One of my father’s nick-names for me was ‘Tuppence.’ Perhaps it was because I was always eager to offer my “tuppence-worth” (i.e., the state-of-the-world according to my all-knowing self), and irritatingly persistent with my questions – “But why?” “Who says so?” When he was really mad at me he’d say, “For two pence I’d give you the hiding of your life!” I was always relieved no one came along with those pennies.
I never out-grew the tendency towards contrariness and insatiable curiosity. From here I regard them as having been essential companions – both tools and fuel – on the rather erratic life path that unfolded for the ‘Tuppence’ character.
The days when I held court in my pram are ancient history, but the questions that matter for me remain fresh and alive. My responses to them are an ever-morphing ontology. Here’s the current version – a crone’s tuppence-worth.
Tuppence in her pram: Well then. What’s this all about?
What does the “God” word mean for you?
The Unknowable
dressed up and dancing as the knowable.
…
Is Consciousness all there is?
I don’t know.
I can only say it’s all I ever experience.
…
But what knows the contents of Consciousness?
You’ll never find it.
(You’ll never escape it either.)
…
What is “enlightenment”?
An idea those who believe they are not already fully alight
like to entertain.
…
“Already fully alight” – how can one know that?
It can’t be known.
It’s quietly evident when all hunger for knowing drops away.
…
Can there be a partial or ‘damaging’ awakening?
Presence is already perfectly and completely just so.
But ideas about it can be experienced as wrong/bad/incomplete.
…
The sages say the observer is the observed. How is that so?
I’ve spent a lifetime on this koan…
I only ever experience all-inclusive observing.
…
Is there an Almighty God?
Too constricted and limited a notion, I’d say.
How about an Unlimited and Almighty Godding?
…
Is it true there’s “only One”?
From the perspective of Presence,
One is one too many.
…
Is there a purpose to life?
I ask Life. It grins:
Get onstage – it’s The Full Monty and you’re the star!
…
What is death?
That’s easy because I’ve been across and had a look.
It’s a little side-step, from one theatre into another.
…
Is it true that thoughts create reality?
Reality transcends thinking entirely.
However, thoughts and beliefs determine the quality of experience.
…
Is life a dream?
Maybe.
We’d know if we could find a dreamer.
…
What is surrender?
Abdication. Effortless, voluntary relinquishment
of the ME-project.
…
Is the world an illusion?
If it is
you’re the magician.
…
What’s the difference between illusion and delusion?
Illusion is the mirage in the desert;
delusion is believing it’s real.
…
Is there anything sacred?
Nothing knowable
could ever be sacred.
…
Is it true that “I am That?”
No.
You are the glorious “am”.
…
Are there any true concepts?
I don’t know
any.
…
Is there any valid aspiration / intention?
Yes.
K I N D N E S S
…
What is freedom?
Being 100% present as the capacity for passionate engagement with life
and not minding what happens.
…
What brings your greatest fulfilment?
Nothing ever brings fulfilment.
It’s one’s natural state when there’s no need of fulfilment.
…
And your deepest peace?
S I L E N C E
(no contest)
…
Do you have any plans?
The GPS is set to nth – now! this! here!
Presence is driving.
…
What is Grace?
The Beloved
sneaking up for a kiss.
…
What are you?
I am whatever Presence wants to be
in response to whatever It meets.
[The words Awareness, Presence, the Unknowable, Reality, Grace, the Beloved, all point to the same ‘thing’. Except it’s not a thing. If anything (ha!) it’s an event-ing.
I like the Godding word; I might patent that one!]
echoes from emptiness 