that I’m the last practicing pagan on the north coast’. Slowly over the next four years Oliver and I developed a deep and lasting friendship. I remained a pagan but his ‘Lived’ Christianity certainly intrigued me. He had something that I was lacking.

By the time Chrystal (our daughter) was  three it was me to return to the city. She needed friends her own age, Elly needed city lights and I was getting an urge to return to college. Time for more story shortening. 

TCV off Ivory Island

About six months later I found out that the Crosby was in need of a volunteer deckhand or two for a nuclear protest trip. I had found adjusting to city life not at all an easy task and jumped at the chance to get away. After the volunteer trip I was kept on as a regular deckhand. Neither Elly nor Chrystal were pleased with me being home for two weeks and gone for three but it kept me sane and sober. Within a year I had become an intended candidate for the ministry and left the Crosby to further my education. But, once again living in a big city was proving to be impossible. 

I began sniffing around to see if I could find a lay ministry within the United Church. What I found was a new program being brought online to address the problem of new ministers starting in tiny villages and then moving to the city as they got experience. In theory a native village would choose one of their own to be trained to become a fully ordained pastor. They would be trained in-village for ten months and receive two months of University education every summer. In time they would graduate with a first class degree and return to their village full time. The problem was that there were no candidates from the villages who had the minimum academic training to allow them into the program. 

Churches, both local and national can become just as desperate as the Canadian Coast Guard. The village church was in need of a pastor. The national church had invested a lot of work in this new program. And I was desperate to leave the city. I had the right education. My heritage, while not native, was Scottish Clan. I knew and loved the north coast. Except for my very pale skin and having no status card in my wallet I was perfect for the program. Which is how I came to be the pastor in training in a small native village on the north coast of British Columbia Canada.  

Over the next four years my life was transformed. The village took me in as one of their own. I became the Village Lepled. Not the United Church Pastor in Training. They made me theirs. This did not sit well with the national church. In time they found a way to remove me. Strangely enough, so did Elly.  I left the village as a single parent trying to find the ath to full ordination in the United Church of Canada. What I found was that the village had truly transformed me. I no longer fit into the greater church any more than I did into mainstream Canada. 

 

And then I found myself visiting the Buddhist Temple in Steveston B.C. Canada. Back then, it was still a work in progress. But it was an instant bridge between my village time and my new time. I had found my home away from home. Now, in my heart and mind, I’m Buddhist. 

Buddhism answers my questions and my needs. I find within it a long and honest tradition of trying to understand the human psyche. I see within it an acknowledgement that we are not superior to other creatures. Not only that, but I see an acceptance of people as they are, combined with the belief that from a single blade of grass to an African Elephant and everything in-between, there's the potential to become a Buddha. 

In a nutshell, for me, Buddhism is a path that if it was followed, by enough people, could change the world paradigm of greed and aggression that has led us to the cliffs edge of ecological disaster into a new paradigm built upon wisdom and compassion. Allow me to be blunt? This is not about conversion. This is an attempt to help people from within their own spiritual space find common ground with others who might not belong to their faith or philosophy. To help people find the power of the Divine Feminine and use this power to do justice, offer mercy, and walk humbly.

We need to find a way to restore the Sacred Harmony. If we don’t then we and all who live on this planet will die. This book/manifesto will be a long time in the making. However, as I progress, I’ll be posting to my blog. Which means you can follow along and even throw an idea or two my way. 

Brian