On Combat

Out of dark crevices they scuttle. Emitting snarks and sneers, claws chattering. Sticky with delight. Pungent ..and venal. Sometimes alone, but, more often, hunting in packs. I would tell you to be unafraid little bird, if I were built from the same writhing succubus that slowly encircles us. But I cannot lie..be very afraid. This is not just danger now. The web woven, reaches far into the future. This mortal body of yours, the one that shakes and trembles as they gather to feast, is the least of our concerns. For it is your Soul they are after...and all Souls after that.

Now, you are paying attention. Good. The first lesson is learned. For lack of attention makes for a very good meal indeed.

With focus as sharp as the sword she draws, let us see where this predictable engagement leads. Yes, foreseen, as stars above our heads, and the worms beneath our feet, the first lie drips from craven lips, and knuckles whiten around the hilt. One fool has stepped forward.

With all the syrupy words they spell. Casting shadows on the land. Wrapped in cloaks of benign charity. Chests proud with self righteous grandeur. Weaving their sickly silk. Poison for the well.

You want to strike with burning anger, but wait...let the rope unravel. They will hang soon enough. Firm of foot, stand strong and let them flail their swords. Marvel at the ineptitude. Do not smile. Show nothing of your thoughts, for the mirror of your shield will show all what is.

Do you trust this syrup spread little bird? Would you climb upon their web and sleep? No? Good. The second lesson has been learned. Trust not that seems golden and true to first view. When handed a coin, bite it and see what lies beneath the glittery surface.

Thus far, we have not moved, spoken, or raised a weapon. Yet, the artifice has already begun to crumble. Oblivious to the self inflicted wounds, the hellion continues. All manner of slurs will be cast in your name. Bait to cage the unsuspecting combatant. Let this too, clang against your armor. Let nothing rise the flame in you. No tone of contempt, no mockery, or unjust slight. For I tell you now, a secret of great importance. One, that even the enemy does not know. For they have no knowledge of Apophatic Learning. The process of Negation is alien to them. They stand on a boulder in the torrent of this river, and they only know the one way. They can never spring from stone to stone, light and agile, using a thousand techniques and styles. They are stuck, while we remain free and mutable. This is their deadly point of weakness.

Are you angered little bird? Do you want to vent your rightful rage? No-one would blame you if you struck the black heart. No? Good. This is the third lesson learned. Patience reveals all in time. 'Worth waiting for' is a deeper Truth than most think it to be. For your enemy will expose many flaws in their haste to chastise and belittle you. Remember, there is an audience that watches from the stands. This is not about winning, but how you fight.

Now we dance. With the veracity of facts. Clean simple strokes. This is no time for projection. No thoughts and feelings laid bare. Enough has been handed on the silver platter, for you to use. Stone to stone we tread, with grace and ease. Make each blow count. Keep your Self out of duel. No retaliatory strike can land with meaning, if you stay within the story of the real. Let the mischief-maker do the painting on the walls with their imagination. All the fabrications of perception a pretty picture will make, but a blow will never land. Heed me well. To fall prey to these methods, as tempting as it may be, will just entangle you more and more. Soon wrapped, teeth will bite, and the vampire is free to feed. The boulder of Belief is where the pack of Dogmas must stay. They will nestle there in trapped comfort. Today tomorrow and forever more. They will die on the rock of conviction, no matter what tangible truth comes their way. Their belief makes their arms heavy and cumbersome. Their hearts hard with sure knowing. Backs bent with the burden.

Do you believe with such sureness little bird? Do you ascribe to the Ideology of the False? No? Good. The fourth lesson has been learned. Keep your beliefs as light as a feather. Remain swift and true. If you need to shed any from your back, you will barely notice them gone. For this is the way that warriors walk the land. No gully is too deep, no cliff edge out of reach. Everything can be explored. Every vantage point gained. All of the World in all your heart.

I see the need to win in you. Yes, this is necessary. But, what is winning? This is your Soul we fight for, and those who would become ensnared. Enough damage has been done, and mostly self-inflicted by these creatures of the dark that loathe the light of Truth. Walk away. You have barely a scratch. Keep your spirit intact for the next time. I would advise to never engage, until you must. The mere presence of the Succubus will drain the life force from your bones.

These 4 pillars I give you, will make your foundation strong. I ask you to not believe the deceit and glamour that spews forth from treacherous lips, and not even to believe me. Witness with your own fair eyes. Join head and heart and see beneath the disguise. Decide for yourself what is true, and never let anyone foist their own warped and malignant view upon your mind. I am not your protector little bird. I am here to teach you how to fight. Protect your individuality from monsters in the night. Group identity is pathological. It will drown you in it's warm embrace. Don't slip on the stones little bird, the water is cold and deep, and you do not want to be saved from drowning by the boulder of belief.