Nicolas Barcelo

In the cases of my greatest need, Siddhartha has always emergered, just before its last lessons fade, in order to re-instruct me in how to best find and know myself. In this way, the book itself is its own metaphorical river: the lesson that revels itself through patient listening, the favor that comes back when not given with expectation…

(And yet I wonder, what would Siddhartha have to say about me learning from his life as an example? Was it not he who left The Illustrious Buddha in order to follow his own path? Was it not he who affirmed that we must each find our own path to self and strategy in its conquest? I wonder…)

I find myself at the beginning of a new journey and, not surprisingly, I therefore find myself with another copy of Hesse’s classic. Despite the abundance of events that need be accounted for due to the time that has passed since my last entry to this blog, my current plans give me the urge to read, reflect, and write. As of this afternoon, I have confirmed plans with Democratic Party offices in New Mexico to leave Monterey within the next two weeks so as to serve as a full-time volunteer for the Obama campaign. After a summer of restlessness for not having where to dedicate my mind and energy, this opportunity is a Godsend.  And I cannot think of a better description of my state of mind and conviction than the very words of Hesse to describe the journey of Siddhartha himself.

I leave soon to New Mexico… knowing what what I have to do. (tomorrow something about swimming, Buddhism, Guerrilla Warefare, and Bruce Lee – I think.)