The following is a chapter from my book ‘Parables For The New Conversation.’ One chapter will be published every Sunday for 36 weeks here on Collective Evolution. (I would recommend you start with Chapter 1 if you haven’t already read it.) I hope my words are a source of enjoyment and inspiration for you, the reader. If perchance you would like to purchase a signed paperback copy of the book, you can do so on my production company website Pandora’s Box Office.
From the back cover: “Imagine a conversation that centers around possibility—the possibility that we can be more accepting of our own judgments, that we can find unity through our diversity, that we can shed the light of our love on the things we fear most. Imagine a conversation where our greatest polarities are coming together, a meeting place of East and West, of spirituality and materialism, of religion and science, where the stage is being set for a collective leap in consciousness more magnificent than any we have known in our history.
Now imagine that this conversation honors your uniqueness and frees you to speak from your heart, helping you to navigate your way more deliberately along your distinct path. Imagine that this conversation puts you squarely into the seat of creator—of your fortunes, your relationships, your life—thereby putting the fulfillment of your deepest personal desires well within your grasp.
‘Parables for the New Conversation’ is a spellbinding odyssey through metaphor and prose, personal sagas and historic events, where together author and reader explore the proposal that at its most profound level, life is about learning to consciously manifest the experiences we desire–and thus having fun. The conversation touches on many diverse themes but always circles back to who we are and how our purposes are intertwined, for it is only when we see that our personal desires are perfectly aligned with the destiny of humanity as a whole that we will give ourselves full permission to enjoy the most exquisite experiences life has to offer.”
36. The Explorer
One day a large vessel from afar landed on the East beach. A world explorer emerged from the mists of the morning dew, a handsome figure decked in fine garments and gold jewelry. At the gates of the village he encountered the hermit who sat in rags with his beggar’s bowl.
“What is this place, old man?”
“Allandon,” the hermit replied.
“Allandon!” said the explorer with incredulous laughter. “This is the fabled island of Allandon?” His laughter verged on crying.
“Why do you laugh?” asked the hermit.
“It seems I have unceremoniously reached the pinnacle of my world travels,” the explorer said. “I have voyaged at great expense to find Allandon, where they say life is harmonious and abundant. Instead the first thing I find is a pathetic old man who has been reduced to begging.”
The explorer started walking back to his ship.
“I can understand your disappointment,” the hermit said.
The explorer turned around. “Yes. I thought when I found Allandon I would finally find a place of true harmony. I have traveled the world to this end, but I am left to conclude that there is none.”
“Ah, but there is such a place,” the hermit said gently. “A place where only love and peace reside.”
The explorer moved a few steps closer to the hermit, giving him a piercing stare. “Tell me where it is, and I will climb any peak to reach it.”
“Alas, in that way you will never find it.”
“Well then, must I charter the finest ship to cross the oceans to this place? If so I will do it.”
“This place is deeper than the deepest ocean, and much higher than the highest mountain.”
“Then I am lost,” the explorer said.
“An excellent place to start your journey,” the hermit said with a smile.
THE END
Dear readers, it has been a pleasure sharing a chapter of my book with you each week since I began last August. I would like to thank those who have sent wonderful comments as well as those who purchased a signed copy of my book. For anyone still interested in acquiring a signed copy of the book from my website Pandora’s Box Office, this will probably be your last chance as my stock at home is running low.
My hope is that sharing my book here on the Collective Evolution website has helped to expand a conversation imbued with openness, curiosity, acceptance and love into the world. Thank you for being a part of it.–Richard
